Sociology 2206A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Social Desirability Bias, Proper Length, Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing
3 Aug 2015
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Document Summary
Surveys are the most widely used technique in social research. Survey research developed within the positivist approach to social science. Surveys are appropriate for research questions about self-reported beliefs or behaviours. Although categories can be overlapped, the following can be asked in a survey: behaviour, attitudes/beliefs/opinions, characteristics (are you married), expectations, self-classification (do you consider yourself a liberal), knowledge. Researchers warn against using surveys to ask why. Huge downfall is people often say things they don"t do. Rubenson 2007 found that 83% of people voted. The steps for conducting research are 8. 1 (167) and also on the handout from that class. The summary of survey question writing pitfalls are on page 169 and also on the handout. Threatening questions: are part of a larger issue of self-presentation and ego protection. Respondents often try to present a positive image of themselves to others.
