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WalesSociologyQuick questions
Methods of Sociological Enquiry
Quick questions on Research methods and the research process (Component 2) - WJEC A-Level Sociology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is sampling?Show answer
Researchers usually study a sample rather than the whole target population. Common techniques include:
What is the reliability-validity trade-off?Show answer
A structured questionnaire is highly reliable: its standardised questions can be repeated exactly and produce consistent, quantitative data, which is why positivists favour it. But it may lack validity: respondents can misunderstand questions or give socially desirable answers, so the data may not reflect what people really think. An unstructured interview is the mirror image: rich and valid, capturing genuine meaning, but hard to repeat and so less reliable.
What is q1?Show answer
Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data. [4 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why positivists prefer quantitative methods. [6 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of participant observation. [16 marks]
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