What is a key feature of surveys in psychological research?

Surveys in psychological research are primarily designed to gather information from a large number of participants efficiently. This characteristic allows researchers to obtain data that can be generalized to a larger population, which is particularly valuable when exploring trends, attitudes, and behaviors within a specific demographic. By reaching a vast audience, surveys enable the collection of diverse perspectives and experiences, enhancing the overall reliability and validity of the research findings.

While some surveys may indeed be time-intensive, especially when designed to be comprehensive, this is not a defining feature of surveys as a whole. Additionally, while surveys can provide qualitative data when open-ended questions are included, they are often more associated with quantitative data, which consists of numerical responses. Surveys also do not have to be conducted in-person; they can be administered online, via telephone, or through mailed questionnaires, allowing for flexibility in data collection methods.