Theoretical Issues

Question 1

Describe positivism

Answer 1

• prefer quantitative data
• prefer objective research which mean unemotional and scientific
• emotions are subjective and cannot be measured

Question 2

Describe interpretivism

Answer 2

• prefer qualitative data
• micro perspective, likes to look at society through the eyes of the individual

Question 3

Describe realism

Answer 3

• researchers need to be flexible
• approach it from both quantitive and qualitative data
• use triangulation or methodological pluralism

Question 4

Reliability

Answer 4

Repeatability
- whether another researcher using the same method would achieve broadly similar results

Question 5

Vailidty

Answer 5

Truthfulness
- how far findings provides and accurate picture of what’s being studied

Question 6

Generalisation

Answer 6

Making a statement about all on the basis of some

Question 7

Representative

Answer 7

Reflective of the group in the wider society