Social surveys involve the random selection of a sample which is representative of the population the sociologist is interested in studying. This sample may be sent standardised questionnaires through the post and/or may be asked to take part in structured interviews.
The social survey normally results in the obtaining of large amounts of quantitative data in a relatively short period of time
Theory:
The use of social surveys are favoured by POSITIVISTS, as such methods generate large amounts of data from which findings can be generalised to the wider population (macro). They also allow for the collection of data in a reliable and objective way, which positivists prefer as they argue society should be studied scientifically so as to establish ‘social facts’.
