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GCSE Sociology — Sociological Research Methods

Led by Harriet Martineau Simulacrum

3 modules 3 units Sociology Updated 6 days ago

The sociologist's toolkit — types of data, the methods of research and how to judge them by validity, reliability, ethics, and representativeness, and the sampling and ethical issues every study must face.

Types of Data1Methods of Research2Sampling and Researc…3
  1. Module 1

    Types of Data

    Led by Harriet Martineau Simulacrum

    The question

    What kinds of evidence exist? You will distinguish primary from secondary data and qualitative from quantitative data, study the sources of secondary data (diaries, journals, official and non-official statistics), and weigh the usefulness and limits of each.

    Outcome

    You can judge which type of data suits a given research question.

    Sub-units

    1. ○ 1.1 Primary, Secondary, Qualitative, and Quantitative Data
    2. ○ 1.2 Sources of Secondary Data
  2. Module 2

    Methods of Research

    Led by Harriet Martineau Simulacrum

    The question

    Which instrument for which study? You will study questionnaires, structured and unstructured interviews, and observations, and learn to judge each by the four touchstones — validity, reliability, ethics, and representativeness — and the value of mixed methods.

    Outcome

    You can choose a method for a study and defend it against its weaknesses.

    Sub-units

    1. ○ 2.1 Questionnaires, Interviews, and Observations
    2. ○ 2.2 Judging Methods: Validity, Reliability, Ethics, Representativeness
  3. Module 3

    Sampling and Research Issues

    Led by Harriet Martineau Simulacrum

    The question

    Whom do you study, and at what cost? You will study representative and non-representative sampling and what each lets you claim, the practical issues of access, gatekeepers, time and cost, and the ethical issues of consent, confidentiality, harm, and deception.

    Outcome

    You can identify the sampling and ethical problems in a proposed study.

    Sub-units

    1. ○ 3.1 Sampling Processes
    2. ○ 3.2 Practical and Ethical Issues