What does E stand for in VAPER
Ethical Factors
What does R stand for in VAPER
Representativeness
What are gatekeepers?
Headteachers who wish to protect pupils and the reputation of the school (therefore not wanting Sociologists to gain access to the school)
Apart from gatekeepers, why is gaining access difficult for the researcher?
Sociologists would need to have a DBS check to get into the school and interact with pupils
Why will the Hawthorne Effect apply to teachers being observed by a Sociologist?
The teacher would want to keep a professional image and show themselves to be fair, supportive teachers
Why will it be hard for the sociologist to gain rapport with pupils?
Sociologists will be older. They are usually more middle class and use elaborated code.
If the research does not include single sex schools or faith schools, the sample used by the sociologist is said to lack what?
Representativeness
If the researcher cannot build rapport with pupils meaning the pupils do not feel comfortable to answer questions honestly, it will affect which factor?
Validity
Why will the school calendar or timetable make it practically hard for Sociologists to use pupils and teachers in research?
Schools will not want to disrupt the learning of pupils by allowing them to take part in sociological research
Why will some pupils not answer honestly in questions asked by a Sociologist?
Pupils would be affected by the Hawthorne Effect or giving socially desirable answers. For e.g they would say they like doing homework or parents are supportive at home
Do you write PEL, PELEL or PEAL paragraphs in the Methods in Context question?
PEAL
Methods in Context is a 20 mark question. How much time do you spend on this question in the exam?
30 minutes
Why do marketisation policies such as open enrolment and league tables affect the Sociologists access to a school to do research?
Schools are worried about the reputation of the school in the local area. Any negative publicity about sociological research in the school could affect how many parents want to send their children to the school
What language code do working class pupils use according to Bernstein?
Restricted Code
Why will maturity levels of pupils be a problem for Sociologists conducting research?
Young pupils require informed consent and they may not fully understand what they are agreeing to by taking part in research. Also parents would need to provide consent which takes more time and effort
Why is taking part in Sociological research potentially harmful to young pupils?
Pupils may be asked about distressing periods in their school life. For e.g. pupils may have to bring up incidents of bullying, racism, conflicts with teachers or parents or their own mental health problems.
Do you have to quote the Methods in Context ‘Item’ in your answer?
NO, but you must read the item and find any useful ideas or phrases that the item includes.
What does V stand for in VAPER?
Validity
Can you used other methods factors outside of VAPER such as verstehen?
Yes, you can. But you do not need to do this to write an A* level essay
Why could parents be emotionally harmed by taking part in the research?
Parent can be sensitive to being judged by Sociologists. Some parents may want to support children more in education but work long hours or do not have cultural capital to give their child. This could be upsetting for parents
