Sociology & You

Chapter 2: Sociological Research Methods

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"Surveys"

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about methods and concepts sociologists use to conduct research. They employ a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, each with benefits and drawbacks. In this activity students will take a closer look at the procedures and planning involved in one of the most widely used methods of sociological research—the survey.

Lesson Description
Students will discover the definition of a survey at a few informative sociological Web sites. They will explore topics about various survey research methods and then design a survey of their own, reflecting the principles of reliable and effective survey research.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different types of survey research.
2. Students will be able to explain how a sample is chosen in conducting survey research.
3. Students will be able to design a reliable and effective survey of their own.