Education (Research in Context) - Schools Flashcards
Why may sociological research in schools be unrepresentative if observational methods are used?
Because there are many different types of schools in the UK
What research method could overcome the unrepresentativeness of sociological research in schools?
Large scale surveys
Why is identifying the research population of schools easier than that of other areas?
Because data is published regarding names of schools, types of schools and locations
What type of environment is a school?
A data-rich environment
Why may sociological researchers not be able to have access to school records?
Because they may be confidential
What may schools do to their own data?
Falsify it
What type of framework do schools operate on?
A legal framework
Why do schools operate on a legal framework?
Because they must collect data on factors such as attendance, achievement and FSM
Who may refuse sociological researches access into schools?
School gatekeepers E.g. headteachers and governors
What did headteachers say about sociological research into schools according to Meighan?
It’s dangerous to involve pupils in commenting on their teachers
Discipline would be affected
Bad for classroom relationships
What type of organisations are schools?
Formal organisation
What may researchers be seen as a part of by pupils, inspectors and teachers?
As a part of the hierarchy
What may provide an issue in single sex schools?
The gender of the researcher
