research methods

• What are secondary sources in research?

  Secondary sources are documents or data that have been collected and analyzed by other researchers.
• What are the strengths of using secondary sources in research?

  • Quick and easy to access
  • Saves time as data has already been collected
  • Allows analysis of multiple topics simultaneously
• How can sociologists utilize secondary sources when researching housewives in the UK?

  Sociologists can access official national statistics websites to gather relevant data.
• What are the weaknesses of using secondary sources in research?

  • Some documents may require payment for access, making it expensive
  • Certain research may be private and require requests for access
• What is a potential issue when accessing historical documents in a museum?

  Accessing historical documents may take months or years due to request processes.
• How do secondary sources help in identifying trends and historical comparisons?

  • They allow sociologists to understand changes over time
  • They provide data for long-term studies, such as census data
• When was the census set up, and why is it significant?

  The census was set up in 1851, increasing the reliability of research.
• What must sociologists consider regarding the credibility of personal documents?

  Sociologists must consider that authors may lie to their advantage, affecting validity.
• How might individuals alter their accounts when researching crime and deviance?

  Individuals may change their accounts to justify their actions, reducing validity.
• What are the implications of reduced validity in secondary sources?

  • It can lead to inaccurate conclusions
  • It affects the overall reliability of the research findings