The act of conducting a survey in user research primarily aims to achieve what?

The main objective of conducting a survey in user research is to collect quantitative data. Surveys are structured tools that allow researchers to ask a series of standardized questions, which can be efficiently analyzed to gather measurable insights about user preferences, behaviors, and attitudes. This quantitative approach provides numerical data that can help identify trends, patterns, and relationships within the user population, making it easier to draw conclusions and make data-driven decisions.

When focusing on the other options, while qualitative data can be gathered through open-ended questions in surveys, the primary strength of surveys lies in their ability to yield quantifiable information. Testing design prototypes typically involves methods like usability testing rather than surveys. A focus group, on the other hand, is a qualitative research method involving discussions among a group of users, distinct from the structured format of a survey.