General

• What is a social survey?

  A social survey is a research method that collects information from a large group of people using standardized questions.
• What types of questions can be included in social surveys?

  Questions can be closed or open-ended.
• What is an example of a closed question in a social survey?

  How much do you agree on a scale of 1 – 5?
• What is an example of an open question in a social survey?


  What do you think of your relationship with your mother?
• What should you include when answering broad questions about social surveys?

  • Points from LT2
  • Additional points from LT3 on questionnaires and structured interviews
  • Use appropriate terminology: social survey, questionnaire, or formal interview
• Why do positivists favor survey methods?

  They believe surveys produce reliable findings due to their systematic nature.
• What is a key strength of social surveys regarding reliability?

  Surveys produce high reliability because they use preset questions.
• How does the standardization of surveys affect replication?

  Standardization allows surveys to be replicated, achieving consistent findings.
• What is a limitation of the standardization in surveys according to interpretivists?

  It lowers validity because preset questions may not capture participants' views.
• What type of data do closed-ended questions in surveys produce?

  Closed-ended questions produce quantitative data.
• How can social surveys show trends and patterns?

  By producing statistics from quantitative data.
• What is an example of a correlation that can be found using social surveys?

  A correlation between children's cultural capital and educational achievement.
• What do positivists believe can be derived from scientific social laws?

  Predictions about social behavior.
• What is a disadvantage of a quantitative approach in social surveys?

  It lacks depth compared to qualitative methods.
• How do social surveys enhance representativeness?

  By having large sample sizes compared to qualitative methods.
• What is the sample size of the Crime Survey for England & Wales?

  50,000.
• Why do surveys in schools often have high response rates?

  Head teachers give consent and allocate time for completion.
• How does the researcher’s detachment in surveys affect findings?

  It minimizes bias and increases objectivity.
• What is a key criticism of social surveys from interpretivists?

  They lack depth in findings due to closed questions.
• Why is it difficult to explore motives and emotions in social surveys?

  Closed questions limit the responses participants can give.
• What is the impact of lack of rapport in surveys?

  It may lead to findings that lack validity.
• Why are social surveys considered inflexible?

  They use pre-defined questions that restrict the researcher.
• What do interpretivists argue about objectivity in surveys?

  They argue that subjectivity is inevitably involved.
• How can researcher bias affect survey results?

  It can impose the researcher’s meanings, lowering objectivity.
• What is a practical problem associated with operationalizing sociological concepts?

  It can be difficult to make concepts understandable to the public.
• Why might students refuse to complete surveys?

  Surveys are often perceived as formal and off-putting.
• What can lead to low response rates in surveys?

  Students may refuse to cooperate due to the formal nature of surveys.
• What is a challenge in gaining permission for surveys?

  Organizations may be busy and reluctant to allow surveys.
• Why must questionnaires be carefully written?

  To gather required information without being too time-consuming.
• What is a key ethical consideration when conducting surveys?

  Researchers must ensure that their research does not harm participants.
• What ethical dilemma might arise when surveying anti-school students?

  Researchers may gain knowledge about crime that they must decide whether to report.
• Why is it important to avoid exploitation of participants in surveys?

  To prevent creating anxiety or distress in participants.
• What should researchers do to protect participants during sensitive interviews?

  They should take safety precautions, especially when interviewing men.
• What is essential for researchers to communicate to colleagues when conducting interviews?

  Who they are interviewing and where.
• What is informed consent in the context of surveys?

  Participants should be fully aware of the aims and implications of the research.
• Why is informed consent particularly important when studying students?

  Students may not fully understand the purpose of the research.
• Who must agree to the research involving students?

  Head teachers, parents or guardians, and the participants themselves.