In quantitative research, providing a basis for more precise estimation of the degree of relationship among or between concepts is the function of

Providing a basis for more precise estimation of the degree of relationship between concepts is the function of measurement.

Measurement assigns numbers to attributes according to fixed rules.

Surveying is a mode of data collection, not this estimation function.

Reviewing surveys existing literature rather than quantifying relationships.

Sampling selects who is studied, not how relationships are gauged.

Better measurement raises both the reliability and validity of results.