What term describes a method of data collection that involves questionnaires or interviews to gather opinions and behaviors?

Survey research is the term that describes a method of data collection involving questionnaires or interviews designed to gather information about people's opinions, behaviors, or characteristics. This approach is widely used in sociology and other social sciences because it allows researchers to collect data from a large number of respondents efficiently. It is particularly effective for understanding trends, attitudes, and public opinion over a broad demographic.

In survey research, the structured format of questionnaires or the interactive nature of interviews helps ensure that the data collected is standardized, which facilitates easier analysis and comparison of responses. Surveys can be administered in various modes, such as online, in person, or via telephone, making them versatile for different research settings.

Other methods listed, like case studies or fieldwork, typically involve more in-depth, qualitative approaches focused on individual cases or specific contexts, rather than broad quantitative data collection. Focus groups, while useful for obtaining detailed opinions and fostering discussion, do not typically capture data on a larger scale like surveys do. This makes survey research a foundational method in quantitative research, essential for drawing generalizable conclusions.