Exam technique Flashcards
What paragraph structure should you use for Methods in Context?
PEAL
Point, Explain, Apply to Context, Link to Question
What is the ‘Point’ section for?
1 sentence. Briefly outlining the research method, the strength/weakness, and how it relates to the context
“One strength of using non-participant observations to investigate teacher labelling is detachment and objectivity”
What is the ‘Explain’ section for?
1 sentence. Expand on your point. What exactly is the strength or weakness? What do you mean?
“In non-participant observations, researchers do not get involved with the sample they are studying, meaning they will not have the chance to develop attachments to any of the students which positivists would like about this method”
What is the ‘Apply to Context’ section for?
2-3 sentences. Explain how the strength or weakness would work in the specific education setting mentioned in the question
“For example, if this were a participant observation then researchers would be working closely with students to see how they were labelled, developing rapport and verstehen with them, which could lead to their results being biased”
What is the ‘Link’ section for?
1 sentence. Summarise what you’ve just said and relate it back to the question
“Therefore, one strength of using non-participant observations to investigate teacher labelling is detachment and objectivity, as it prevents researchers from developing rapport with students and biasing their data”
How long do you have for a Methods in Context question?
30 minutes
How many paragraphs should you write for a Methods in Context question?
6
3 strengths, 3 weaknesses, AND a conclusion
What should you write in the conclusion?
First sentence: Brief summary of what you’ve written, bring in triangulation
Second sentence: Define triangulation
Third sentence: How would triangulation improve this exact study? Mention 2 weaknesses of the method, and bring in 2 other research methods to prevent them
Example conclusion:
In conclusion, there are many advantages of using participant observations to investigate labelling, but some weaknesses as well which could be solved using triangulation. This is where researchers use at least 3 different research methods to investigate a particular topic, in order to balance out the disadvantages of any of the individual methods. For example, while participant observations are not useful for investigating labelling due to complexity of setting and impression management which reduces validity and makes it more time consuming, researchers could use group interviews to be time efficient and use field experiments to gain validity.
