What is the purpose of questionnaires and surveys?

The purpose of questionnaires and surveys is to seek information about individuals' knowledge and opinions. This method is widely utilized in research to collect data from a specific population, allowing researchers to analyze trends, preferences, and attitudes. By asking targeted questions, questionnaires tailor their approach to gather relevant insights, which can inform decision-making, policy development, or further studies.

This option accurately reflects the primary objective of these tools, which is to collect subjective data directly from respondents, facilitating a deeper understanding of their perspectives and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with individuals to uncover their views rather than obtaining random or unstructured data.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of questionnaires and surveys. While gathering random data might seem applicable, effective questionnaires are typically designed with a specific focus to yield useful information. Conducting experiments requires controlled environments, which is not the purpose of surveys or questionnaires. Furthermore, distributing information to the public lacks the interactive element of gathering personal insights, which is central to the nature of surveys. Thus, focusing on knowledge and opinions captures the essence of what these tools are designed to achieve.