Factors affecting choice of topic

Question 1

Theoretical perspective

Answer 1

e.g New Right researcher studies effects of welfare benefits on growth of lone-parent families because the idea of welfare dependency is central to their standpoint
CONTRAST
feminine research domestic violence because of gender oppression

Question 2

Society’s values

Answer 2

as values change-focus of research changes

rise of feminism (1960-70’s) led to focus on gender inequality

Question 3

Funding bodies

Answer 3

most research requires funding from external bodies e.g government or charitable organisations
funding bodies pay=they decide topic to be investigated

Question 4

Practical factors

Answer 4

inaccessibility of certain situations to researcher

e.g may want to study ways in which global cooperation’s make decisions-but can’t as these are made in secret