Answering 4-Mark Research Methods in Context Questions (AQA GCSE Sociology)

Here is an example of a research methods question in context:

Identify and explain one disadvantage of using postal questionnaires to investigate attitudes towards cohabitation.

[4 marks]

Model Answer:

Identify the disadvantage in the context of the question:

• A disadvantage is that there is a lack of flexibility, as the respondent's attitude towards cohabitation may not fit one of the options provided

Elaborate in the context of the question:

• This is a weakness because postal questionnaires close off, rather than open up, new and interesting issues and areas about people's attitudes towards cohabitation. Therefore, the data collected on how people feel about cohabitation lacks validity

Level 4 response: 4 marks

Marking Commentary:

This response is in the top band (Level 4) because it identifies a disadvantage of using postal questionnaires ('lack of flexibility') and the answer is well developed ('this is a weakness because...') with reference to the context (investigating attitudes towards cohabitation). This is then clearly linked back to why this is a disadvantage for this study (prevents interesting ideas about attitudes towards cohabitation being identified).

Here is an example of a research methods question in context:

Identify one ethical issue you would need to consider when investigating youth crime and explain how you would deal with this issue in your investigation.

[4 marks]

Model Answer:

Identify the ethical issue:

• Gaining parental (informed) consent [1 mark]

Explain how the ethical issue would be dealt with in the context of the question:

• Parents may not wish to consent in case this investigation on youth crime means their child potentially gets into trouble with the authorities. This could be dealt with by ensuring the parents understand their child's role in the study so they can make an informed decision. They could also be reassured that their child's identity will be kept confidential [3 marks]

Level 4 response: 4 marks

Marking Commentary:

This response is in the top band (Level 4) because it identifies an ethical issue ('parental (informed) consent') and the answer is well developed ('this could be dealt with by...') with reference to the context (investigating youth crime). This is then clearly linked back to why this is an ethical issue for this study (their child may get into trouble, so they need to be reassured of their child's anonymity).

Examiners often mention that the 4-mark research methods in context questions are an area of improvement for students.

As there are several questions on both papers, the methods in context questions are an important area for you to focus on.

To achieve full marks:

• Identify the relevant advantage/disadvantage

• Be able to explain the advantages/disadvantages of the different research techniques

• Be aware of the different sampling techniques and ethical and practical issues of research

• Use sociological terminology

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

• Show a link to the context provided in the question

  • e.g. why is this an advantage/disadvantage for this specified piece of research?