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Research Methods and Data Collection
Ever wondered how sociologists gather information about human behaviour? There are several key methods, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks that affect the quality of research.
Mixed methods combine both quantitative and qualitative approaches, giving researchers the best of both worlds. This approach, also called triangulation, allows you to cross-check findings - if different methods show the same results, you can be more confident they're accurate. Eileen Barker famously used observations to design better questionnaires for her research. However, this thorough approach takes ages and costs a fortune.
Questionnaires are brilliant for collecting loads of data quickly and cheaply. They're reliable because everyone gets asked the same questions, and people often feel more comfortable being honest when they're anonymous. The downside? You might end up with an unrepresentative sample, and closed questions can miss important details that open questions would reveal.
Interviews give you people's genuine, first-hand perspectives on their experiences. Unstructured interviews create a relaxed atmosphere where people open up more freely - Ann Oakley argued this creates a more equal dynamic than the rigid, male-dominated style of structured interviews. Unfortunately, they're time-consuming, expensive, and interviewer bias can skew responses depending on the researcher's characteristics.
Quick Tip: Remember that unstructured methods typically have high validity but low reliability, whilst structured methods have high reliability but lower validity.
Observations, Ethics, and Sampling Techniques
Observations offer incredibly high validity because you're watching real behaviour as it happens naturally. Covert observation works particularly well for studying hard-to-reach groups - James Patrick and Laud Humphreys used this method to research communities on society's edges. The major risks include researchers 'going native' (becoming too involved), difficulty recording accurately, and the method being unrepresentative due to small sample sizes.
Research ethics involve five key principles: informed consent, right of withdrawal, confidentiality, preventing harm, and debriefing participants. Whilst these shouldn't be ignored (they protect participants and maintain sociology's reputation), some argue they can sometimes be bent. Paul Feyerabend believed researchers should use whatever methods work best, especially when there's no alternative way to gather crucial information.
Sampling methods determine who gets studied in your research. Random samples are completely unbiased, whilst stratified random samples ensure all groups are represented proportionally. Systematic sampling (like taking every 5th name) offers an alternative to pure randomness. Quota samples let researchers target specific numbers from different groups, convenience samples allow anyone to participate, and the snowball method uses connections to reach hidden populations - Laurie Taylor used this brilliantly to study criminals.
Understanding primary versus secondary data and qualitative versus quantitative approaches helps you choose the right method for your research question. Primary data is up-to-date and specific but costly, whilst qualitative data provides rich descriptions but can be time-consuming to analyse.
Remember: Your choice of method should always match your research aims - there's no one-size-fits-all approach in sociology!
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Overview of Research Methods for GCSE Sociology
Sociological research methods are the tools that help us understand how society works and why people behave the way they do. Whether you're studying crime, education, or family life, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches will help... Show more
Research Methods and Data Collection
Ever wondered how sociologists gather information about human behaviour? There are several key methods, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks that affect the quality of research.
Mixed methods combine both quantitative and qualitative approaches, giving researchers the best of both worlds. This approach, also called triangulation, allows you to cross-check findings - if different methods show the same results, you can be more confident they're accurate. Eileen Barker famously used observations to design better questionnaires for her research. However, this thorough approach takes ages and costs a fortune.
Questionnaires are brilliant for collecting loads of data quickly and cheaply. They're reliable because everyone gets asked the same questions, and people often feel more comfortable being honest when they're anonymous. The downside? You might end up with an unrepresentative sample, and closed questions can miss important details that open questions would reveal.
Interviews give you people's genuine, first-hand perspectives on their experiences. Unstructured interviews create a relaxed atmosphere where people open up more freely - Ann Oakley argued this creates a more equal dynamic than the rigid, male-dominated style of structured interviews. Unfortunately, they're time-consuming, expensive, and interviewer bias can skew responses depending on the researcher's characteristics.
Quick Tip: Remember that unstructured methods typically have high validity but low reliability, whilst structured methods have high reliability but lower validity.
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Observations, Ethics, and Sampling Techniques
Observations offer incredibly high validity because you're watching real behaviour as it happens naturally. Covert observation works particularly well for studying hard-to-reach groups - James Patrick and Laud Humphreys used this method to research communities on society's edges. The major risks include researchers 'going native' (becoming too involved), difficulty recording accurately, and the method being unrepresentative due to small sample sizes.
Research ethics involve five key principles: informed consent, right of withdrawal, confidentiality, preventing harm, and debriefing participants. Whilst these shouldn't be ignored (they protect participants and maintain sociology's reputation), some argue they can sometimes be bent. Paul Feyerabend believed researchers should use whatever methods work best, especially when there's no alternative way to gather crucial information.
Sampling methods determine who gets studied in your research. Random samples are completely unbiased, whilst stratified random samples ensure all groups are represented proportionally. Systematic sampling (like taking every 5th name) offers an alternative to pure randomness. Quota samples let researchers target specific numbers from different groups, convenience samples allow anyone to participate, and the snowball method uses connections to reach hidden populations - Laurie Taylor used this brilliantly to study criminals.
Understanding primary versus secondary data and qualitative versus quantitative approaches helps you choose the right method for your research question. Primary data is up-to-date and specific but costly, whilst qualitative data provides rich descriptions but can be time-consuming to analyse.
Remember: Your choice of method should always match your research aims - there's no one-size-fits-all approach in sociology!
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What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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Most popular content: Research Methods
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user