Researching Teachers

• What is the main objective of methods in context in sociology?

  To think like a sociologist conducting research
• How does methods in context differ from other sociology questions?

  It focuses on conducting research rather than existing knowledge
• Who are the subjects of the research discussed in this video?

  Teachers
• What are some characteristics of teachers mentioned in the video?

  They are professionals and adept at impression management
• How do teachers' behaviors differ in and out of the classroom?

  They act professionally in front of students
• Why might teachers be suspicious of outsiders?

  They may feel their careers are at risk
• What type of capital do teachers possess due to their education?

  Cultural capital
• How does being employed by schools affect teachers' behavior?

  They may avoid discussing problems with outsiders
• What is a significant practical issue when researching teachers?

  Gaining access through gatekeepers like head teachers
• Why might teachers be hesitant to participate in research?

  They may suspect negative motives from researchers
• What is the Hawthorne effect in the context of teacher research?

  Teachers may change behavior when observed
• What is a concern regarding sample size in teacher research?

  Obtaining a representative sample of teachers
• What ethical issues might cause distress for teachers during research?

  Being perceived as racist or labeling students negatively
• How can researchers protect teachers from harm during studies?

  By ensuring confidentiality and anonymity
• What is a potential issue with covert observations of teachers?

  It involves deception that may harm teachers' careers
• What validity issue arises from the Hawthorne effect?

  Teachers may provide false information to protect themselves
• How might teachers' education influence their behavior?

  They may display more free will in actions
• What perspective do Marxists have on education?

  They are generally skeptical about its purposes
• What representativeness issue is raised regarding teachers in research?

  Teachers may not represent all pupil experiences
• What methods are commonly used to research teachers?

  Unstructured interviews and observations
• What did Becca and Archer use in their research on teachers?

  Unstructured interviews
• What type of observations did Kedi conduct in schools?

  Non-participant observations
• Why are questionnaires used in teacher research?

  They offer anonymity for teachers
• What secondary sources can be used to investigate bullying and exclusion?

  Disciplinary reports written by teachers
• What are the practical issues researchers face when studying teachers?

  • Gaining access through gatekeepers
  • Teacher suspicions about motives
  • Relationships between teachers and researchers
  • The Hawthorne effect impacting behavior
  • Ensuring a representative sample size
• What ethical considerations must researchers keep in mind when studying teachers?

  • Social sensitivity and potential distress
  • Protection from harm and job security
  • Confidentiality and anonymity
  • Validity concerns due to impression management
• What methods have been used to research teachers?

  • Unstructured interviews
  • Observations (participant and non-participant)
  • Questionnaires for anonymity
  • Secondary sources like disciplinary reports