Quantitative Methods

Question 1

Define quantitative data.

Answer 1

Numerical data which is operationalised.

Question 2

What are social surveys?

Answer 2

~Collect responses from large populations.
~Aim to uncover differences/trends in religion / attitudes / values.
~Try to explain choices of large groups (e.g. UCAS demographics).

Question 3

What are longitudinal studies?

Answer 3

~Researchers follow people for a long time with several measurement points.
~Allow us to see fine detail over a long period of time –> high validity.

Question 4

What are the issues with longitudinal studies?

Answer 4

• People may drop out or die.
• The Hawthorne means people may act differently or lie.
• Very expensive and time consuming.

Question 5

What are the sampling types?

Answer 5

Random, Systematic, Stratified random, Quota, Snowball, Theoretical.

Question 6

Random sampling

Answer 6

Random Name Generator
Name lottery
Computer generator

Question 7

Systematic sampling

Answer 7

Every ‘nth’ person in a list is chosen.

Question 8

Stratified random sampling

Answer 8

Important levels are chosen, then random methods are used.

Question 9

Quota sampling

Answer 9

Makes sure a wide enough range of people are chosen within limits.

Question 10

Snowball sampling

Answer 10

Participants are asked to recruit friends/relatives.

Question 11

Theoretical sampling

Answer 11

Choose a sample to suit your theory/perspective.