Research methods
Edexcel GCSE Sociology revision on Research methods. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Sociology specification. This bank has 50 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 50)
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Question 1
Primary data is collected by...
- A) Using existing sources
- B) The researcher themselves
- C) Old newspapers
- D) Library books
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Answer: The researcher themselves
PRIMARY DATA: collected by the sociologist for their study (surveys, interviews, observations). SECONDARY DATA: existing sources (government statistics, official records, newspapers, prior research). Primary is more specific but takes time + money. Secondary is quick + cheap but may not exactly fit the question.
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Question 2
A QUANTITATIVE method produces...
- A) Numbers + statistics
- B) Quotes + descriptions
- C) Photos
- D) Stories
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Answer: Numbers + statistics
QUANTITATIVE: surveys, structured interviews, official statistics. Produces numerical data, easy to compare + generalise but lacks depth. QUALITATIVE: unstructured interviews, observation, participant observation, diaries. Rich detail + meaning but harder to generalise. Many studies use BOTH (triangulation).
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Question 3
Positivists prefer ___ methods.
- A) Qualitative
- B) Quantitative
- C) Mixed
- D) Theological
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Answer: Quantitative
POSITIVISTS (e.g. Durkheim): sociology should be like the natural sciences. Use quantitative methods, look for cause + effect, social patterns. INTERPRETIVISTS (e.g. Weber, Symbolic Interactionists): understand meanings + interpretations from individuals' point of view. Use qualitative methods.
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