Quant

• Research Problem


  As part of my A Level Sociology course, I have been asked to design a research project to collect data
• Background Research


  I have chosen to conduct a study, due to the topic's focus being...
• Operationalise key terms


  Within the research topic area there are some key concepts which are ambiguous and must be operationalised to make the topic more measurable
• One problem with operationalising key concepts is that it is my subjective view of...
• Method - Structured Questionnaires

  I have chosen to use the quantitative method of a structured questionnaire, favoured by Positivists
• Structured Questionnaires


  • Use closed-ended questions with coded answers, meaning the results are easily quantified and suitable for hypothesis testing
  • High in reliability, meaning results can be replicated and comparisons made
  • Generally have a high response rate
  • My own bias and values will not influence the research as there is no relationship established, so they are higher in objectivity
• Interpretivists would criticise my chosen method and I do recognise there are a number of weaknesses
• Weaknesses of Structured Questionnaires

  • Closed-ended questions restrict respondents to choosing from a limited number of pre-set answers, which can lead to invalid data
  • If the topic is of a sensitive nature, respondents may not feel comfortable to answer the questions, as questions can be intrusive and this is not an informal atmosphere
• Sample


  I need to collect a suitable sample size and wish to use a quota sample
• Quota Sample


  • It does not need a sample frame, as being an A-level student I will inevitably find it difficult to get hold of any up-to-date list of people, due to issues of confidentiality and access
  • It is representative as all variables and characteristics are controlled, making it a simple, quick and cheap method
• I do recognise there are a number of weaknesses to my method choice
• Weaknesses of Quota Sampling

  • The participants are not being chosen at random, so this sampling technique is open to bias
  • If you are choosing people in a public setting you may find the people who agree to be in the sample are atypical
• Pilot study


  Prior to conducting my research, I am going to conduct a pilot study in support of making amendments
• Carrying out the research


  I need to take into account a number of practical issues and factors, such as where I will carry it out, how I will carry it out, how I will distribute and collect the questionnaires, and how long it will take
• I do recognise there are a number of practical problems when carrying out my research
• Analysis of results


  After completing my research, I need to analyse my findings and draw a conclusion. I will be able to put the data into graphs or tables to find trends or patterns, and test my hypothesis
• I wish to present my findings to my current Sociology teacher, peers and college