choosing research methods

• What is the definition of conformity?

  Adherence to the norms and values of society.
• What does the term "hidden curriculum" refer to?

  The social norms and values taught at school outside the curriculum.
• What are examples of institutions that act as Ideological State Apparatus?

  Media, religion, and education which can spread the ideology of the goverment
• What is interpretivism in sociology?

  A sociological approach focusing on the actions and thoughts of individuals.
• What are the key characteristics of positivists in sociology?


  • They are more 'scientific' sociologists.
  • They believe behavior results from wider forces and that research should uncover behaviours causes
  • They favor quantitative data.
• What is the definition of reliability in research?

  Research that can be repeated and obtain the same or similar results.
• Why do positivists strive for reliable research?

  Because it fits with their scientific approach.
• What makes research representative

  Research is representative if it can be generalised to fit the wider population
• What is validity in research?

  Research that accurately represents what is happening.
• What is primary data?

  Data collected firsthand by sociologists for their own purposes.
• What is secondary data?

  Data that has already been collected by someone else.
• What are the three main factors sociologists consider when choosing a research method?

  • Practical factors (practicality)
  • Ethical factors (moral principles)
  • Theoretical factors (data quality)
• What are some practical factors in research?

  • Time
  • Finance
  • Source of funding
  • Personal factors
  • Research subjects
  • Research opportunity
• What are some ethical factors in research?

  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Effects on research subjects
  • Vulnerable groups
  • Covert research
• What are some theoretical factors in research?

  • Validity
  • Reliability
  • Representativity
• What are the steps in the research process?

  1. State an aim
  2. State a hypothesis
  3. Operationalise key concepts
  4. Conduct a pilot study
• What is sampling in sociological research?

  • A method to select participants from a wider population.
  • Ensures data is representative.
• What are some sampling techniques?

  • Random sampling
  • Systematic sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Quota sampling
• What is the importance of operationalising key concepts in research?

  It defines what needs measuring and how to measure it.
• What might be a practical problem when investigating hooliganism at world cups?

  Access to participants and safety concerns during events.
• What ethical problems might arise when investigating bullying in schools?

  Ensuring informed consent and protecting the confidentiality of students.
• What theoretical problems might arise when investigating gambling addiction?

  Challenges in ensuring validity and reliability of the data collected.
• What characteristics would a representative sample of British people's perspectives on immigration include?

  A balanced mix of demographics, such as 50 males and 50 females.
• How does qualitative data differ from quantitative data?

  Qualitative data is rich in detail and subjective, while quantitative data is numerical.
• What is the role of the researcher in interpretivism?

  To understand people's behavior from a small-scale perspective.
• What does operationalising key concepts involve?

  Deciding what needs defining and how measurements can take place.
• Why is it important for research to be valid?

  It ensures that the data accurately reflects the reality being studied.
• How can researchers ensure their data is reliable?

  By using standardized forms of measurement.
• What might be a challenge when using secondary data?

  It may not fit the specific needs of the current research.
• What is the difference between objective and subjective data?

  Objective data is factually true, while subjective data is based on interpretation.
• Why is it important to consider ethical factors in research?

  To ensure the protection and respect of research subjects.
• What is the role of practical factors in choosing a research method?

  They influence the feasibility and execution of the research.
• What might be a practical problem when investigating a sensitive topic like bullying?

  Gaining trust and ensuring confidentiality of participants.
• How can ethical considerations impact the research process?

  They can limit the methods used and require additional safeguards for participants.
• What is the role of theoretical factors in research?

  They influence the quality and type of data collected.
• What might be a challenge when conducting covert research?

  Ensuring that participants do not feel deceived or harmed by the research.
• Why is it important to operationalise key concepts in research?

  It helps clarify what is being measured and how.
• what are the key characteristics of interpretivists

  • sociological approach which focuses on the actions and thought of individuals.
  • value understanding people’s behaviour from a small-scale perspective, focussing on meaning.
  • They favour qualitative data - data which is rich in detail and subjective,
• what does a reliable method create?


  data that can be used to systematically re-test hypotheses about social behaviour
• why is it important for research to be representative


  because its rarely possible to study an entire population