Surveys of active star-forming galaxies

A review of the observational results regarding the surveys of active galaxies is given, with special emphasis on starburst objects. Selection methods are analyzed with their biases, as well as statistical problems of the samples. Results of major spectroscopic follow-up surveys, as regards luminosity function and physical classification of active objects are outlined. Constraints and hopes for future observational strategies are discussed. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 41, No. 1. pp. 137–162, January-March, 1998.