Theoretical factors

Question 1

Reliability

Answer 1

Replication/consistency
Being able to repeat the study and get the same results

Question 2

Validity

Answer 2

How accurate the study is
The study is investigating what it claims to investigate

Question 3

Generalisability

Answer 3

Are the ps representative of the target population, can we generalise their results
Larger and more diverse samples are more generalisable

Question 4

Positivist approach to research

Answer 4

Sociological research should be approached in the same way as natural sciences

Question 5

Interpretivist approach to research

Answer 5

To understand society you need to understand the meanings behind behaviour

Question 6

Preferred methods for positivists

Answer 6

High validity + reliable methods that can be replicated and verified

Question 7

Preferred methods for interpretivists

Answer 7

High validity methods that provide in depth detail

Question 8

Positivists preferred types of data

Answer 8

Quantitative

Question 9

Interpretivists preferred type of data

Answer 9

Qualititative

Question 10

Positivists perspectives

Answer 10

Structural

Question 11

Interpretivists perspectives

Answer 11

Interactionist

Question 12

Strengths of positivist perspective

Answer 12

Can determine social facts
Trends can predict behaviour
Objective conclusions

Question 13

Weaknesses of positivist perspective

Answer 13

Impossible to be completely objective
Artificial settings - lacks validity

Question 14

Strengths of interpretivist perspective

Answer 14

Detailed, in depth data
Tells you why

Question 15

Weaknesses of interpretivist perspective

Answer 15

Open to interpretation
Descriptive
Time consuming methods to complete + analyse