Survey research designs usually pose fewer ethical dilemmas than do experimental or field research designs.
Potential respondents to a survey can easily decline to participate, and a cover letter or introductory statement
that identifies the sponsors of, and motivations for, the survey gives them the information required to make
this decision. Little is concealed from the respondents, and the methods of data collection are quite obvious.
Only in group-administered survey designs might the respondents (such as students or employees) be, in
effect, a captive audience, and so these designs require special attention to ensure that participation is truly
voluntary. (Those who do not wish to participate may be told they can just hand in a blank form.)