Final answer:
Surveys are instrumental in sociological and criminological studies because they provide a structured method to collect data on individuals' reported behaviors, opinions, and personal information. They offer anonymity and can track a wide array of information, which is why they are a fundamental research tool in the social sciences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surveys have tremendous use in sociological, as well as criminological studies. They are one of the most widely used scientific research methods and enable sociologists to collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about behaviors and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire or an interview. This method provides a level of anonymity for individuals, allowing them to express personal ideas. In sociological research, surveys are particularly effective for discovering how people feel and think, or at least how they report their feelings and thoughts. They can track a variety of information, from preferences for presidential candidates to reported individual behaviors, employment status, income levels, and educational attainment.
While surveys may not excel at capturing how people behave in social situations, they are valuable for understanding reported feelings, thoughts, and actions. This makes surveys a key tool in social research where the goal is to gather data that reflects subjective experiences and self-reported information.