35 Markers

Question 1

Introduction Part One (Define Topic)

Answer 1

Define the Topic at Hand (Social Media Sites/Change in ambitions in YA)

Question 2

Introduction Part Two (Qual or Quant)

Answer 2

Identify whether Qual or Quant data is being collected (in the question or dependent on what is being investigated)

• Quantitate Data: Data that is factual and generally takes numerical form typically produces statical truths that can be objectively analysed by anyone
• Qualitative Data: Information/Data that is concerned with the meanings and interpretations people have on issues and questions, the information is in-depth, detailed and requires analysis

Question 3

Introduction Part Three (Concepts)

Answer 3

Define Concepts in the Question:

• What’s being investigated and Define
• Who is being investigated and Define
• Where is the sample coming from (Define in your area for example)

Question 4

Literature Review

Answer 4

• If example can be thought of then highlight what it is and what they found
• If there is no example comment on how you will look back and look at previous research and see what they found, what methods they used to collect and obtain the data and also to see if there are any gaps in the current research

Question 5

Method Rule

Answer 5

Only choose one Method/No semi-Structured

Question 6

Method Part One (Pick a Method)

Answer 6

Address the brief and what data is being gathered and highlight what method will be used

Question 7

Method: Quantitative Data is Being Collected

Answer 7

Questionnaire = A self-completion questionnaire are a series if written questions distributed directly, electronically or by post. Associated with the positivist approach as generally used to collect quantitative data in response to closed questions but open questions can also be used.

Question 8

Method: Qualitative Data is Being Collected

Answer 8

Unstructured Interviews = An extended conversation or a guided conversation where the interviewer asks open-ended questions about a topic, during which the respondent is able to answer freely and in-depth. The interviewer has a mental list of topics to over.

Question 9

Method Part Two

Answer 9

Justify the Decision

Question 10

Quantitative Justification

Answer 10

Questionnaires: Association with quantitate data mean the are regarded in collecting data high reliability

• the most common method used by various sociologists but usually those who follow the positive approach
• Due to their flexibility, it is really the only method that can access a large sample
• ease researchers with finance issues regarding travel costs for example
• Gives respondents privacy as they conduct it by themselves in their own time, this is particularly good for sensitive topics being investigated, so likely to be honest and reflective with answers, increasing the validity
• Removers the interviewer from the equation which makes them more likely to give accurate answers as it completely avoids the issue of order effects

Question 11

Qualitative Justification

Answer 11

Unstructured Interview: Gathers and produces rich qualitative data required as interviewers nor respondents are limited by pre-set questions and predetermined responses

• Respondents can give accurate answered that are detailed and the flexibility allows the interviewer to probe for further clarification if the respondent is being ambiguous
• Adds validity to the data making it more relevant and more likely to be accurate
• The process is usually long allowing for a rapport to be built between the two parties which means they are more likely to be honest
• Can also change the questions to suit the participant like language as ppts may have varying educational comprehensions-allows for a wider range of respondents making things more generalisable

Question 12

Sample

Answer 12

• Identify the population being investigated
• Target Population
• Sample: the Whole group that is being studied but this can be large and time and money constraints mean usually a sample is studied.
• A sample is a group of individuals with same characteristics of the target population selected from a wider population
• Sampling Frame: A list of those in the target population
• Access (School roll)/Advertisement
• The sample will be small due to restrictions of being A level student

Question 13

Random Sample is Chosen

Answer 13

• A type of lottery
• Simplest and Basic Sample
• Drawing names and numbers
• Sampling Frame required as it is crucial because it is the list of names of the people who will make up the population that the sociologist wishes to research
• Everyone in the sampling frame as an equal change of being selected
• but may not be representative as may end up with a disproportionate amount from a certain group which creates bias-data is skewed
• Also, need to obtain consent to participate so may turn into a volunteer sample

Question 14

Volunteer Sample is Chosen

Answer 14

• Advertise
• No representative sample
• Atypical people interested in participated which skews results

Question 15

Opportunity Sample is Chosen

Answer 15

• It consists of taking the sample from people who are available at the time the study is carried out and fit the criteria your are looking for
• Uses people from target population available at the time and willing to take part. It is based on convenience
• An opportunity sample is obtained by asking members of the population of interest if they would take part in your research
• This is a quick way and easy of choosing participants
• May not provide a representative sample and could be biased
• Still, need consent so may turn into a volunteer sample

Question 16

Pilot Study

Answer 16

• A way of detecting bias and any issues is through a pilot study
• A small scale trial that is carried out/prior to the main study/test for flaws in the methodology/involves a sub-sample of the sample that is intended to be used
• Checks if any issues with hypothesis or sample or method
• All questions are understood and interpreted the same way
• No leading Qs
• Data produced is as intended
• Takes time and are samples are already inherently small

Question 17

Ethics

Answer 17

When conducting research must ensure guidelines are adhered to/even when research is small/protects participants and integrity/BSA says participants are people with rights and should not be exploited

• Consent: Need to know the purpose, fully aware of everything it entails so they can make an informed choice whether or not to participate/‘informed consent’/Not always easy, if not of age for example must ask parents
• Deception: Shouldn’t/but may be necessary as some information cannot be obtained under honest circumstances/if used then will do a comprehensive debrief
• Confidentially: Privacy needs to be safeguarded/Keep identities secret and use pseudonyms/cannot be traced back/increases validity as more willing to speak if things are kept confidential
• Protect from Harm
• Debriefs

Question 18

Problems and Impacts Related to the Research Method

Answer 18

Possible or likely problems that the research may encounter and the they may impact the study

Question 19

P and I: Quant Data/Questionnaires

Answer 19

• High Reliability: Objective and Neutral, results are credible and can be tested especially with SP
• High Rep/large amounts of people/rep target pop and generalisable to them/All self-completion= self-selecting sample so unrepresentative/only certain types of people are more likely to complete (literate people, plenty of time)/ Somewhat counteracted as geographically diverse
• Quick and cheap means of gathering large amounts of data from large numbers of people if the questionnaire is sent by post or conducted online.
• Low V/ Researcher chooses the questions, they are deciding what is important, and with closed-ended/ respondent has to fit their answers into what’s on offer/Not be able to express themselves in the way that wants to/Distorts the respondents’ meanings/Not measuring what it’s supposed to
• Positivists favour as detached and objective, sociologist’s personal involvement is kept to a minimum/hypothesis should be proven or proven wrong with the results of the questionnaire/Deliver reliable data e.g. Replicable due to using the same set of questions/Interpretative don’t like as no detail

Question 20

P and I: Qual Data/ Unstructured Interviews

Answer 20

• Low Reliability/No SP and everyone is different/can’t be checked thus reducing their academic standing
• High Validity/In-depth/Accurate/Not just responses but the reasons behind it as well
• Small samples mean it isn’t generalisable
• Time Consuming
• Recordings and Analysis may be subjective
• The setting of Interview/needs to be private
• Fully informed consent means DCs
• Interpretive Approach/Subjective as may see what they want or what they perceive the answer to mean/Maybe inaccurate

Question 21

Conclusion

Answer 21

Justify choices and repeat important benefits