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Sociological research methods

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What primary methods do sociologists use to collect data?

Primary research methods, including questionnaires, structured and unstructured interviews, participant and non-participant observation, and experiments, with their strengths and weaknesses.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering the main primary methods (questionnaires, interviews, observation and experiments) and the strengths and weaknesses of each.
10 min answer →

How do sociologists choose who to study and do so ethically?

Sampling and ethics, including sampling frames, random, stratified, quota and snowball sampling, and ethical issues such as consent, confidentiality, harm and deception.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering sampling frames and sampling methods (random, stratified, quota, snowball) and ethical issues such as consent, confidentiality and harm.
9 min answer →

What existing sources can sociologists use as data?

Secondary sources, including official statistics, documents, the mass media and previous sociological research, and the strengths and weaknesses of using existing data.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering secondary sources such as official statistics, documents and the mass media, and the strengths and weaknesses of using existing data.
8 min answer →

How do sociologists plan and carry out research?

The research process, including aims, hypotheses, the choice of method, the difference between primary and secondary data and quantitative and qualitative data, and the key concepts of reliability, validity and representativeness.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering the research process, primary and secondary data, quantitative and qualitative data, and the concepts of reliability, validity and representativeness.
9 min answer →