Surveys ask us for information about ourselves and our families what we eat, what we wear, the cars we drive, the appliances in our homes, our education, our jobs, our health, our lifestyles, and our opinions. A survey request may come in the mail, over the telephone, from someone knocking at the door, or from someone who meets us in the shopping mall. Legitimate surveys are typically sponsored by foundations, government agencies, universities, business organizations, or local civic groups. Surveys that are not legitimate are often sponsored by those who are really trying to sell something, who use a survey merely to get your attention. When you are asked to take the time to answer questions on the telephone or fill out questionnaire forms, you may wonder why you should give information about yourself to a stranger.
Most surveys are legitimate.
Many are of great importance to our nation or local community. They provide statistics that help to improve health resources, nutrition programs, schools, and other public or private services. Each individual response is important. Survey takers often tell you that the information you give will be kept confidential. At least temporarily, they may need to know your identity.