Final answer:
To study people's attitudes toward political candidates, a researcher would use surveys, which are a standard method for gathering data on opinions and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
A researcher wishing to study people's attitudes toward certain political candidates would most likely use surveys as a research method. Surveys are a widely used scientific research tool that collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about their behaviors and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire or an interview. This method enables researchers to track preferences for presidential candidates and to gauge public sentiment and reported behaviors. Additionally, the standard survey format typically provides respondents with a level of anonymity that may encourage them to express their personal ideas more freely.