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Sociology AQA A Level > Research Methods - Choosing a Research Method > Flashcards

Research Methods - Choosing a Research Method Flashcards

1
Q
A
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2
Q

What are the two main types of data sources used by sociologists?

A

Primary and secondary sources of data

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3
Q

Define Primary Data (PD).

A

Information collected directly by sociologists

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4
Q

What methods are commonly used to collect Primary Data?

A
  • Social surveys
  • Participant observation
  • Experiments
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5
Q

What is a key advantage of Primary Data?

A

Data is tailored to the sociologist’s specific needs

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6
Q

Define Secondary Data (SD).

A

Information collected by others for different purposes, used by sociologists

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7
Q

List two sources of Secondary Data.

A
  • Official statistics
  • Documents (letters, diaries, reports, etc.)
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8
Q

What is a key advantage of Secondary Data?

A

Cheaper and easier to access

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9
Q

What is a disadvantage of Secondary Data?

A

May not fit the sociologist’s needs exactly

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10
Q

What type of data is Quantitative Data?

A

Numerical data

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11
Q

Give an example of Quantitative Data.

A

Statistics on divorce rates

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12
Q

What type of data is Qualitative Data?

A

Provides insight into experiences

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13
Q

Give an example of Qualitative Data.

A

How a divorce feels

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14
Q

What are common methods for gathering Quantitative Data?

A
  • Polls
  • Surveys
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15
Q

What are common methods for gathering Qualitative Data?

A
  • Participant observation
  • In-depth interviews
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16
Q

What practical issues can influence the choice of research methods?

A
  • Time and money
  • Access to resources
  • Funding body requirements
  • Personal skills
  • Subject matter
  • Research opportunity
17
Q

What is informed consent in research?

A

Participants must give consent with knowledge of the study

18
Q

What ethical issue involves protecting participants’ identities?

A

Confidentiality & Privacy

19
Q

What must researchers minimize concerning participants?

A

Harm to participants

20
Q

What special care is needed when studying vulnerable groups?

A

Special care is needed when studying vulnerable groups (e.g., children, disabled people)

21
Q

True or False: Covert research allows informed consent.

A

False

22
Q

Define validity in research.

A

Producing true, genuine data

23
Q

Define reliability in research.

A

Producing consistent data that can be repeated

24
Q

What does representativeness ensure in research?

A

Ensuring the sample studied is typical of the group being examined

25
Q

What methodological perspective favors quantitative data?

A

Positivism

26
Q

What methodological perspective prefers qualitative data?

A

Interpretivism

27
Q

What influences the choice of research topic?

A
  • Theoretical perspective
  • Society’s values
  • Funding bodies
  • Practical factors
28
Q

True or False: Societal values do not influence research focuses.

A

False

Sociology AQA A Level (6 decks)

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