American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which type of survey combines broader participation with specific population insights?

1. Written surveys

2. Longitudinal surveys

3. Group-administered surveys

4. Cross-sectional surveys

The correct answer is: Group-administered surveys

The correct choice combines broader participation with specific population insights, which is characteristic of group-administered surveys. This method involves gathering data from a group of respondents simultaneously, allowing for a larger sample size and greater representation of the population of interest. Group-administered surveys facilitate interaction and discussion among participants, enabling deeper insights into community attitudes, behaviors, and opinions. By using this approach, planners can engage a diverse group while also collecting nuanced qualitative data that can paint a clearer picture of specific populations’ needs, preferences, and challenges. In contrast, written surveys may not capture as diverse a range of inputs since they typically rely on individual responses and might miss the interactive aspect. Longitudinal surveys focus on tracking changes over time within a specific group rather than capturing immediate insights from a large cross-section of the population. Cross-sectional surveys, while they collect data from a large sample at a single point in time, may not delve as deeply into the specific characteristics or experiences of different subgroups within that larger sample.