Which of the following best describes a survey in the context of elicitation?

A survey is best described as a structured questioning of a large group. This method of elicitation involves collecting information from many individuals simultaneously, allowing for the accumulation of diverse insights and opinions in a systematic way. Surveys are typically designed with a set of standardized questions that can be answered quickly, often using multiple-choice or rating scale formats. This structure helps to gather quantitative data that can be analyzed statistically, making it useful for identifying trends or patterns across a wide audience.

The essence of a survey lies in its ability to collect information efficiently from a broad demographic, which is a fundamental characteristic distinguishing it from other elicitation methods such as individual interviews, brainstorming sessions, or workshops. In contrast, those methods prioritize depth and interaction with fewer participants rather than the wide-reaching data collection typical of surveys.