Research methods

Question 1

Define a pilot study.

Answer 1

A small test-run of a study which is carried out before the main study to check for any problems (e.g. equipment)

Question 2

Define validity.

Answer 2

The accuracy of the findings – how truthful the data is.

Question 3

Define reliability.

Answer 3

How consistent the findings are. If repeated the study, would there be the same results?

Question 4

Explain one advantage of Official Statistics (ONS)

Answer 4

Easy to analyse and compare over time as it is quantitative data

Question 5

Explain one disadvantage of Official Statistics (ONS)

Answer 5

May not give a reason why for the behaviour as just gives trends as only quantitative data so less valid.

Question 6

Give advantage and disadvantage of secondary data

Answer 6

A: Less time consuming
D: May be forged/biased so can make less valid generalisations

Question 7

Give one advantage and disadvantage of questionnaires

Answer 7

A: can have a large sample size so more representative
D: questions may be ignored/lost so not representative

Question 8

Give one advantage and disadvantage of structured interviews

Answer 8

A: can easily compare questions so more reliable
D: may not get full detail so less valid

Question 9

Give one advantage and disadvantage of unstructured interviews

Answer 9

A: Can build a rapport so more detail and more valid
D: Can’t easily compare questions so less reliable

Question 10

Give one advantage and disadvantage of group interviews

Answer 10

A: Less time consuming
D: Some participants may dominate interview so less valid

Question 11

Give one advantage and disadvantage of participant observation

Answer 11

A: Better understanding as can ask questions so less likely for misconceptions
D: Observer effect may make results less valid

Question 12

Give one advantage and disadvantage of non participant observation

Answer 12

A: Avoids observer effect (depending if covert or overt)
D: May not get a good understanding as less involved - more likely to have misconceptions - less valid

Question 13

Give one advantage and disadvantage of longitudinal studies

Answer 13

A: Spot trends over long period of time which are more valid
D: Participant may drop out of study so no longer representative

Question 14

Give one advantage and disadvantage of ethnography

Answer 14

A:Can gain detailed information as over long period of time so more valid and reliable
D: Behaviour may be misinterpreted by researcher so not as valid

Question 15

Give one advantage and disadvantage of case studies

Answer 15

A: More valid as real life situations - can make generalisations and triangulate data using qualitative and quantitative data
D: Ethical issues to access data - less valid if some data kept hidden

Question 16

Explain opportunistic sampling

Answer 16

Anyone available

Question 17

Define quota sampling

Answer 17

Fits criteria

Question 18

Define random sampling

Answer 18

Equal chance to be chosen

Question 19

Define snowball sampling

Answer 19

Get more samples from a small group ie mother knowing other mothers

Question 20

Explain stratified sampling

Answer 20

Mirror larger population ie 10 girls and 10 boys each from school

Question 21

Explain systematic sampling

Answer 21

Every nth person

Question 22

Define generalisation

Answer 22

General statements that apply to the wider population

Question 23

Give 5 ethical issues and how to deal with them

Answer 23

• Fully informed consent.
  -> Use a confirmation slip making participant completely aware of what will happen in study
• Right to withdraw: along with data.
  -> Include in confirmation slip
• No psychological/physical/emotional harm to participants or researcher.
  -> Carry out safety checks beforehand
• Anonymity.
  -> Use a number rather than name (pseudonym)
• Confidentiality.
  -> Store private information in a locked space.

Question 24

Define triangulation and mixed methods and explain its use.

Answer 24

Sociologist uses more than one method to find out lots of information about a topic e.g. using a questionnaire, interview and observation. Used to gain more data and check validity but may be difficult to compare.

Question 25

Give two practical issues and how to deal with them

Answer 25

• time. may take longer to analyse data ie if qualitative
  -> employ more people to help analyse data
• small sample/ may not be able to access sensitive data. less representative
  -> used mixed methods.

Question 26

Define lab experiments

Answer 26

Research in a controlled artificial environment like a laboratory

Question 27

Define field experiments

Answer 27

Research takes place in real life social world like a school

Question 28

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of overt observations

Answer 28

A: less ethical issues like fully informed consent as they know they are being observed
D: observer effect leads to a lack of validity

Question 29

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of covert observations

Answer 29

A: no observer effect to increased validity
D: more ethical issues to be aware of

Question 30

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of random sampling

Answer 30

A: Less biased and likely to be more representative
D: May not be fully representative ie could choose all males

Question 31

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of opportunity sampling

Answer 31

A: Easy to gain a sample so less time consuming
D: may not be representative as only choosing who is available. less generalisations can be made

Question 32

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of stratified sampling

Answer 32

A: More representative. equal numbers of sample. can make generalisations
D: time consuming to pick out a sampling frame

Question 33

What is grounded theory?

Answer 33

Researcher uses collected data to explain behaviours.

Question 34

Define representativeness

Answer 34

Accurately represents the wider population

Question 35

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of snowball sampling

Answer 35

A: cost-effective and less time consuming as don’t need a sampling frame (non probability)
D: sample bias leading to a lack of representativeness

Question 36

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of quota sampling

Answer 36

A: Less biased and likely to be more representative
D: time consuming

Question 37

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of systematic sampling

Answer 37

A: Minimises biased samples so may actually be more representative
D: unequal selection may lead to a lack of representativeness if required characteristics aren’t available

Question 38

Explain an advantage and disadvantage of using mixed methods

Answer 38

The researcher can obtain valid data of peoples experiences through qualitative methods and also make connections between variables through quantitative methods. Can allow for comparisons, patterns and trends to be observed and triangulating data, making better generalisations.
Time consuming. Long to analyse.

Question 39

Define a cohort study

Answer 39

Longitudinal study