Sociology · May / June 2021 · Paper 11 · Question 1
0495
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In the 1990s sociological research suggested that the internet has a negative effect on individuals. In 2002 this view was challenged.The researchers Shaw and Gant investigated whether using the internet can have a positive effect on health and well-being. 1 The sample for the study was composed of 40 students, 12 males and 28 females, in a university in North Carolina, USA. All participants volunteered for the study and their identities were kept anonymous. The experiment was then conducted over eight weeks. The participants had five internet chat sessions with another participant in the study, but never actually met each other in real life. Each pair of participants were given topics and questions to discuss online. At different stages in the study, each participant also met with the researcher who gave them a questionnaire to fill in. The questionnaire asked about their feelings about depression, loneliness, self-esteem and social support. The same questionnaire was used each time participants met again with the researcher and any changes in participants’ answers over time were noted. The study found that internet use significantly decreases feelings of loneliness and depression and significantly increases feelings of social support and self-esteem. Adapted from: Shaw and Gant, ‘In Defense of the Internet: The Relationship between Internet Communication and Depression, Loneliness, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support’.
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1(a)[2]
From the evidence in Source A, identify two research methods that were used in the study. Acceptable answers:
experiment;questionnaire;online chat session;longitudinal study;triangulation. One mark for each primary method correctly identified from Source A up to a maximum of two).1(b)[2]
Identify two examples of secondary data that could be used to research the ways young people use the internet. Possible answers:
diaries;statistics;historical documents;personal documents;media materials;any other reasonable response. One mark for each example of secondary data correctly identified (up to maximum of two).1(c)[4]
Using information from Source A, describe two reasons why the research may not represent the experiences of all internet users. Possible answers:
the research was only carried out in North Carolina, internet users in other places may have had a different experience;the research was only carried out in USA, internet users in other places may have had a different experience;the sample size was only 40 which is too small to generalise findings across all internet users;the number of women and men were not equal (28 women but only 12 men were researched) so men were underrepresented, and their use of the internet may be quite different to that of women;the sample was made up of students – people who are not students (who are in employment for example) and non-students may use the internet quite differently;the sample were all young – this does not represent older users who may interact with the internet in a different way;the sample were volunteers and may thus have biased views which may not represent all internet users;any other reasonable answer. One mark for each reason correctly identified from the source (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each reason that is developed (up to a maximum of two).1(d)[4]
Describe two strengths of using content analysis as a research method. Possible answers:
it provides information about the content of the media in quantitative form – this allows researchers to identify patterns and trends is media content;it is a reliable method as categories and concepts used are standardised, so other researchers can repeat the study in order to check findings;it does not involve people as respondents thus avoiding ethical issues;it is relatively easy to do and analyse the tally charts, so is practical for researchers;it is the only way to study the media;any other reasonable answer. One mark for each strength correctly identified (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each strength correctly developed (up to a maximum of two).1(e)[8]
Describe two strengths and two limitations of semi-structured interviews. Possible answers: Strengths:
semi-structured interviews are flexible and offer the possibility to probe respondents in new directions and thus increase the amount of qualitative data achieved;if done well they can provide detailed valid data, for example if rapport is achieved and the respondent is put at ease;there is some standardised questions which can provide some quantitative or comparable data which increases reliability in comparison to unstructured interviews;the researcher can assess the honesty and validity of the answers as they are given which is impossible with methods where no researcher is present;semi-structured interviews have a higher response rate than questionnaires because they are arranged face to face;any other reasonable answer. Limitations:interviews are time consuming both to carry out and transcribe and are thus not as practical as methods such as questionnaires and surveys;because of interviewer presence the interviewee may give socially desirable answers which would lower validity;it can be difficult to make generalisations as the sample size may be smaller and also the number of standardised questions is limited;they are less reliable than structured interviews as not all aspects can be replicated such as spontaneous questions;they are not as fully flexible as unstructured interviews as they are an interview rather than a ‘conversation’ which is allows the respondent to lead the researcher into new areas;interviewer bias may occur if the researcher imposes their own values and ideas whilst conducting the interview, thus making the data less valid;any other reasonable answer. One mark for each strength correctly identified (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each strength that is developed (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each limitation correctly identified (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each limitation that is developed (up to a maximum of two).1(f)[10]
Explain why sociologists might use closed questions in sociological research. Possible answers:
