Topic 1 of 7 · Form 3
Theory and methods
Choosing a topic, aims and hypotheses, pilot studies, sampling (random, systematic, stratified, quota, snowball, opportunity), sampling frames, data collection, analysis and evaluation.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Sociological approaches
- Structural approaches (functionalism and Marxism): society shapes individuals. Functionalists stress consensus and shared values; Marxists stress class conflict and inequality.
- Interpretivist (social action) approaches: individuals create meaning through interaction.
- Feminism: focuses on gender inequality and patriarchy.
Research process
Choosing a topic, aims and hypotheses, pilot studies, sampling (random, systematic, stratified, quota, snowball, opportunity), sampling frames, data collection, analysis and evaluation.
Research methods
- Quantitative: questionnaires, structured interviews, official statistics – reliable, generalisable, but may lack validity.
- Qualitative: unstructured interviews, participant observation (overt and covert), personal documents – valid and in-depth, but less reliable and harder to generalise.
- Mixed methods and triangulation.
Key concepts
Reliability, validity, representativeness, generalisability, objectivity, bias, ethics (informed consent, confidentiality, protection from harm).
Exam tip: Evaluate methods with practical, ethical and theoretical points.
Check yourself
- What is a sampling frame?
- Give one advantage and one disadvantage of covert participant observation.
- Why do positivists prefer quantitative data?
Show answers
- A list of all members of the population from which a sample is chosen.
- Advantage: natural behaviour (no observer effect); disadvantage: deception raises ethical problems.
- It is reliable and allows patterns and cause-and-effect relationships to be measured objectively.
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