This document outlines four potential exam questions for a sociology research methods exam. The questions cover participant observation, official statistics, experiments, and practical issues in selecting research methods and topics. Students would need to discuss the advantages and problems of each method and weigh the importance of practical issues when choosing a method and topic.

1. Part 3 of your exam – questions on
research method. These questions
make up question (d) of part 3
1. June 2007
Examine the advantages some
sociologists may find when using
participant observation in their
research. (20 marks)
2. June 2009
Examine the problems of using
official statistics in sociological
research.(20 marks)
3. January 2009
Examine the problems some
sociologists may face when using
experiments in their research.
(20marks)
4. January 2010
Examine the extent to which
practical issues are the most
important influence when
selecting research methods and a
research topic. (20 marks)