What are sociologists adavantages and disadvantages of using surveys?

Answer 1

In contrast to surveys, a wide variety of information about behavior of people and objects can be observed. Seven kinds of observational phenomena are physical actions, verbal behavior, expressive behavior, spatial relations and locations, temporal patterns, physical objects and verbal and pictorial records.

The observation method may be used to describe a wide variety of behavior, but cognitive phenomena such as attitudes, motivations and preferences cannot be observed. Thus, observation research cannot provide an explanation of why a behavior occurred or what actions were intended. Another disadvantage is that the observation period generally is of short duration. Behavior patterns that occur over a period of several days or weeks are too costly or impossible to observe.

An example of observation studies is physical action in a shoppers movement pattern in a store.

Answer 2

Advantages of using surveys in sociology include the ability to collect large amounts of quantitative data quickly, cost-effectiveness, and the possibility of studying a wide range of topics. However, disadvantages may include low response rates, potential for response bias, and difficulty in capturing complex or nuanced information.

Answer 3

It consumes time and it's also expensive.