Final answer:
A survey is a research method where subjects answer a series of questions via a questionnaire or interview, capturing a range of quantitative and/or qualitative data about behaviors and opinions. Surveys offer anonymity and encourage interaction, while interviews allow free-form responses and provide deeper insights into complex issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research method in which subjects respond to a series of statements or questions in a questionnaire or an interview is known as a survey. A survey can collect a wide range of data about behaviors and opinions, and it is one of the most universally applied research techniques in the social sciences. The format of the questionnaire, whether it features closed-ended yes-or-no or multiple-choice questions, or open-ended questions, significantly affects the type of data collected, which could be quantitative or qualitative. Surveys can reveal insights into the attitudes, beliefs, or habits of particular segments of the population.
During the survey process, it is crucial to inform participants about the study's purpose and nature. If they agree to participate, they are provided with the survey instrument to record their responses. The anonymity provided by surveys can foster a level of candor among respondents, which is particularly important when dealing with sensitive topics. In addition to collecting quantitative data, surveys have the advantage of being brief to encourage the participation of a large number of respondents. To ensure the validity of the data, researchers must rely on the honest self-reporting by individuals.
Conversely, an interview allows subjects more freedom to express their thoughts and provides a richer data set, as researchers can ask for clarification or delve deeper into certain areas during the conversation. This method is preferred when subjects are discussing complex issues where there are no straightforward right or wrong answers.