Researching Schools

Question 1

How does the schools own data affect a sociologists research

Answer 1

Although schools are “data-rich” places, this data is confidential and sociologists may not have access to this.

Schools with things such as truancy problems may falsify their records to keep a good standings.

Question 2

How does the law affect a sociologists research

Answer 2

School is said to have a “captive population” where the populations main objective is to learn. Teachers therefore may consider the research as a waste of time.

Due to data such as attendance being sensitive, the sociologists would have limited access

Question 3

How does the schools organisation affect a sociologists research

Answer 3

Researchers may be interpreted in different ways. Pupils may see them as teachers where as teachers may see them as inspectors.

School holidays and exam periods may make it difficult for sociologists take research.