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exploratory survey

exploratory survey

4.0
A short first study that collects basic information before a larger study
  • noun
  • /ɪkˈsplɔːrətɔːri ˈsɜːrveɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : encuesta exploratoria
  • The research team conducted an exploratory survey to gather preliminary data on community health needs before launching their main study.

Examples

  • In their exploratory survey of 340 U.S. hospitals with social work departments, Berger and colleagues examined trends in health care restructuring for the period 1992 through 1994.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The findings of an exploratory survey related to students' perceptions of factors, including accent and pronunciation, influencing their learning were presented.

    Academic text (2008)
  • This article reviews the professional and popular literature related to telephone and computer groups and presents findings from an exploratory survey of group work practitioners that focused on the nature of their experiences with telephone and computer groups, their knowledge and comfort levels, and their ideas for the use of these groups.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The external and internal causal attributions for poverty in Turkey were examined in an exploratory survey.

    Academic text (1997)
  • This exploratory survey examined elements related to PBIS coaching as support for developing and implementing a statewide PBIS initiative in the educational settings of secure care juvenile correctional facilities.

    Academic text (2013)
  • With an exploratory survey, I investigated the applicability of Feagin's (1972, 1975) conceptual dimensions of lay explanations for poverty in Turkey and their determinants.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Before starting the full project, the scientists performed an exploratory survey to understand the current state of local wildlife in the area.

  • An exploratory survey was carried out to assess public opinion on the proposed environmental regulations.

Synonyms

poll
vsexploratory survey
1.6

A survey that asks people their opinion

is broader, used to gather early information beyond asking people
inquiry
vsexploratory survey
  • Formal
322 4.4

An official investigation into a serious public matter

is less formal and serves as an early general information step
exploration
vsexploratory survey
49 3.3

To study a subject carefully to learn more about it

is preliminary and aims for quick general understanding rather than deep study
scouting
vsexploratory survey
46 3.4

Exploring a place to find information, often to learn about the land or dangers

focuses on broad subject information, not on places or military uses
canvass
vsexploratory survey
17 7.2

A study that asks people what they think about something

aims for general preliminary information, not limited to public views
public opinion poll
vsexploratory survey
17 3.1

A survey that asks a group of people who represent the public about their views on an issue

is broader and not limited to representative opinion sampling
prestudy
vsexploratory survey
  • Specialized
6.0

A small test of methods done before the main research project

is broader, aiming to collect general information before detailed investigation
presurvey
vsexploratory survey
4.9

A short set of questions given to people before an event to collect initial information

is used more generally for early investigations, not only before events
reconnoitering
vsexploratory survey
  • Specialized
9.3

Exploring an area to find information, often before a military action

is broader and aimed at early general investigation, not military surveying

Antonyms

A careful study that looks at all parts of something

How Detailed

inquiry
  • Formal
322 4.4
to survey
59 3.3
exploratory survey
  • Specialized
4.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

exploratory + survey

The meaning 'a preliminary investigation' is directly and compositionally derived from 'exploratory' (aimed at gaining knowledge) combined with 'survey' (an examination or review), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the phrase meaning. This adjective+noun pattern is a common, cross-linguistic compositional construction, making the phrase immediately comprehensible rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Exploratory survey comes from the idea of sending scouts to look around before the main study. The scouts are exploratory because they explore and they survey because they quickly note what they find, so it means 'a first, simple investigation'.