Studies

Question 1

Longitudinal studies

Answer 1

A select sample from whom data are collected repeatedly, at regular intervals over a number of years

Question 2

Strengths of longitudinal studies

Answer 2

Can sometimes identify causes of change
Can be more valid
Allows comparison of data so show changes over time

Question 3

Limitations of longitudinal studies

Answer 3

Cohorts decline as ppts move, die, opt out
Ppts aware they’re being studied
Can be expensive and most funding agencies are unwilling to commit to long term expenditure

Question 4

Case studies

Answer 4

The intensive study of a single example of whatever the sociologist wants to study
Interpretivist methods most common

Question 5

Life histories

Answer 5

Case studies that focus on one individual/small group, combining unstructured interviews with reference to personal documents e.g. diaries

Question 6

Strengths of life histories + case studies

Answer 6

Can be used to test usefulness of specific theory
Can generate new hypotheses
Allow researcher to see the world from someone elses POV
Can give more detail

Question 7

Limitations of life histories + case studies

Answer 7

Not representative, so can give insight but not confidently apply elsewhere
May not be valid; life histories rely on recall of facts, which may not be accurate