Formal surveys

=Formal Survey= What are they? Formal surveys can be used to collect standardized information from a carefully selected sample of people or households. Surveys often collect comparable information for a relatively large number of people in particular target groups. What can we use them for? project can be compared. ADVANTAGES: group or the population as a whole. DISADVANTAGES: time. even where computers are available. COST: Ranges from roughly $30–60 per household for the CWIQ to $170 per household for the LSMS. Costs will be significantly higher if there is no master sampling frame for the country. SKILLS REQUIRED: Sound technical and analytical skills for sample and questionnaire design, data analysis, and processing.
 * Providing baseline data against which the performance of the strategy, program, or
 * Comparing different groups at a given point in time.
 * Comparing changes over time in the same group.
 * Comparing actual conditions with the targets established in a program or project design.
 * Describing conditions in a particular community or group.
 * Providing a key input to a formal evaluation of the impact of a program or project.
 * Assessing levels of poverty as basis for preparation of poverty reduction strategies.
 * Findings from the sample of people interviewed can be applied to the wider target
 * Quantitative estimates can be made for the size and distribution of impacts.
 * With the exception of CWIQ, results are often not available for a long period of
 * The processing and analysis of data can be a major bottleneck for the larger surveys
 * LSMS and household surveys are expensive and time-consuming.
 * Many kinds of information are difficult to obtain through formal interviews.