Final answer:
Surveys are crucial tools that collect information on self-reported behaviors and health practices, providing essential data for a range of health-related research and public policy making.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surveys collect information of self-reported behaviors and health practices in general populations. By employing a structured approach, where respondents answer a uniform set of questions, surveys can capture data on a wide range of subjects including physical and mental health, health education, and behaviors related to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Surveys enable researchers to gather large quantities of data, like the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) conducted by the CDC, which collects nationwide health-related data. However, the reliability of survey data depends heavily on the honesty of self-reporting by the participants.
For instance, Ruth W. Howard utilized the survey method in her groundbreaking study on triplets, making substantial contributions to the field of psychology. Surveys can also collect deeply influential sociocultural data as evidenced by the U.S. Census. Regardless of their scope, surveys are a cornerstone in health-related research and can assist in designing health interventions and shaping public health policy.