Types: There are various types of survey research-descriptive, evaluative, comparation, correlation, longitudinal, cross-sectional, cross-cllltural, etc.
Descriptive Survey: In the survey approach, one can describe in a system facts and characteristics of the population. This type of research is called survey. For example, "a public opinion survey to assess eligible couples" attitude towards family planning practices. This is an example of a community survey to establish the needs for a health education prograde. This type of survey does not necessarily seek to explain relationship, compare groups, test hypothesis or make predictions. It is essentially exploratory in nature.
Correlation Survey: A descriptive study when seeks relationship between variables is called correlation survey. Here the researcher investigates the extent to which variations in one variable (e.g. educational level) corresponds the extent with variations to another variable (e.g. perceived nutritional needs) based on correlation coefficient. Therefore data are collected on more than one variables from the same group of subjects (e.g. educational level and perceived nutritional needs) and the magnitude relationship between variables are estimated.
More direct is the relationship, i.e. higher the educational level. higher is the perceived nutritional needs, the correlation coefficient value r is higher. ' Here the relationship is positive. The r ranges from 0 to +1 indicating positive relationship and 0 to -1 showing negative relationship. Negative relationship shows when higher is the value of variable A lower is the value of variable B. For example, when the rate is higher the amount of healing pus discharge is lower.