closed or pre-coded questions are easier to analyse and put into statistical form;closed questions are quick and easy to complete for the respondent who only has to choose from a range of limited optionsthe use of closed questions in methods like questionnaires and surveys is supported by positivists who are seeking replicable, reliable data;the quantitative data yielded by closed questions can be compared and this gives valuable insights into social issues like inequalityscaled questions can be used to measure people’s opinions and the extent to which they like/dislike something;because closed questions are less time-consuming and may not require a researcher there it is possible to access a larger sample and hence easier to generaliseany other reasonable answer. Band 0 [0 marks] No creditworthy response. Band 1 [1–3 marks] Answers in this band will show only a limited awareness of the question. A tendency to description is likely. Responses may be short and undeveloped and points stated without explanation. Sociological terms and concepts are unlikely to be used. At the bottom of the band (1 mark), expect one weak point. Higher in the band (2–3 marks), candidates may offer more than one weak point. Band 2 [4–7 marks] Answers in this band will show basic sociological knowledge and understanding. Responses may be underdeveloped and lacking in range. At the bottom of the band, candidates are unlikely to use sociological terms and concepts accurately. Higher in the band, candidates may be beginning to use sociological terms and concepts with greater accuracy. However, some aspects of the answer may only be partially developed/explained. Band 3 [8–10 marks] Answers in this band will show good sociological knowledge and understanding and will be well-developed and explained. Sociological terms and concepts will be used accurately overall. Answers will be well-focused on the question and there will be a range of points presented. At the top of the band explanations will be clear throughout.1(g)[15]
To what extent is a micro approach better than a macro approach when researching society? Possible answers: Arguments for:
interpretivists argue that a micro approach which concentrates on the individual is crucial to understanding society as individuals are in control, pulling the strings of social institutions etc.;a micro approach often uses qualitative methods such as observations and interviews and in this way they can gain a highly detailed and valid understanding of individuals and groups;a micro approach can be effective when understanding interactions between individuals in groups – so, for example, how gang members interact or why some pupils are recruited into an anti-school subcultures;a micro approach offers the possibility to delve deep and understand things from the inside, for example in participant observation;a micro approach helps us to understand why people behave as they do as it enables researchers to access meanings and motivations;any other reasonable response. Arguments against:structuralists argue that a macro or large scale approach is necessary to understand the social structures, institutions and roles that individuals play in society;positivists argue that a micro approach cannot uncover correlations and causation between social variables and is hence of little or no use;a micro approach is often used on small samples and hence the possibility of being able to generalise data from the sample to the research population is limited;a micro approach yields little quantitative data and hence comparisons between social groups or individuals is difficult;micro approaches usually involve the researcher in some way – for example as interviewer or observer – and hence the possibility of researcher bias becomes significant, thus reducing the validity of any data gathered;any other reasonable response. Band 0 [0 marks] No creditworthy response. Band 1 [1–4 marks] Answers in this band may be vague and largely based on common sense showing limited knowledge of the debate. Use of sociological terms or concepts is very unlikely. Responses may be short, undeveloped and one- sided. Lower in the band (1–2 marks), expect one or two weak points. Higher in the band (3–4 marks) candidates may offer more than two points and provide a weak definition of key terms in the question. Band 2 [5–8 marks] In this band candidates will show some basic knowledge of the debate. Alternatively, they may offer an answer which is list-like in nature but there will be no real attempt to assess the issues raised by the question. There may be limited/some use of sociological terms or concepts. Responses may be underdeveloped and lack range. Answers may be simplistic and two- sided or only cover one side of the debate. Lower in the band, the response may be rather narrow in the points covered and there may be some development. Higher in the band, more points are likely to be covered with some development. Alternatively, a list-like answer with some development covering both sides of the argument may score up to 8 marks. A one-sided answer cannot score higher than 8 marks. Band 3 [9–12 marks] Answers in this band will show good sociological knowledge and understanding of the debate. Sociological terms and concepts will be used with greater accuracy and/or frequency. For the most part, answers will be well-developed, focused on the questions and there will be a range of points presented. There will be a two-sided response but it may lack range on one side. At the bottom of the band, candidates may provide a narrower range of developed points. At the top of the band, expect a wider range of developed points and clear focus on the question. Band 4 [13–15 marks] Answers in this band will show excellent knowledge and understanding of the debate. There will be a strong grasp of the arguments as well as accurate and frequent use of sociological terms and concepts. Answers will be well-developed, clearly focused on the question and discuss a wide range of points. Responses will be two-sided and have a range of points on each side. At the bottom of the band (13 marks), the answer may lack a specific conclusion. Higher in the band, there will be a clear attempt to offer an assessment of the ‘To what extent?’ part of the question through a focused conclusion.
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