Investigation techniques
Oral or direct investigation is used more frequently by the media. It is preferable to the
written one due to the interactive communication facilitated between the human subjects
involved. The two versions of oral investigation are face-to-face, and telephone
investigation. The investigation using the questions recorded on voice recording devices
is a mix, more and more used currently.
Indirect investigation (written or by questionnaire) is characterized by the distance
between the investigator and the investigated, the questionnaire being the written
instrument given to the latter (traditionally) by mail or e-mail (more and more
frequently); there are also other indirect versions, less used: simultaneous administration
to groups or in the press.
The sample size depends on the degree of accuracy desired, and the financial and
professional resources available. Nevertheless, a medium-size sample is statistically
sufficient and operational. For instance, in investigations with samples of 800-1000
people, the results have a precision of +/-3.1%.
Target population
The use of method targets all client categories: pupils, young graduates from all education
and training levels, adults (with particular status and roles).
Examples, case studies, exercises
Types of investigation
Mini-investigation is an investigation that can be resumed to a few questions. For
instance, passers-by are asked to express their opinions on a problem or a statement.
Opinions are not commented upon and no further questions asked. Such a mini-
investigation can be carried out in a seminar, without too many preparations. The
question comes most often under the form: “What is your opinion of ...”, or a statement is
read and the subject is asked to give his/her opinion. Answers must be recorded or written
down according to a protocol (Gugel, 2002).