SURVEYING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A survey system and method is described wherein multiple instances or versions of a survey may be defined and data from survey instances may be retained in a cohesive data, or knowledge, base. Each survey version may comprise different sets of questions and different types of answers to the questions. The schema and survey instances may be generated in a computer system implementing embodiments of the present invention. One or more graphical user interfaces is generated by computer programs that facilitate the creation of a survey schema and survey instance from the survey schema as well as capture survey responses. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) may be used to define, or modify, survey instances and survey schema(s) as well as capture survey data. A change to an element of a survey schema is reflected in a survey instance that includes the element.