Final answer:
The U.S. Census and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) are examples of large-scale survey research, collecting comprehensive sociological and health data, respectively. They contrast with entertainment polls, which are less scientific and not generalizable.
Step-by-step explanation:
A large-scale survey research example is the U.S. Census, which collects comprehensive sociological data across the United States. Conducted every ten years, the U.S. Census aims to gather demographic information from residents within all 50 states and its five territories, comprising of 12 questions as of the 2020 Census. Such large surveys are essential for a multitude of planning and research purposes, not only in the field of sociology but also in health, as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exemplifies, surveying health-related factors.
Additionally, market research like the Nielsen Ratings, which assesses the popularity of television programs, underscores the use of surveys in assessing public opinion and behaviors. However, surveys can vary greatly in scope and purpose, from entertainment-focused polls such as those on American Idol to the more scientifically rigorous Gallup Polls that use random sampling methods to estimate public opinion. Researchers must consider sampling techniques and potential biases when interpreting survey data to ensure reliable and representative results.