PET FACTORS Flashcards
characteristics of each, and their meanings (15 cards)
What are practical factors in sociological research?
“Issues that affect how easy or difficult it is to carry out the research
Give 3 examples of practical issues.
Time and cost, access to participants, researcher skills.
What are ethical factors in sociological research?
“Concerns about the rights and well-being
Give an of ethical issues.
“Informed consent
What are theoretical factors in sociological research?
“Issues about the type of knowledge produced
Define validity.
How truthful the information given is
Define reliability.
if you repeat it, you will get the same result
Define representativeness.
“Whether the sample reflects the wider population ,generalisable
What type of data do positivists prefer and why?
Quantitative data because it is reliable
What type of data do interpretivists prefer and why?
“Qualitative data because it provides valid
Which research method is highest in validity?
Unstructured interviews
Which research methods are high in reliability?
“Structured interviews
Which research methods are most ethical?
“Questionnaires and official statistics — low risk of harm or deception.”
Why might covert observation raise ethical issues?
“It involves deception and lack of informed consent.”
Why might school research be difficult practically?
“Teachers may gatekeep or parents may block access; school timetables are restrictive.”
