Chapter 2, Student Web Activities, Sociology and You, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 2: Sociologists Doing Research
"Surveys"

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about how sociologists conduct research. They employ a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, each with benefits and drawbacks. In this activity you will take a closer look at the procedures and planning involved in one of the most widely used methods of sociological research—the survey.

Destination Title: The American Statistical Association

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Directions
Start at the Survey Research Methods Section of the American Statistical Association Web site.

Click on the link "What is a Survey?" series.
Click on and read "What is a Survey?"
Click back once, and then click on and read "What are Focus Groups?"
Click back once more, and then explore the links "More About Mail Surveys" and "More About Telephone Surveys."

Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

1. How is the sample chosen in a legitimate survey?

2. What is the ideal size of a focus group? Why?

3. Summarize the advantages and potential disadvantages of mail surveys.

4. What are some challenges to the future use of telephone surveys?

5. Based upon what you have read, design a survey of your own. First, decide what you wish to accomplish or test with your survey. Then decide how you will obtain your sample. Which survey method will you use—mail, telephone, personal interviews, focus groups? Write the questions for your survey, keeping in mind the things you have learned about careful wording. After you have drawn up a detailed plan for your survey, divide into small groups within your class and evaluate one another's surveys in terms of reliability and effectiveness.