Research Methods

Question 1

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data

Answer 1

Quantitative data focuses on numbers and statistics, while qualitative data explores meanings and experiences.

Question 2

Primary vs. Secondary Methods

Answer 2

Primary methods involve first-hand data collection; secondary methods analyse existing data.

Question 3

Bandura

Answer 3

Conducted lab experiments on aggression using the Bobo doll, emphasising the influence of observation.

Question 4

Rosenthal and Jacobson

Answer 4

Used field experiments to study teacher expectations and the self-fulfilling prophecy. “Pygmalion in the Classroom” took place in a Californian elementary school and labelled 20% of the students at random as “intellectual bloomers”. Lead to the Pygmalion effect or Rosenthal effect where these students performed better academically whilst their peers stayed the same.

Question 5

Willis

Answer 5

Used participant observation to explore working-class boys’ resistance to schooling.

Question 6

Patrick

Answer 6

Conducted covert participant observation in a Glasgow gang to study deviance.

Question 7

Dobash and Dobash

Answer 7

Used structured and unstructured interviews to examine domestic violence.

Question 8

Willmott and Young

Answer 8

Conducted surveys to study changing family structures.

Question 9

The Census

Answer 9

A large-scale structured questionnaire used to collect demographic data. Provides comprehensive secondary data on households and population trends.

Question 10

Birth and Death Statistics

Answer 10

Official statistics used to analyse population changes.

Question 11

Ofsted Reports

Answer 11

Secondary public documents evaluating school performance.

Question 12

Macpherson Report

Answer 12

A public inquiry report analysing institutional racism in policing.

Question 13

Hey

Answer 13

Used personal documents, such as notes passed in class, to study girls’ friendships.