When surveys do not always reflect what is "out there"

Surveys are supposed to reflect social realities. When social researchers go to the field and conduct surveys, they expect to get truthful answers. But, what if people elect not to give truthful answers? They are either afraid of something or they give answers which reflect their "longing" instead of their perception of their true situation see link: http://www.sagaraconsulting.com/new-blog/2015/6/22/are-your-participants-being-dishonest-in-your-research

Getting untruthful answers in surveys are not uncommon. It happens especially when researchers pay respondents or if researchers always rely on the same group of respondents. Familiarity affects survey results. Respondents usually want to please the researcher see link: https://www.infosurv.com/5-reasons-why-survey-respondents-dont-tell-the-truth/

Another is that there is a practice among members of depressed urban communities. Whenever an unknown person goes to their community, they usually do not immediately open up. It takes a while for one to get truthful answers to questions.

I remember what my Lola explained why news reports during the Japanese occupation have shown a vast majority of Filipinos liking these chinky eyed invaders. " It's war, my son," says my Lola, " and you need to survive. So when someone asks you something, you give them what they want to hear."

Fear envelops even the most remote communities. That tokhang policy has been totally mucked up that it has created a climate of fear among members of communities. When one has been identified as "uncooperative," the possibility of that community member to be attacked looms.

There are several signs when things are not right.

First, it is the economy. When foreign investments are leaving the bourse in such speed, volume and ferocity, there is something terribly wrong.

Second, when less people go to the streets at night, there is something terribly wrong happening at grassroots level.

Third, when small eateries and shops are closing up, there is something acutely problematic. It shows people are not going out anymore.

Fourth, when retail outlets have ceased setting shop. It shows that people are not spending as expected.

Fifth, when there is an eerie silence in communities, something is afoot.

Government must be totally concerned that these symptoms are happening because it just shows there is now an undercurrent of dissent simmering below ground. These things usually happen prior to a big one. And surveys like seismometers, only measure the impact when it already happens.