Strengths

• (P) Time and Cost

  • methods used are relatively straightforward to carry out. makes them inexpensive for the amount of data that can be collected because very few resources are needed.
  • structured interviews are used there is no need to train the interviewer, they just follow the pre-set questions and if questionnaires are used the participant completes it themselves.
• (T) Representative Sample

  • attempt to study society as a whole and use a sample which is representative of a whole population
  • make generalisations and social facts can be established
  • practical advantage as lots of surveys can be carried out
• (T) Reliability

  • seen as reliable because its easy for researcher to standardise and control them . ensure each interview or questionnaire ,same questions are asked and similar results can be found if another researcher repeats study
  • means comparisons are made between different social groups as well as over time