The advantages and limitations of social surveys in sociological researchTo investigate something is to make a systematic overview so that a researcher can produce one complete general report. The survey method is often used by positivist sociologists seeking to test their hypotheses, investigate causes, and examine variables. Like any other sociological research, the survey has its own advantages and limitations. Positivist research, which is part of the scientific tradition, begins with a hypothesis that can either be confirmed or rejected depending on the data collected. One of the major advantages of the survey method is that it can be used to collect data representative of a larger population. Positivists believe that by "diving" into one part of society, their findings and results can be broadened (generalized) to reveal broader social patterns and trends. This means that, with a properly conducted survey method, generalizations can be made about the entire population without the entire population participating in the research. Not only does this reduce the cost and time required to conduct research, but these generalizations can also be used to compare with generalizations elsewhere (through the same surveys conducted in these other places as well). For example, the British CrimeSurvey, which used a sample of 20,000 households to measure the total amount of crime committed in England and Wales. Apart from this, the data collected is very reliable. Indeed, the data collection process is objective - because positivists believe that hypotheses without evidence are subjective, and positivists... middle of paper... something few white people had ever had access to. To an unusual extent he was able to see and understand men as they saw and understood themselves. He was able to learn about their views and experiences regarding employment, family life and their own future. Whatever these limitations, the survey method remains a valuable sociological research tool. Any primary research can be difficult to fund and time consuming, but whatever the practical or theoretical limitations, the survey method is still useful for investigating areas of social life that cannot be observed, e.g. political attitudes, religious beliefs and the private lives of couples. the survey method can always be combined with other interactionist methods to balance the quantity and quality of data collected, a process called triangulation..