Research methods

Question 1

Primary data strengthens

Answer 1

1. collected by sociologist themselves so it is focused in the particular issue they are investigating
   most control over all aspects of the collection process
   so they can formulate research methods that reflect their theoretical concerns -interpretists focus on methods that are high in validity vs positivists can select methods that best meet their coNcerns for relativity and representativeness
   researche3 takes a critical stance on an issue e.g willis was able to be critical both if the education system and trad Marx theory of the reproduction and legitimate of inequalities on schools

2., fill in gaps in existing secondary data
identifies trends and patterns on a larger scale but does not necessarily then offer explanation why these occurs

• For example, analysis of exam results by social groups identifies their relationship but it requires primary research such as Gillborn and Youdell into education triage to identify processes involved

identify new lines of enquiry where there are gaps in secondary data
- e.g Gerwitz identify the processes that parents play the system

useful in updating of previous research findings - for example Archers study of the interaction between pupils identities and schools applied to bordieu concepts of habits in contemporary setting

Question 2

Primary data limitations

Answer 2

comparatively costly of collect and therefore often collected on much smaller scale than some secondary data sources
vs
secondary data which is from well resources institutions and govt

praqctical limitations affe4cts all aspects of a research programme including the numbetr and range of ps , the method employed , the size of the research team e.g laud Humphrey’s study of gay mens encounters
very small which means the study is less likely to be representative which would be of concern to positivists - thus Willis study of anti school subcultures involved only ten young men

2. direct contacts tightens the likelyhood of ethical issues arising guaranteeing anonymity maintaining confendenitality and ensuring those involved are not harmed are all more difficult to achieve with primary as opposed to secondary data collection

for example, informed consent is difficult - DELAMONT found in her research in classroom interaction that it was easy to see or hear things that were illegal or which pupils coulf get in trouble doing - dealing with guilt

covert primary = even greater as this involves deception and potentially becoming involved in illegal or immoral acts

Question 3

secondary data - strengthens

Answer 3

form of official stats are collected by govt at regular intervals
process is standardised this allows for the identification of trends patterns and relationship for example statistics about examination results can be analysed for relationship with social class, gender, ethnicity

trends over time before and after correlations can also prompt theoretical explanations

2. exists on a large scale and are free to access - particularly the case for official stats for example census every ten years cost millions of pounds to carry out

data cover the whole range of govt functions including interests sociologists such as education, health and crime - saves sociologists huge amount of time and money
sociologist don’t have to compel people to participate - official data is more likely to be representative