Survey example

Rabiah and Welkenbach (1993) describe the use of a survey to "provide an analysis in determining 'diversity factor' for fume hood use in six major buildings on a university campus." Each fume hood user received a questionnaire.

Varley (1993) explains a study to determine fume hood diversity.

Fume hood use in one wing of the research center of a Midwest-based paints and coatings manufacturer was measured using a simple survey form attached to the front of each fume hood. For a period of one month, fume hood users logged the time they began work in the hood, the approximate sash height, the procedure performed in the hood, and the time of departure from the hood. In addition, a remarks column allowed the user to note any unusual conditions at the hood. Fifty-six fume hoods were evaluated. The data were correlated to show the following:

• mean airflows for a given day
• mean airflows at given times during a day.
• peak airflow use, and
• significant behavior patterns of hood users.

Though simple in concept, this procedure will provide a basis for the design of planned exhaust systems at this research center. The survey forms to be filled out were to include the following:

• Date the fume hood was used.
• The duration of time the fume hood was used.
• The procedure performed in the hood.
• The sash height during and after hood use.
• Comments.

The collected data may contain considerable error due to a number of factors related to the survey method, including the following.

• Non participation of the researchers.
• Inconsistent reporting among survey participants.
• Inaccuracies in reportage.
• Misinterpretation of the collected data during transfer of the data from the survey form to the computerized spreadsheet.