Answering 2-Mark Research Methods in Context Questions (AQA GCSE Sociology)

Here is an example of a research methods 2-mark question:

From Item A, examine one strength of the research.

[2 marks]

Model Answer:

Identify a strength:

• The study was covert [1 mark].

Explain why it is a strength:

• This is a strength because the boys in the gang did not know they were being studied, avoiding the Hawthorne effect [1 mark].

Marking Commentary:

This response achieves full marks because it identifies a strength of the research ('study was covert') and the answer is well developed ('this is a strength because...') with reference to the context (investigating a gang of teenage boys), showing a clear chain of reasoning.

Here is an example of a research methods 2-mark question:

From Item A, examine one strength of using statistics to research one-person households.

[2 marks]

Model Answer:

Identify a strength:

• The data is readily available online from the ONS each year [1 mark].

Explain why it is a strength:

• This is a strength as the data can be used to reveal patterns and trends, e.g. whether one-person households are increasing over time [1 mark].

Marking Commentary:

This response achieves full marks because it identifies one strength of using statistics ('data is readily available') and the answer is well developed ('this is a strength because...') with reference to the context (one-person households), showing a clear chain of reasoning.

Carefully read the item and highlight or underline the most important information within it.

To achieve full marks:

• For each strength/weakness, provide only one well-developed explanation that connects to the item.

• Use sociological terminology

  • e.g. use the terms valid, reliable or representative rather than 'accurate' or 'flawed'

Simply stating the research method will not earn you any marks.

You will never be asked a stand-alone research methods question, e.g. examine a weakness of official statistics.