Theory Ans Methods-and Key Terms

Question 1

Positivists

Answer 1

Like objectivity value freedom (unbiased), quantitative data, easier to replicate, see trends and patterns, reliability, scientific method (questionnaires, surveys, stats)

Question 2

Interpretevists

Answer 2

Like qualitative data, subjective in depth data, meanings and feeling, want verstehen (deep understanding of people’s lives), more valid, rapport (observations, ethnographic studies, interviews,), reflexivity, researcher imposition, subjectivity , empathy

Question 3

Feminists

Answer 3

combatting male stream research. Would appreciate research into issues/inequality faced by men and women which can influence policy and change (maternity and paternity rights).. normally qual but need to fit purpose, in depth interviews to give women a voice, research should be done by women as can understand, bring about social chnage

Question 4

Marxists

Answer 4

Appreciate research that highlights social class inequality that can influence policy /legislation change (free school meals, pupil premium…

Question 5

Realists

Answer 5

Like research that follow logic and methods of natural sciences but that science may not be scientific and can’t control all variables. Method should fit the purpose of topic may mean methodological pluralism or triangulation as combine quant and qual, can cross check

Question 6

The Hawthorne effect

Answer 6

Change in behaviour when you know you are being watched

Question 7

Define the big 4

Answer 7

Representative-extent sample reflects target pop, generalisability- make claims about wider pop. Valid-extent methods show a true and honest insight into social reality reliability- extent research is replicable and scientific