Choosing a Research Method (PET) - Pacticle Issues

Question 1

Why may large scale surveys cost a lot of money?

Answer 1

Because sociologists may need to employ loads of interviewers and data-inputting staff

Question 2

Cheaper alternative to a large scale survey

Answer 2

A small scale project involving a lone researcher using participant observation

Question 3

Disadvantage of using a cheaper alternative to a large scale survey

Answer 3

Takes a lot of time to gather same amount of data

Question 4

What can be a major factor in determining the research methods chosen by a sociologist?

Answer 4

The resources (time and money) available to them

Question 5

Who may require sociological research to be in a particular form?

Answer 5

Funding bodies - research institutes, businesses and other organisations

Question 6

What will the requirements of funding bodies result in for the sociologist?

Answer 6

Them having a limit to the research methods they can use

Question 7

What does each sociologist have which may affect their ability to use different methods? Give an example

Answer 7

Different skills E.g. someone who isn’t skilled at talking wouldn’t want to carry out an interview

Question 8

Why do some sociologists have difficulties using particular research methods?

Answer 8

Because they have a lack of certain personal skills and characteristics

Question 9

How does the subject matter affect the research method a sociologist can use?

Answer 9

It may be harder to study a particular subject or group by one method than by another

Question 10

Example of how subject matter can determine research methods available to sociologist

Answer 10

A questionnaire wouldn’t be suitable for a group who can’t read or write

Question 11

How does research opportunity determine the research methods available to a sociologist?

Answer 11

Sometimes the research opportunity occurs unexpectedly which makes it impossible to use particular methods