Identify two sampling techniques used by sociologists in their research. random quasi-random stratified random quota opportunity or grab snowball. Suggest two disadvantages that sociologists might find when using structured interviews. inflexibility of the questions superficiality of the questions unsuitability for studying sensitive • • • topics imposition of researcher’s priorities in gathering the data may have to call back to increase • • the response rate. Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of laboratory experiments in sociological research. Advantages: can be used to identify causes/formulate scientific laws useful in producing reliable data can be • • • used to test hypotheses. Disadvantages: may have to deceive research participants may produce the Hawthorne/experimental effect • • • cannot study large-scale processes. Suggest two factors that may influence a sociologist’s choice of research topic. researcher’s theoretical perspective societal values funding body accessibility of research • • • • participants availability of data. • Suggest two problems of using personal documents in sociological research. categorising material difficulty of comparing responses irrelevant content interpretation of • • • • meanings unrepresentativeness confidentiality informed consent. • • • 8 marks Suggest two problems of using official statistics in sociological research. official statistics on some topics are not collected official statistics on some topics are not published definitions used by the may differ from sociological definitions changing definitions makes comparison over time difficult different definitions used in different countries makes international comparisons difficult they lack validity they are merely social constructs/are not social facts or rates‟ officials may make errors in collecting or recording the data may be out „real of date may be politically biased/manipulated. Suggest two factors that may influence a sociologist’s choice of research topic. the sociologist’s theoretical perspective (eg feminist, New funding bodies accessibility of the research context or group the sociologist’s career interests/opportunities sociologist’s personal interests societal values or public concerns availability of data.
Identify two sampling techniques used by sociologists in their research. random quasi-random stratified random quota opportunity or grab snowball. Suggest two disadvantages that sociologists might find when using structured interviews. • inflexibility of the questions • superficiality of the questions • unsuitability for studying sensitive topics • imposition of researcher’s priorities in gathering the data • may have to call back to increase the response rate. Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of laboratory experiments in sociological research. Advantages: • can be used to identify causes/formulate scientific laws • useful in producing reliable data • can be used to test hypotheses. Disadvantages: • may have to deceive research participants • may produce the Hawthorne/experimental effect • cannot study large-scale processes. Suggest two factors that may influence a sociologist’s choice of research topic. • researcher’s theoretical perspective • societal values • funding body • accessibility of research participants • availability of data. Suggest two problems of using personal documents in sociological research. • categorising material • difficulty of comparing responses • irrelevant content • interpretation of meanings • unrepresentativeness • confidentiality • informed consent. 8 marks Suggest two problems of using official statistics in sociological research. official statistics on some topics are not collected official statistics on some topics are not published definitions used by the may differ from sociological definitions changing definitions makes comparison over time difficult different definitions used in different countries makes international comparisons difficult they lack validity they are merely social constructs/are not social facts or „real rates‟ officials may make errors in collecting or recording the data may be out of date may be politically biased/manipulated. Suggest two factors that may influence a sociologist’s choice of research topic. the sociologist’s theoretical perspective (eg feminist, New funding bodies accessibility of the research context or group the sociologist’s career interests/opportunities sociologist’s personal interests societal values or public concerns availability of data.
aqa-as-sociology-unit-2-education-past-paper-qa-2010-2013.docx