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Sociology · Oct / Nov 2021 · Paper 11 · Question 1

0495

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A field experiment is a research method that takes place in real-life situations. Interpretivists prefer using a more natural setting for their research, while other sociologists prefer data gathered from laboratory experiments. 1 A recent field experiment involved sending two fake job applications to 25 companies in a small city in the north of the UK. The only difference between the two applications was the ethnic background of the fake applicants. One was given the traditional English surname of Smith and the other was given the traditional Indian surname of Singh. The applications from Smith were more successful than those from Singh. The researcher concluded that ethnic minorities faced racism in UK workplaces. However, it is uncertain whether other factors may have been responsible for the results. The research raises ethical issues as the companies involved were deceived. They were unaware they were part of a research study and also unaware of the purpose of the study. The companies were protected though, as the researcher ensured the anonymity of the companies involved when the research was published.

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  • 1(a)[2]

    From Source A identify two ethical issues raised by the research. Acceptable responses:

    companies were deceived
    companies were unaware of the purpose of the study
    the companies did not give informed consent
    companies were also unaware they were part of a study at all
    researchers ensured anonymity One mark for each ethical issue correctly identified from Source A (up to a maximum of two).

  • 1(b)[2]

    Identify two research methods that could be used by interpretivists, apart from field experiments. Possible responses:

    covert observation
    overt observation
    participant observation
    non-participant observation
    unstructured/semi interviews
    focus groups/group interviews
    longitudinal study
    any other reasonable response One mark for each method correctly identified (up to maximum of two).

  • 1(c)[4]

    Using information from Source A, describe two possible problems with the researcher’s conclusion. Possible responses:

    the sample was small, only sending two fake job applications to 25 companies and therefore it may not be accurate to generalise to the whole of the UK;
    the study only took place in a small city in the north of the UK and so this might not be representative of the whole UK making the conclusions wrong;
    it is uncertain whether other factors may have been responsible for the results – because in field experiments it is very difficult to control all the possible variables so their conclusions might be wrong;
    any other reasonable response. One mark for each problem correctly identified (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each point that is developed (up to a maximum of two).

  • 1(d)[4]

    Describe two limitations of using laboratory experiments in sociological research. Possible responses:

    laboratory experiments often have ethical issues, for example respondents in Milgram’s experiment on conformity did not give informed consent;
    some laboratory experiments can be very costly to set up e.g. Zimbardo’s prison experiment required much expensive equipment;
    interpretivists would criticise the validity of laboratory experiments as they are taking place in an unnatural setting;
    the Hawthorne effect can occur in laboratory experiments as respondents are aware they are being watched and so may alter their behaviour;
    any other reasonable response. 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(e)[8]

    Describe two strengths and two limitations of using diaries in sociological research. Strengths:

    they offer first-hand accounts by people involved and therefore offer a unique view of a particular situation;
    sometimes diaries might be the only means of researching what life was like for individuals in the past;
    diaries are favoured by interpretivists as they offer individual accounts and are useful for studying society at the micro level;
    they are cheap and save researcher’s time as no primary data needs to be gathered;
    diaries can shed light on many different aspects of social life and so throw up interesting and unexpected findings;
    diaries can have detail and depth so are often considered to be high in validity;
    any other reasonable response. Limitations:
    they may be biased, intentionally or otherwise, and may only reflect the emotional state of the writer at the time;
    they need to be checked against other sources because they may simply reflect the opinions of the writer and therefore require corroboration;
    some groups are unlikely to produce personal documents such as diaries and so their views aren't represented while those with the literacy skills may be over-represented;
    they may be unrepresentative and therefore researchers are unable to make generalisations;
    any other reasonable response. 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 it can be difficult to plan and prepare to do sociological research. Possible responses:

    because conducting research can be expensive and so failure to find funding may prevent the research being implemented;
    although an overall topic might be identified planning a research strategy might be difficult because it can be very difficult to formulate a useful hypothesis or identify a clear aim;
    it can be difficult to plan and prepare a research strategy because researchers must consider ethical issues e.g. the British Sociological Association’s guidelines – it may be difficult to observe these and still get the data needed;
    it can be difficult to plan a research strategy because the sociologist’s perspective and preconceived ideas can skew the research in a biased direction;
    it can be difficult to prepare a research strategy because some studies require multiple researchers and making sure they all operate in the same way can be very difficult;
    it can be difficult to implement a research strategy because some methods have inherent weaknesses such as interviewer bias or the Hawthorne effect – overcoming these is not easy;
    identifying a topic for research at the preparing stage may be difficult because there may be practical problems such as finding respondents (access to sample);
    any other reasonable response. 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 data gathered by the positivist approach the most useful? Arguments for:

    positivists argue scientific research methods should be objective or value- free and the researcher’s own values and prejudices should not influence the collection or analysis of data;
    positivists value quantitative data from which they are able to detect trends and patterns;
    positivists look to establish correlations and causations e.g. Durkheim’s study of suicide;
    positivists see official statistics, public documents and the content analysis of media reports as the most scientific types of secondary data;
    positivists use large data sets that enable them to use sociology to inform social policy e.g. official statistics;
    positivists argue social surveys are usually controlled through the use of sampling techniques, pilot surveys and the use of value-free questions;
    positivists value objective methods and so tend to reduce bias and subjectivity from their data;
    positivists see the study of society as more important than the study of individuals and hence focus on the bigger picture;
    positivists value methods that are high in reliability meaning methods can be easily repeated allowing researchers to draw better conclusions;
    positivists believe that sociology is a science and that sociologists should be seeking to uncover the social laws which they believe govern the behaviour of human beings;
    any other reasonable response. Arguments against:
    interpretivists value methods that produce rich data high in validity;
    interpretivists value small-scale research and prefer to use a micro approach to gathering data;
    interpretivists argue that we need to get close to respondents in order to see the world through their eyes – verstehen;
    interpretivists prefer to use unstructured interviews, participant observation & field experiments as their primary research methods;
    interpretivists prefer to use secondary data such as personal documents/ diaries and the semiotic analysis of media reports;
    interpretivists argue the way in which people give meaning to the behaviour of others is a significant factor in the understanding of society;
    interpretivists see human beings as self-aware individuals who are able to exercise choice and free will;
    any other reasonable response. Band 0 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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