Sociologists often use surveys to study family life because they allow researchers to collect information from large numbers of people and identify patterns. For example, the UK Census is conducted every ten years and provides detailed data on household types, living arrangements, and family size. Similarly, the British Social Attitudes Survey regularly asks the public about views on marriage, cohabitation, and parenting, helping researchers track how attitudes to family life are changing over time.

However, surveys also have limitations. People may not always answer honestly, questions can be interpreted differently, and complex family relationships may not fit neatly into tick-box categories. This means surveys give us a broad picture of family diversity, but they may not capture the full depth of people’s lived experiences.

This survey is designed to explore the different types of families people live in and how these may have changed across generations. You will be asked some questions about your household and your experiences of family life. Participation is voluntary, and responses you collect will need to be will be kept anonymous. A consent form is included so your participants understand their rights before taking part.

This survey will give us a snapshot of how families may vary within and across generations, helping us reflect on whether our own findings match larger national patterns.

Why Questionnaires Are Useful for A Level Sociology Students

For A Level Sociology, using questionnaires gives you the chance to practise a real sociological research method. Designing your own questions helps you think carefully about operationalising concepts (for example, how to define “family type” or “household”). It also allows you to experience first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative methods, such as the ease of collecting and comparing data versus the risk of low validity.

By carrying out your own small-scale survey, you can link theory to practice – applying what you’ve learned about research methods while gaining insights into family diversity within your own community. This makes questionnaires not just a tool for gathering information, but also a way to develop the critical skills you’ll need for exams and further sociological study.

You can download the material for this activity below. This activity is best conducted with a range of students collecting data.