Research Methods (AS)

Question 1

Define primary data.

Answer 1

Data that is generated by the sociologists first-hand for their own purposes.

Question 2

Define secondary data.

Answer 2

Data that has been previously created by someone else which is then collected directly from the source by other sociologists.

Question 3

Define quantitative data and give an example.

Answer 3

Data that can be measured in numerical form. For example, GCSE grades come in numbers (1-9), so it is quantitative.

Question 4

Define qualitative data and give an example.

Answer 4

Data that is not represented by numbers and instead uses words. For example: interviews, questionnaires, notebooks, etc.

Question 5

What is the positivist perspective?

Answer 5

Positivist sociologists see sociology as a science. They prefer quantitative data because it is more logical, scientific and easier to analyse patterns of behaviour. They also value reliability and representation.

Question 6

What is the interpretivist perspective?

Answer 6

Interpretivist sociologists do not see sociology as a science. They prefer qualitative data because it is easier to analyse the beliefs, norms, values and cultures of society. They also value validity.

Question 7

What is validity?

Answer 7

Valid research reveals a true picture and true understanding of society. Data that is high in validity tends to be qualitative as it is more in depth.

Question 8

What is reliability?

Answer 8

The extent to which, if you repeated the research, you would get the same results. Quantitative methods are often more reliable as it is more objective.

Question 9

Define a sample, and give the purpose of it.

Answer 9

A sample is a group of people being studied in a population. The purpose of sampling is to make observations about that target population.

Question 10

What is a random sample?

Answer 10

Randomly selecting participants, for example out of a hat. Each participant has an equal chance of being selected.