Abstract: The matter under research is the first stage of writing a dissertation thesis on criminal law, i.e. the research program. The authors of the article analyze structural elements of the Program. The authors focus on particular issues that arise in the process of defining the matter of the research, interpretation of terms and planning. They give recommendations on how to improve the methodology and procedure of a sociological research. Special attention is paid to the issues that arise in the process of collection of empirical material, preparation of questionnaries, validity of results, processing and analysis of primary sociological information. To achieve their research targets, the authors have applied such research methods as analysis, synthesis, and formal law methods. The novelty of the research is caused by the fact that this research is the first one to be devoted to the methodology of sociological research in criminal law. As a result of their research, the authors conclude that a survey in criminal research should be aimed at proving or disproving theoretical provisions of criminal law.