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2-mark questions
Q1: Identify two types of sociological research methods.
Answer (just list, no explanation):
Questionnaire
Participant observation
Q2: Identify two types of sampling methods used in sociological research.
Answer:
Random sampling
Snowball sampling
Q3: Identify two types of data sociologists can collect.
Answer:
Quantitative data
Qualitative data
4-mark questions
Q1: Describe two problems of using questionnaires in sociological research.
Answer (point then explain twice):
Low response rates – Some people may choose not to return the questionnaire, reducing the sample size and making results less representative.
Misinterpretation of questions – Respondents might misunderstand what is being asked, leading to inaccurate or invalid data.
Q2: Describe two problems with using unstructured interviews.
Answer:
Difficult to analyze – Open-ended answers are harder to categorize and compare systematically.
Time-consuming – Interviews can be long and require detailed transcription, limiting the number of people studied.
Q3: Describe two advantages of using official statistics in sociological research.
Answer:
Easily accessible – Governments often publish data that researchers can use without extra cost or effort.
Large-scale coverage – Official statistics often cover whole populations, making results highly representative.
8-mark questions
Q1: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using interviews in sociological research.
Answer:
Strength 1: In-depth data – Interviews allow the researcher to ask follow-up questions, resulting in rich, detailed qualitative data.
Strength 2: Clarification possible – The interviewer can explain questions if the respondent is confused, improving the validity of responses.
Limitation 1: Time-consuming – Conducting and transcribing interviews takes a lot of time, making it harder to study large samples.
Limitation 2: Interviewer bias – The researcher's tone or wording might influence the participant’s answers, reducing objectivity.
Q2: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using experiments in sociological research.
Answer:
Strength 1: Control of variables – Researchers can isolate and test specific factors, increasing reliability.
Strength 2: Replicability – Experiments can be repeated to check results, boosting scientific credibility.
Limitation 1: Artificiality – Lab settings may not reflect real-world situations, reducing validity.
Limitation 2: Ethical issues – Some experiments may involve deception or psychological harm.
Q3: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using observations in sociological research.
Answer:
Strength 1: High validity – Observing people in natural settings captures genuine behavior.
Strength 2: Rich detail – Provides in-depth qualitative data about social interactions.
Limitation 1: Observer bias – Researcher’s interpretations may influence findings.
Limitation 2: Time-consuming – Requires long periods in the field, limiting sample size.
10-mark questions
Q1: Explain how sociologists ensure their research is ethical.
Answer (5 points, each explained):
Informed consent – Researchers must make sure participants know the purpose of the study and agree to take part freely.
Confidentiality – Sociologists protect participants’ identities so that personal information is not shared without permission.
Right to withdraw – Participants should know they can leave the study at any time without penalty.
Avoiding harm – Researchers design studies to ensure no physical or psychological harm comes to participants.
Debriefing – After the study, researchers explain the research fully and answer any questions participants have to ensure they understand what they took part in.
Q2: Explain how sociologists achieve representativeness in their research.
Answer:
Large samples – Including many participants increases the chance of reflecting wider society.
Random sampling – Gives everyone an equal chance, reducing selection bias.
Stratified sampling – Ensures important subgroups are proportionately included.
Quota sampling – Targets specific characteristics to match population proportions.
Clear definitions – Defining categories carefully ensures accurate sampling frames.
Q3: Explain why sociologists might prefer qualitative methods.
Answer:
In-depth understanding – Captures complex meanings behind social actions.
High validity – Reflects participants’ true feelings and experiences.
Flexibility – Methods can adapt to new findings during research.
Rapport building – Encourages more open and honest responses.
Contextual detail – Reveals the social context that shapes behavior.
15-mark essay questions
Q: ‘Positivist methods are the best way to study society.’ Discuss this view.
Model Essay Answer:
Introduction
Positivist methods, like surveys and official statistics, aim for objectivity and quantifiable data. Interpretivists criticize these methods as too limited. This essay will consider both views.
Body 1: Arguments for positivist methods
Positivists like Emile Durkheim argue sociology should be scientific and objective. Surveys allow large samples and comparisons over time. Official statistics help spot social trends, such as crime rates. Quantitative data reduces researcher bias. Durkheim’s suicide study used official statistics to reveal social causes of individual behavior.
Body 2: Arguments against positivist methods
Interpretivists like Max Weber argue understanding social action requires verstehen—empathetic understanding. Qualitative methods (interviews, observation) capture meaning and context. Howard Becker used interviews to reveal teachers’ labeling of students. Statistics may hide subjective experiences or reinforce government bias.
Conclusion
While positivist methods offer breadth and comparability, understanding society fully requires qualitative insights. I believe both approaches are valuable, but one cannot be seen as "best" alone.
Essay 2: "Official statistics are useful for sociological research." Discuss this view.
Introduction
Official statistics are government-collected data on areas like crime and education. While some see them as objective and representative, others highlight limitations.
Body 1: Arguments they are useful
Durkheim used official suicide statistics to find social causes. Statistics cover large populations, offering representativeness. Allow comparisons over time and between places. Cost-effective and accessible. Governments rely on them to make policy decisions.
Body 2: Arguments they are not always useful
Interpretivists argue they lack validity. Cicourel showed juvenile crime stats reflect police bias. Dark figure of crime shows unreported crimes distort reality. Categories may be defined by those in power. Qualitative data gives better insight into meanings.
Conclusion
Official statistics are useful for large-scale patterns but limited for exploring meaning. Researchers should combine methods for a fuller picture.
Essay 3: "Interviews are the best method for sociological research." Discuss this view.
Introduction
Interviews can be structured or unstructured. Some argue they give rich, valid data. Others highlight bias and practical problems.
Body 1: Arguments for interviews
Unstructured interviews allow rapport, giving in-depth data. Ann Oakley used them to study housework, capturing women’s voices. Flexibility allows clarification. Can explore sensitive topics in depth.
Body 2: Arguments against interviews
Structured interviews may be too rigid. Unstructured interviews risk interviewer bias. Time-consuming, expensive. Difficult to generalize. Positivists prefer surveys for reliability and representativeness.
Conclusion
Interviews can be very valuable, especially for understanding meanings, but are not always best. Combining them with quantitative methods offers balance.
QUESTIONS DONE BY FARIDA SABET
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