Let me begin with a probability: All of us, at one time or another, have had to fill out a survey. Most of the time, these are anonymous and should elicit the truth from those lucky enough to be completing it. However, on that rare and awe-inspiring occasion, you will have that brave soul who wants you to sign the survey. I can't help but ask this question, because I am guilty, and I would dare say that a few of you are, too: How many times have you filled out a survey that required your name and lied like a dirty rug?
Seriously, I believe the survey can be a useful tool in receiving feedback on a number of issues or gauging the overall feeling of your faculty. But, you have to decide if you want the truth or not. Don't ask someone to anonymously tell you what they think if you don't have thick skin. If surveys are going to serve their purpose, those completing them must know there will be no possibility of retribution. Also, never do surveys just to do them, rather make sure they are meaningful with relevant and important questions.
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When thinking about an evaluative type survey, I totally agree that it needs to be anonymous in order to get a true picture of how participants felt about the presentation, class, or program. There have been times when I had to put my name on an evaluation causing me to feel pressured to be more complimentary than I really felt like being for fear of hurt feelings, resentment, or backlash. Which brings us to the issue of purpose that you broached. If one's purpose for an evaluation is to truly use it as a reflective tool for improving future performances, then the feedback has to be anonymous. Otherwise, the evaluation all too often just serves as a "tickle my ears" exercise that can thrust us into a comfortably stagnant position in which we never improve.
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