Such a method of collecting primary diverse information as a sociological survey has recently become incredibly popular and, one might even say, familiar. People who organize them are found almost everywhere - on the streets, on the Internet, you can get a message from them by phone or mail. What is the reason for such popularity of polls and what, in fact, is their essence?
Best Research Method
Poll is one of the best and most reliable research methods that can be. Most often they are carried out in order to find out what people think about a particular issue. In other words, when it is necessary to form public opinion. Why is this method considered good? Because the principle of randomness is at work here. In surveys, they try to involve the maximum number of people who are in no way connected and not familiar with each other, in general -bystanders. After all, in such cases it is important to hear differing opinions and draw up certain statistics, which are built on the basis of the information received. And why it is needed is a completely different question.
Assignment of surveys
Poll is the main component of psychological research. Its main purpose is to obtain specific information concerning the collective, group, public and, of course, purely individual opinion. They are also sometimes carried out in order to find out people's thoughts regarding certain events, which, as a rule, are also associated with society. This method is used everywhere today, because it is with its help that more than 90 percent of sociological data can be obtained.
Specific method
Poll is rather a specific research method, since it involves the use of an individual approach to each person who participates in this experiment. Strictly speaking, each person is the primary source of information. It is a sociological survey that can help to study the sphere of people's consciousness. Most often, it is resorted to when it is necessary to find out information regarding a situation or phenomenon that is not publicly available for direct observation. Or if there is no documentary data about them, which usually helps to form a certain opinion.
Besides, it is quite economical, efficient, mobile and easy way. However, according tothe latter can be debated for a long time. Because sometimes it is difficult to get some data. Again, the survey involves direct contact with the respondent. And we all know what certain individuals can be. Some simply out of principle flatly refuse to tell anything. This poses a problem for the person conducting the survey.
Contact problems
Often you have to overcome a whole strip of psychological obstacles and "walls" in order to conduct a sociological survey. Example: it is necessary to find out the opinion of pensioners about the current economic situation. Everyone knows what people belonging to the age category "60+" can be like. The interviewer will have to face a bunch of questions that are not related to the topic. “Why do you need this?”, “Will something change?”, “Will you feed breakfast again!” - a whole flurry of absolutely unfounded and illogical accusations will fall on the head of the person who asked his question. Perhaps, to get the opinion of a hundred such people, you have to spend a whole day on it. What to do to achieve the goal?
How to connect with the respondent?
It is necessary to have reliable tools with you, which are justified directly by the research program. You can't go empty-handed! You should also try to be as friendly, affable as possible, but at the same time unobtrusive - the interlocutor should be tuned in to communication. Even if someone flatly refuses, the pollstermust remain confident in their preparedness. We must remember that not everything depends on him. And, finally, it is necessary to prove yourself as a subtle psychologist - to predict the development of a particular situation (which may delay the conduct of the survey), be able to direct the interlocutor in the right direction, and also monitor the mood of the respondent. If you are prepared, you can successfully conduct a sociological survey. An example of this is the numerous surveys recorded as part of a television program and shown on the air.
Research Information
But what follows after the task is completed? After that, the most important thing begins. The results of sociological surveys are studied - in detail, meticulously, scrupulously. In parallel, experts compile statistics. If the method of a sociological survey was to conduct a kind of test (that is, a question was asked and several answers were given, among which it was necessary to choose one), then this takes little time. You just need to count how many people chose the first answer, how many - the second, third, etc. And on the basis of the statistics obtained, experts draw a certain conclusion.
For example, if a sociological survey was carried out in order to identify how the residents of city N accepted a new decree banning smoking in public places, then the conclusion could be: "Based on a survey conducted among residents, it was possible to find out that 52% supported law, 48% - on the contrary, and 4% expressed their indifference. It follows from this that … "- and in that spirit. A kind of conclusion about the work done. Depending on the purpose, it can be different - sometimes a few lines are enough, and sometimes sociologists express their thoughts on several pages. If you just need to convey to society, then the first option is used. And if it is necessary to achieve any changes, which often requires the help of higher authorities or management, then sociologists work on the text for a long time.
Questionnaire method
With testing, everything is clear, each of us at least once in our lives, but went through something like that. But what can be said about such a method as a questionnaire? A sociological survey conducted by filling out a certain form lasts much longer in time. The respondent is given a questionnaire with pre-written questions there, to which he must answer. And statistics based on these data are also more difficult to compile, plus everything will take more time. This method is used if it is necessary to obtain more detailed and detailed information. And if in a single "test" survey they voice a problem and give two or three options for an answer, then here the respondent will have to work hard and express his opinion more fully.
It is worth noting that not every list of questions can be considered a questionnaire. It is compiled by sociologists according to a special principle. First, a unified research design is needed. The questionnaire is not just a form. This is somewritten conversation with a person. It usually has a short but understandable introduction, where the respondent is told about the topic, goals and main objectives of the survey. And, of course, some information about the survey organization.
Are surveys necessary?
Many, superficially understanding this topic, believe that the results of opinion polls lead to nothing. However, it is not. In fact, surveys provide an opportunity to better understand certain problems, understand the world around us and learn the truth in a given situation. By the way, many Russians think so. And, by the way, this was found out with the help of all the same polls. In the end, if you need to solve some global problem, then this method can help. But only if the results are proven, because all information is verified.
