意識調査

• Reading: いしきちょうさ
• Romaji: ishiki chousa
• Kanji breakdown: 意 (i) — intention, meaning; 識 (shiki) — consciousness, awareness; 調 (chō) — investigate, examine; 査 (sa) — inspect, audit
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕi.ki.tɕoː.sa/

Meaning

Opinion poll; attitude survey; awareness survey. A systematic inquiry into what a population thinks, feels, or knows about a particular issue.

Composed of 意識 (awareness/consciousness/opinion) and 調査 (survey/investigation). Common in sociology, journalism, and policy research. Results are frequently cited in media coverage of social issues and used by governments to gauge public sentiment before making policy decisions. Closely related to 世論調査 (public opinion poll), though 意識調査 places greater emphasis on attitudes and awareness.

Examples

1. 内閣府が実施した意識調査によると、若者の政治への関心が低下していることが明らかになった。 An attitude survey conducted by the Cabinet Office revealed that young people's interest in politics has been declining.
2. 職場における男女平等に関する意識調査が全国規模で行われた。 A nationwide awareness survey on gender equality in the workplace was carried out.
3. 環境問題についての意識調査で、回答者の七割以上が再生可能エネルギーの普及を支持していた。 In an awareness survey on environmental issues, more than seventy per cent of respondents supported the spread of renewable energy.

Usage Guide

Context: research, sociology, journalism, politics, policy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

意識 (ishiki, consciousness/awareness/opinion) + 調査 (chousa, survey/investigation). A modern compound reflecting the social-scientific practice of measuring public opinion, prominent since the postwar period.

Cultural Context

Era: Postwar–Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General