social survey - Formal interviews & Questionnaires LT3

Question 1

Structured interview

Answer 1

Involves asking standardised questions to a number of people.

Question 2

what are the advantages (positivists) of structured interviews ?

Answer 2

. High response rates (Theoretical)
. No confusion over questions (Theoretical)
. Quick and relatively cheap (Practical)

Question 3

what are the disadvantages (interpretivist) of structured interviews ?

Answer 3

. Interviewer bias in the way questions are asked (Theoretical).
. Take longer than other survey methods (Practical)

Question 4

Mailed questionnaire

Answer 4

A type of written or self completion research method which is sent out via the post or email.

Question 5

what are the advantages (positivists) of mailed questionnaire ?

Answer 5

. large geographical areas (Theoretical)
. Gives pp time to give though and anonymity (Theoretical)
. Quick and cheap (Practical)

Question 6

what are the disadvantages (interpretivist) of mailed questionnaires ?

Answer 6

. Receive low response rates destroying representativeness (Theoretical)
. Can not be explained (Theoretical)

Question 7

What theoretical advantages are there to quantitive surveys ?

Answer 7

. Large sample size
. Quantifiable due to close ended questions
. Useful to testing hypotheses about cause and effect

Question 8

What theoretical disadvantages are there to quantitive surveys ?

Answer 8

. May lie due to no rapport
. Shallow answers, Lack depth, insight, feelings
. Lack of flexibility

Question 9

What are the general ethical considerations of survey methods ?

Answer 9

. Right to withdraw
. informed consent

Question 10

What are practical problems with problems with survey methods ?

Answer 10

. Operationalising sociological concepts so people understand
. Access problems