There were four other reasons for selecting the survey-
method .
(1) It was found to be better suited to learn factual
details. (23)
(2) It provided a tool to stand neutrally at the
centre and eliminate the bias of Webbs' "law of
the mind", which is to see only that which the
researcher wants to see and not those issues
which appear to tell against the researcher's own
biases. (24)
(3) Surveys proceed through well-defined stages, and
this meant that the time factor and expense of
the field trip could all be identified and
decided upon before conducting the survey. An
accurate itemisation could be made of all the
stages of the survey. (25)
(4) The researcher's previous experience in 1986 and
1988 in conducting two surveys in Britain among
Indian Christians and Anglo-Indians. (26)
Once the decision was taken to design the field research as
a survey, fifteen major educational surveys in Britain and
the United States of America were studied. This was
completed in order to understand all the advantages and
disadvantages of the survey mode. In addition, it was
possible to obtain factual evidence concerning the success
of a survey mode. Of the surveys conducted, all examined
various aspects of educational disadvantage. (27)
A significant problem requires good research. Social
science involves problem solving which will provide a means
to answer questions about the social world in a disciplined
and logical investigation.
The problem of deprivation and poverty as seen by members
of the Anglo-Indian community in India and Britain,
politicians, journalists and members of Religious Orders in
172