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EnglandSociology

Research methods

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you design and evaluate a piece of research for a given topic?

Applied methods of sociological enquiry, including designing research for a topic, justifying the choice of method, and evaluating methods in context, as assessed on Component 2.
A focused answer to the Eduqas GCSE Sociology applied methods topic, covering how to design research for a given topic, justify a method choice and evaluate methods in context, as assessed on Component 2.
10 min answer →

What primary methods do sociologists use to collect data first-hand?

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 Eduqas GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering the main primary methods (questionnaires, interviews, observation and experiments) and the strengths and weaknesses of each, with a worked response-rate calculation.
10 min answer →

How do sociologists judge whether research is any good?

The key evaluative concepts of reliability, validity, representativeness and objectivity, and the difference between quantitative and qualitative data.
A focused answer to the Eduqas GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering the evaluative concepts of reliability, validity, representativeness and objectivity, and the quantitative versus qualitative distinction.
9 min answer →

Who does a sociologist study, and how must they treat them?

Sampling methods (random, systematic, stratified, quota, snowball) and the ethical issues in research (informed consent, confidentiality, avoiding harm, deception and privacy).
A focused answer to the Eduqas GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering sampling methods (random, systematic, stratified, quota and snowball) and the ethical issues researchers must respect.
9 min answer →

What data can sociologists use that already exists?

Secondary sources, including official statistics, documents and the media, with their strengths and weaknesses, and the difference between quantitative and qualitative secondary data.
A focused answer to the Eduqas GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering secondary sources (official statistics, documents and the media), the quantitative and qualitative distinction, and their strengths and weaknesses.
9 min answer →

How do sociologists plan and carry out a piece of research?

The research process, including aims, hypotheses, the choice between positivist and interpretivist approaches, and the practical, ethical and theoretical factors that shape method choice.
A focused answer to the Eduqas GCSE Sociology research methods topic, covering the research process: aims and hypotheses, positivist and interpretivist approaches, and the practical, ethical and theoretical factors behind method choice.
10 min answer →