The systematic method of obtaining and analyzing accurate information of a population is called data collection. A survey is a standard method of data collection that involves collecting information from a target human population about their experience, opinion, or knowledge of a product, service, or process. The responses are recorded and interpreted. The most common survey examples are written questionnaires, face-to-face or telephonic conversations, focus groups, and electronic (e-mail or website) surveys.

For instance, the Well-Being Index is a survey that aims at following the trends of U.S. residents regularly. Questions are asked to get feedback on life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, healthy behavior, work environment, and basic access. Finally, the data analysis of the collected data is done.

Surveys are also used to obtain customer feedback on products and services, evaluate the progress in a project, assess consumer expectations, or obtain employee satisfaction. For example, when a company launches new software, it surveys its customers based on a few questionnaires to know its feedback.