In terms of theory, which group typically favors questionnaires?

The group that typically favors questionnaires is positivists. Positivism is grounded in the philosophy that social science should employ the same scientific methods used in the natural sciences. Positivists seek to identify patterns and relationships through quantifiable data, making questionnaires a suitable tool for their research goals.

By using standardized questionnaires, researchers can collect data from a large number of respondents in a systematic way, allowing for statistical analysis and the generation of generalizable findings. This aligns with the positivist emphasis on objectivity, reliability, and the ability to measure social phenomena quantitatively.

In contrast, interpretivists focus more on understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals, which often requires qualitative methods that capture in-depth insights rather than the structured data provided by questionnaires. Constructivists share similar qualitative approaches, focusing on how individuals construct their social realities rather than simply measuring predefined variables. Critical theorists, on the other hand, often critique the research process itself and might favor methods that enable deep engagement with social issues and power structures, which may not align with the standardized nature of questionnaires.