Читать книгу Sociology - Anthony Giddens - Страница 90

There are several reasons why surveys are used in sociology. Responses to questionnaires can more easily be quantified and analysed than material generated by most other research methods. Large numbers of people can be studied and, given sufficient funds, researchers can employ an agency specializing in survey work to collect the responses. This kind of research is a model of quantitative research, as surveys give researchers a statistical measure of the phenomenon they are studying.

Many sociologists today, however, are critical of the survey method. They argue that an appearance of precision can be given to findings whose accuracy may be dubious, given the relatively shallow nature of most survey responses. Levels of non-response can be high, especially when questionnaires are sent and returned through the mail, which can compromise the survey’s representativeness. It is not uncommon for studies to be published based on results derived from little over half of those in the sample, although efforts are usually made to re-contact non-respondents or to substitute them with other people. Little is known about those who choose not to respond to surveys or refuse to be interviewed, though survey research is often experienced as intrusive and timeconsuming. Despite these problems, the social survey remains one important method in the sociologist’s armoury.