A sociological survey: an example. Results of the poll

This way of collecting primary, diverse information, like a sociological survey, has recently become incredibly popular and, one may even say, familiar. People who are engaged in their conduct, are found almost everywhere - on the streets, on the Internet, from them you can get a message on the phone or mail. What is the reason for such popularity of surveys and what, in fact, is their essence?

The best method of research

A sociological survey is one of the best and most reliable methods of research that can only be. Most often they are spent in order to find out what people think about this or that occasion. In other words, when it is necessary to form public opinion. Why is this method considered good? Because here operates the principle of chance. In the polls try to involve the maximum number of people who are not related and not familiar with each other, in general - random passers-by. After all, in such cases it is important to hear different opinions and make up certain statistics, which is built on the basis of the information received. And for what it is needed - this is a completely different matter.

Assigning polls

A sociological survey is the main component of psychological research. Its main purpose is to obtain specific information concerning the collective, group, public and, of course, strictly individual opinion. They are also sometimes held in order to learn people's thoughts about certain events, which, as a rule, are connected with society. This method is used today everywhere, because it is with its help that it is possible to get more than 90 percent of sociological data.

Specificity of the method

A sociological survey 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, every 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 about a situation or phenomenon that is not generally available for direct observation. Or if there are no documentary data about them, which usually help to form a definite opinion.

In addition, it is quite an economical, efficient, mobile and easy way. However, in regard to the latter, one can argue 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 flatly refuse to tell anything from the principle. This creates a certain problem for the person who is conducting the survey.

Problems with contact

Often it is necessary to overcome a whole range of psychological obstacles and "walls" to conduct a sociological survey. Example: you need to know the opinion of pensioners about the current economic situation. Everyone knows how people can be related to the age category "60+". The interrogator will have to deal with a bunch of issues not related to the topic. "Why do you need this?", "And something will change?", "Will again feed the breakfast!" - a whole barrage of absolutely unreasonable and illogical charges will fall on the head of a man who asked his question. Perhaps to find out the opinion of one hundred such people, you will have to spend a whole day on it. What to do to achieve this goal?

How to establish communication with the respondent?

It is necessary to have with you a reliable tool, which is justified directly by the research program. You can not go empty-handed! Also it is necessary to try to be as friendly, affable, but at the same time unobtrusive - the interlocutor should be set up for communication. Even if someone flatly refuses, the interviewer must remain confident in his preparedness. It must be remembered that not everything depends on him. And, finally, it is necessary to prove yourself as a subtle psychologist - to anticipate the development of a particular situation (which can delay the interview), to be able to guide the interlocutor in the right direction, and also to monitor the respondent's mood. If you are ready, then you can successfully carry out a sociological survey. An example of this is the numerous questionnaires recorded in the framework of a television program and shown on air.

Information for research

But what happens next when the job is done? After that, the most important thing begins. The results of sociological surveys are studied in detail, pedantically, scrupulously. In parallel, experts compile statistics. If the method of sociological interrogation consisted in carrying out a kind of test (that is, a question was asked and several answers were given, among which one had to choose one), then it takes little time. You just need to calculate how many people have chosen the first option, how many - the second, third, etc. And already on the basis of the statistics, experts make a certain conclusion.

For example, if a sociological survey was conducted to find out how the city residents adopted the new decree banning smoking in public places, the conclusion could be: "Based on the survey conducted among residents, it was possible to find out that 52% supported the law, 48% On the contrary, and 4% expressed their indifference, it follows that ... "- and in this spirit. Some sort of conclusion about the work done. Depending on the purpose, it can be different - sometimes it takes a few lines, and sometimes the sociologists express their thoughts on several pages. If you just need to communicate statistical indicators to the society , then the first option is used. And if it is necessary to achieve any changes, which often require the help of higher authorities or management, then sociologists work on the text for a long time.

Method of questioning

With testing everything is clear, each of us at least once in my life, but went through something similar. But what can you say about such a method as a questionnaire? A sociological poll conducted by filling in a certain form, is much longer in time. The respondent is given a questionnaire with pre-registered questions therein, to which he must respond. And the statistics based on these data is also more difficult, plus it will take more time for this. This method is used in the event that it is necessary to obtain more detailed and detailed information. And if in a single "test" poll they voice the problem and give two or three options for an answer, then 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 on a special principle. First, a unified research concept is needed. A questionnaire is not just a form. This is a kind of a written conversation with a person. Usually there is a small but understandable introduction where the respondent is told about the topic, goals and main tasks of the survey. And, of course, some information about the organization involved in the questionnaire.

Do you need surveys?

Many, superficially analyzing this topic, believe that the results of sociological surveys lead nowhere. However, it is not. In fact, surveys provide an opportunity to better deal with these or other problems, understand the world around them and learn the truth in this or that situation. By the way, so many Russians think. And, by the way, it was clarified with the help of all the same polls. In the end, if you need to solve some global problem, then this method can help in this. But only in the event that the results are proved, because all information is checked.