social surveys

Question 1

theoretical strengths

Answer 1

-representative (+generalisable)
-reliable
-researcher remains detached
-no researcher effects
-cause/effect relationships (hypothesis testing)
-trends and comparisons

Question 2

practical strengths

Answer 2

-few barriers
-quick and cheap
-easier to get funding
-dont require ‘people skills’
-quick to analyse

Question 3

ethical strengths

Answer 3

-informed consent
-non-invasive
-ananymity/confidentiality
-legality (anonymity means you can research illegal activity)

Question 4

theoretical weaknesses

Answer 4

-poor validity
-cant achieve empathetic understanding
-no insight/in depth data
-not naturalistic
-no close bond
-not respondent led
-lacks flexibility
-low response rate (Especially postal)
-self-selecting samples for self-completion

Question 5

practical weaknesses

Answer 5

-incentives required for postal questionnaires
-structured interviews are more expensive than self-completed questionnaires

Question 6

ethical weaknesses

Answer 6

-possible deception (abt research aims)
-not good for sensitive topics
-marginalises some respondents