American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is a survey used for in the field of planning?

1. To enforce legal regulations

2. To collect data on topics that cannot be directly observed

3. To analyze economic trends

4. To create architectural designs

The correct answer is: To collect data on topics that cannot be directly observed

In the field of planning, surveys serve as a vital tool for gathering data on topics that are often not directly observable. This includes understanding community needs, preferences, opinions, and behaviors, which can help inform decision-making processes. For instance, planners may deploy surveys to assess public attitudes towards new developments, project impacts, or land use changes, enabling them to capture the perspectives of various stakeholders within a community. Surveys are particularly effective in situations where quantitative data is needed to support planning initiatives, allowing planners to identify patterns and trends that may not be visible through direct observation or examination of existing data. This reflects the importance of participatory planning approaches, where the voices of community members are integral to the planning process. The other options, while related to planning in different contexts, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a survey as effectively. Legal regulations involve enforcement actions rather than data collection, analyzing economic trends typically leverages existing economic data rather than relying on direct public input, and creating architectural designs focuses more on aesthetic and functional aspects rather than the empirical data that surveys provide. Thus, the use of surveys stands out as a fundamental method for enhancing planning practices through informed community engagement.