2. To have an understanding of types of
quantitative methods of research Ao1
Be able to evaluate quantitative methods of
research. Ao2
3. Without using your notes, write a definition of
the following words in relation to
observation:
4. When conducting a piece of research it
would be impossible to study the entire
population. It costs too much and would be
time consuming.
Instead researchers take a sample to the
population that will be represent the views
of the population – this is called a
representative sample.
A sample can be considered not
representative if it does not include a
mixture of ages, gender and people from
different areas.
5. Target population- is the entire group a
researcher is interested in; the group about
which the researcher wishes to draw
conclusions.
Representative – if a sample is
representative it represents the target
population.
Generalisability – This means the findings
can me used to make general assumptions
about different groups.
6. Random sampling is based on the idea that
if the sample is chosen at random then
everyone has an equal chance of being
selected, so you would get a better mix of
people from your target population.
Random samples consist of selecting names
from a list called a sampling frame.
The sampling frame needs to be
representative of the group that the
researcher wishes to study.
7. Reduces Bias
More likely to be representative
Increases possibility for generalisability.
If sampling frame is flawed then results will
be flawed.
Researcher lack of control over choice of
participants
8. Can be called Volunteer sampling.
This is were individuals offer to be part of the
sample.
It is easy to do and can reach a variety of
participants.
9. Quick and easy to get sample
Participants motivated to complete survey
and answer honestly
Biased Results
Not representative
Lacks generalisability
10. Stratified sampling involves classifying the
population into groups and then choosing a
sample which consists of participants from
each group in the same proportion as they
are in the target population.
For example if we wanted to take a sample of
students in the 6th form and 20% of all the 6th
form have jobs then 20% of our sample should
have jobs.
11. Representative of target population.
Can be generalised.
Time consuming
Need details of your target population to
replicate in your sample
12. Snowball sampling is a non- probability
sampling technique.
Existing participants in sample get their
friends and family to join in with the sample.
Therefore it has a snowball effect – starts
small and gets bigger.
As the sample gets bigger more data is
collected.
Often used were access to the target
population is difficult.
13. Easier to get sample- only recruit a small
amount then it grows from that.
Useful in hidden populations as you only
need access to a few people to begin with.
Bias
Not representative
Not generalisable
Very respondent driven
14.
15. Surveys are used to collect Quantitative data
A social survey involves data collection
usually from a large number of people.
Surveys often use questionnaires and less
often interviews- through closed questions.
Used to find out facts about the population,
uncover beliefs and test hypothesis.
Before a full social survey is carried out its is
usual to carry out a pilot survey.
16. Phone survey
Computerised in shops
Internet survey- survey on websites or by
email
Focus groups
Interview- verbal survey
Through the post
Given in restaurants, hotels etc.
By text message
17. Quantitative data which can then be used for
statistical analysis.
Easy to examine this type of data.
Takes less time than examining qualitative
data
Inexpensive
If representative then results can be useful.
Standardised questions make results more
precise
High reliability.
18. Inflexible, must stay the same as initial
design.
Get facts not reasons.
Difficulties in ensuring response.
May not be truthful.
Using standardised questions may not be
applicable to all respondents.
19.
20. In 4 groups we are all going to look at a
different survey.
Evaluate the survey used, Think about:
1. What kind of sample they used?
2. Was the sample representative?
3. Can the results be generalised?
4. Any problems with the survey?
5. How could they improve it?
6. Are the results useful ?
21. More commonly used in natural sciences such as
physics and chemistry.
Widely used in Psychology less in sociology
because :
1) Cannot replicate normal life in an artificial
environment
2) Ethical issues
3) Risk of experimenter effect- Demand
characteristics.
Rosenhan (1982) Sent ‘normal’ people into
Psychiatric units, to see how they were treated.
22. Comparing differences across groups in
society over time.
Comparing different social variables.
Emile Durkheim – used comparative methods
in his classic study of different suicide levels
in societies. Concluding that cultural
differences across countries motivated people
to commit suicide.
23. A case study is a detailed study of one
individual or one group.
The results are usually in depth and very
detailed.
Criticised for not being representative.
Greshieber (1997) conducted case studies of
how families ate their meals and negotiation
of rules.
24. Using the AS textbook complete the ‘check
your understanding’ section. Questions 1- 6.
Page 79.
Write out the question and your answer.
25. Over half term complete the mock exam
question.
Read the extract then use this and your
knowledge of sociological research to answer
the question.
Due on the 31st October
