This book examines the development and application of survey research as a tool for understanding social life. It details the intellectual and institutional history of survey research, focusing on its emergence as a dominant methodology in the social sciences. The author argues that survey research provides a unique lens through which to observe and analyze societal structures and individual behaviors.

This work is recognized for its comprehensive historical account of survey research. It is considered a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the methodological foundations of sociology and social science research. The book provides a critical examination of how survey instruments have been employed to study societal trends and individual attitudes.