Which research method relies on questionnaires distributed to large groups?

Surveys are a research method that effectively utilizes questionnaires distributed to large groups of people. This approach allows researchers to gather quantitative data from a large sample quickly and efficiently, making it possible to analyze trends and generalize results across a broader population. By using structured questionnaires, surveys can collect information on various topics, including opinions, behaviors, and demographics, which can be statistically analyzed.

The design of surveys enables researchers to ask a wide range of questions while ensuring that the data collected is standardized and comparable, facilitating a clear analysis of the results. This method is particularly advantageous in fields like social sciences, marketing, and public health, where understanding the perspectives and characteristics of large groups is essential for making informed decisions.

In contrast, case studies focus on a detailed examination of a single instance or a small number of cases, interviews involve direct conversations with individuals, and participant observation requires researchers to engage actively in the environment they are studying, thus lacking the quantitative breadth characteristic of surveys.