Surveys: mail questionnaires

Abstract

Surveys are the most commonly used method of data collection in the social sciences, especially in sociology; so common, that they quite often are taken to be the research method of social sciences. This perception is strengthened by the fact that almost everyone has been surveyed sometime, for example has participated in census surveys, has received a mail questionnaire at home or at work, or has filled out a questionnaire when applying for admission to a tertiary institution, for a bank loan or for becoming a member of a club. Everyone is familiar with what surveys are all about. Surveys are not only a common research tool, but also a part of a person’s life experience.