Sociology · Oct / Nov 2023 · Paper 11 · Question 1
0495
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Source A 1 Focus groups are a method of research used in sociology and wider society. Like most research methods, focus groups have strengths and weaknesses. One strength is that focus groups allow researchers to obtain in-depth data. Weaknesses of focus groups are that they can be expensive to organise and are time consuming. Researchers Slater and Tiggemann used six focus groups to study girls’ reasons for withdrawing from sport. A sample of 49 adolescent girls between the ages of 13 and 15 was selected. By using focus groups the researchers were able to create an atmosphere where the girls felt comfortable talking honestly. During the girls’ discussion the researchers were able to observe body language and interaction between participants. During each focus group Slater and Tiggemann only asked two questions. The researchers deliberately took a less active role to allow the girls’ conversation to develop naturally. Source: Adapted from Slater and Tiggemann (2010) “Uncool to do sport”.
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1(a)[2]
From Source A, identify two weaknesses of focus groups. Acceptable answers:
focus groups can be expensive to organise;focus groups are time consuming. One mark for each correct weakness identified up to a maximum of two.1(b)[2]
Identify two methods that could be used by interpretivists, apart from focus groups. Possible answers:
overt observation (any type);unstructured interviews;semi-structured interviews;group interviews;case studies;longitudinal studies;triangulation;any other reasonable response. One mark for any correct method identified (up to a maximum of two).1(c)[4]
Using information from Source A, describe two reasons why the research may be valid. Possible answers:
focus groups allow researchers to obtain in-depth data which is qualitative and therefore more likely to be valid;researchers were able to create an atmosphere where the girls felt comfortable to open up, such an environment is likely to elicit detailed answers that will be valid;researchers were able to observe body language and interaction between multiple participants, this will give researchers a deeper and more valid understanding of the participants;researchers deliberately took a less active role to allow the girls’ conversation to develop naturally, this is likely to elicit truthful answers that will be valid;any other reasonable response. One mark for each point that appropriately references the source (up to a maximum of two). One mark for each point that is correctly developed (up to a maximum of two).1(d)[4]
Describe two strengths of using laboratory experiments in sociological research. Possible answers:
they yield quantitative data which is easy to analyse and present in charts and graphs/make comparisons and identify patterns and trends;the method is high in reliability – due the standardised methods it allows research to be carried out again so the data can be checked;they are part of a scientific approach that reduces the chances of researcher bias;researcher objectivity – standardised research methods help maintain researcher neutrality;accuracy and precision – research setting is highly controlled and data is recorded correctly;easy to isolate variables – external variables are controlled;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).1(e)[8]
Describe two strengths and two limitations of snowball sampling. Possible answers: Strengths:
allows the researcher to reach populations that are difficult to sample e.g. criminals/gangs;the process is cheap and cost-efficient as it only involves a researcher finding one participant (who then finds another etc.);may be less complicated as a sampling frame is not required;the technique may require less planning as participants recruit other participants;the technique does not require a team of researchers and hence saves cost;it is particularly useful when sampling vulnerable populations e.g. drug users;as the researcher is introduced to the respondents via a contact the sample may be more likely to give valid information as they are more trusting;any other reasonable response. Limitations:a snowball sample may be time consuming as it builds up slowly based on trust;the researcher has little control over the sample so it may end up being from one social group e.g. females;the participants that the researcher can obtain rely mainly on the previous participants that were researched – maybe biased or failure to get a sample;lacks the variety required for a representative sample as people will recruit friends and acquaintances;it is possible that the sample that the researcher will obtain is only a small subgroup of the entire population – problems of generalisability;sampling bias is likely when using this sampling technique;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 some sociologists use secondary data in sociological research. Possible answers:
because secondary data such as official statistics is readily available, often free of charge on the internet and therefore cheap and easy to use;because secondary data might be the only way to gather evidence, for example, using historic documents because participants from the time are no longer alive;researchers often use secondary data at the start as part of a literature review and/or to see what research has already been carried out in the field so they don’t just replicate it;because often secondary data is data that has been produced from research that is professional, well planned and organised, such as government statistics, so there is a higher chance of reliability;there are no ethical issues for the researcher to consider as they are not dealing directly with a sample/respondents;because sometimes there is no practical alternative as secondary quantitative data is often conducted by teams on a large scale that is beyond the time and money available to individuals, e.g. the census;because secondary data covers both qualitative and quantitative data from both past and present on a wide range of topics;because it can give access to longitudinal and comparative studies which may allow researchers to spot trends and patterns;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 are questionnaires the best method for sociological research? Possible answers: Arguments for:
it is possible to reach large numbers of people so that you can have a large sample which may make your results more representative and easier to generalise;postal questionnaires are relatively cheap compared to interviews because no trained researchers are needed, they are simply sent by post;with postal questionnaires the researcher is not present when the questionnaires are filled in and therefore cannot influence the answers given, enhancing validity;it is relatively cheap and easy to reach wide geographical areas, improving the representativeness of the sample;with telephone questionnaires the researcher can address any misunderstanding of questions;they are convenient for the respondent as they can fill them in when they choose;if using closed questions in a questionnaire it is easy to quantify and generate statistics, patterns and trends;questions are pre-set and standardised and therefore it is high in reliability, so the method could be repeated and the same or similar findings are likely to occur;any other reasonable response. Arguments against:findings may not be representative as there is generally a low response rate to postal questionnaires;researchers cannot be sure the questionnaire has been completed by the intended recipient potentially affecting the representativeness of the sample;questions may be misunderstood by the respondent and the researcher is not able to explain, this impacts on validity;respondents may have to select a less valid option i.e. where questionnaires include multiple choice options the option they want is not available and this may negatively impact on the accuracy of the picture gained;other methods such as observation allow for more in-depth research e.g. participant observations allows for verstehen as researchers can see from an insider’s point of view;other methods such as unstructured interviews allow for a rapport between researcher and participant and this can improve validity;interpretivists prefer qualitative data obtained from methods like focus groups, this allows for more detailed data as well as allowing for new avenues of research to be explored;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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