Quick questions on Investigation methodology and data: designing sound research - OCR A-Level English Language

The method must suit the question, and naming the approach is part of the rationale.

"An investigation into the language of a sports commentary might adopt a mixed method: a quantitative count of dynamic verbs and present-tense forms across a set period of commentary, to establish a pattern, followed by qualitative close analysis of selected moments to read how the language constructs excitement. The data, a transcribed broadcast segment, suits a question about commentary style, and the methodology would state the sampling (which match, which minutes, and why), the transcription conventions, and the limits of a single-segment sample." This justifies a method matched to the question.

"Where an investigation records private conversation, the methodology must address ethics directly: it would explain that participants gave informed consent to be recorded and that names and identifying details were anonymised in the transcript, and acknowledge that recording may itself affect how naturally people speak (the observer's paradox), a limit on the data. Treating ethics as part of the design, not a formality, both meets OCR's requirements and strengthens the study." This addresses ethics as design.

What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods? [2 marks]

Why is ethics part of the investigation's design? [2 marks]

Design and justify a methodology for an investigation into a chosen area of language, explaining your data selection and analytical approach. [18 marks]