Public opinion surveys assess widespread public opinion. An agency administers a survey to a sample group of people via a written questionnaire or through interviews in person, by phone, or by electronic media. The limited sample of people is considered representative of a larger group. Survey results show public positions or reactions to agency actions and gather information for use in the process. During preparation of Oregon's transportation plan, public opinion surveys were made available in the policy element draft and at public meetings.
Scientific surveys give broadly applicable results.
The Puget Sound surveys mentioned above, for example, were based on a random sample of voters carefully chosen to be statistically representative of all voters. However, informal surveys can be designed to reach a broader group than those who attend public meetings. Surveys portray community perceptions and preferences. They can accurately report on what people know or want to know. They test whether a plan or plan element is acceptable to the public as it is being developed, or test an agency's perception of what people are thinking and reinforce decisions made through participatory programs.