Choice of topic

Question 1

Practical factors

Answer 1

Access to the research group and availability of data
Being unable to access certain situations or unable to gain specific data on topic area may restrict what a sociologist can study
Eg studying crime and fraud, unable to access the corporate world for these types of crimes
Personal characteristics such as gender, age, class can restrict choice
Access to some types of data is difficult for example a diary
Even official stats may not cover the area needed for research focus

Question 2

PF A03:

Answer 2

Theoretical beliefs are also important
Eg Marxist may be more likely to research something different to a member of the New Right
Perspective is intertwined with beliefs

Question 3

Funding bodies

Answer 3

Most research requires funding from an external body as few sociologists have enough money themselves
Include government agencies, charities
As funding body is paying they will influence the topic investigated
Some topics have become much harder to gain funding for as a sociologist may have to deviate from their own interests to fit in those of the funding body

Question 4

A03:

Answer 4

societys values
sociologists are part of the society they study and are influenced by its values and as these values change so does the focus of research