Which statement defines a survey?

• A. The use of a questionnaire or similar methods to gather data from a populus
• B. A long-term experimental study with random assignment
• C. A theoretical analysis without data
• D. A census

Answer: (A)

Surveys are about collecting information by asking people questions to learn about a group. The standard way this is done is with a questionnaire (or similar methods like interviews) to gather data from a sample that represents a larger population. That description fits the statement about using a questionnaire to gather data from people.

The other ideas describe different research approaches: an experiment with random assignment involves manipulating conditions and testing cause-effect, not just asking questions; a theoretical analysis works with reasoning without collecting data; a census tries to obtain information from every member of the population and isn’t the typical survey method, which usually relies on sampling.