Research Methods 2

Question 1

Outline the beliefs of positivists

Answer 1

Believe society is made of objective facts that can be measured

• quantitative research methods
• high in reliability and objectivity
• more of a structural approach

Question 2

Outline the beliefs of interpretevists

Answer 2

Humans are not puppets of social structures but act in their own accord

• qualitative methods

However, they are accused of being unscientific and anecdotal with results that cannot be generalised to the wider population

Question 3

Define stratified random sampling

Answer 3

The population is divided into strata (e.g by ethnicity or class) and a random sample is drawn

High in representativeness

Question 4

Define purposive sampling

Answer 4

Hand picking participants because they have specific characteristics

Question 5

Outline what a gatekeeper is

Answer 5

Someone who prevents access to a research group
E.g a headteacher, gang leader

Question 6

Give an overview of questionnaires and surveys including who they are favoured by and the pros

Answer 6

Favoured by positivists