In French is where the etymological origin of the term survey is now in question. Exactly it comes from the word "enquête", which means "research" and that derives, in turn, from the Latin "inquesta". This word can establish that it is the result of the sum of two distinct parts:
-The prefix "in-", which can be translated as "in" or "be inside".
-The verb "quaerere", which is synonymous with "investigate" and "interrogate."
In our language , the concept became poll : this is the name of the series of typified questions whose purpose is to obtain the opinion of people on different topics.
For example: "A survey reveals that 80% of people are in favor of hardening penalties for murderers", “According to a survey, most of the neighbors prefer that green spaces be built instead of cultural centers”, "Politicians are always guided by what polls say".
A survey allows you to collect data Through a questionnaire. In general, the same questions are asked to individuals of different social classes so that the result of the research is representative of the whole society. Once the information is collected, it is usually calculated percentages that are presented in boards or in graphics .
When creating a survey it is essential to follow a series of important tips or recommendations among which are the following:
-Determine the mode of data collection, that is, know if the survey is going to be carried out online, by telephone or in person.
-Make thorough and precise writing of the questions keeping in mind that they must be perfectly understood, that they should not create confusion in the respondent and that they should be written in simple language.
-The questions can be of two types: open, in which the respondent can answer freely, or closed, in which the respondent will have to choose one of the options given.
-You have to look very well when establishing the order of the questions.
A simple survey could be done at one hundred people living in the same building, asking them "Are you happy with the work done by the manager?" and allowing them to choose between the following answers: "Yes", "No" or "More or less". The survey shows the following results: 61 neighbors responded that "Yes" they are conform, 15 they said that "No" are satisfied and 24 they said to be "More or less" compliant It can be said, therefore, that the 61% of the neighbors of the building in question are satisfied with the manager, in front of the 15% that is not satisfied and the 24% which is located in an intermediate position.
Among the most interesting surveys are those carried out in the weeks leading up to elections. In this way, what is achieved is to know what are the possible results that these elections can have. However, on many occasions that information brings with it that citizens can be mobilized to vote for one or another political party to prevent these “predictions” from being fulfilled.
