What is the primary purpose of a social survey?

The primary purpose of a social survey is to collect data from a fairly large number of people. Social surveys are specifically designed to gather quantitative data that reflects the views, behaviors, or characteristics of a larger population. By reaching out to a broad range of respondents, researchers can ensure that their findings are more representative and can infer conclusions about the wider community.

This method allows sociologists to explore patterns, relationships, and trends across different demographic groups, making it a vital tool in social research. Achieving statistical significance is often a goal in social surveys, which is why large sample sizes are preferred. Collecting data from a diverse group enhances the reliability and validity of the results, thereby increasing the potential for the research to have broader implications.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of a social survey's purpose, which is fundamentally about large-scale quantitative data collection.