The social survey

Question 1

What is the social survey?

Answer 1

Systematic collection of quantitative data, usually longitudinal studies

Question 2

What are longitudinal studies?

Answer 2

Studies that take place over a long period of time- look for changes in attitude/behaviour over time

Question 3

What are some examples of longitudinal studies?

Answer 3

• Twin studies (2011- Minnesota): show the impact of nature/nurture- and the influence of genetics
• Up series: show the changes in social/economic mobility

Question 4

What are the potential problems with longitudinal studies?

Answer 4

• Respondents may drop out or researcher may lose track of them
• Views of those who stayed may differ from those who dropped out
• Researchers could develop rapport
• Logistically difficult to continue
• Funding issues

Question 5

What are the 2 main types of question?

Answer 5

• Open questions: interpretivist (qualitative)- open-ended, responses include: thoughts, feelings, experiences
• Closed questions: positivist (quantitative)- choice of answer, statistical data