METHODS IN CONTEXT - SOCIOLOGY

What are the 5 main groups and settings in education?

1. Pupils

2. Teachers

3. Parents

4. Classrooms

5. Schools

What are the 3 major differences between studying young people and studying adults?

• power and status

• ability and understanding

• vulnerability

What is the difference between adults and children in terms of "ability and understanding"?

Failing to understamd the research

- may reduce the validity of the research

What is the difference between adults and children's in terms of "vulnerability"?

Eg. If a student has admitted to self harm, the researcher has a duty of care to report this back to the school

Do children/young people tend to have more or less power than adults?

Less

Why does adults having more power make it difficult for younger people?

They may find it difficult to share/express their attitudes - especially if they challenge the adult

What type of research could you use to research bullying in schools?

• unstructured interviews

• covert observation

Why do teachers want to influence the views of students in a piece of research?

Make them (and the school) look better, not damage the reputation, don't want to get painted out in a bad light, teachers may want to protect their job

How could this influence the outcomes of the research? (Teachers influencing answers)

Alter data, may make students speak/behave differently, this reduces the validity of the research, don't have the full picture, effects the reliability

How could a researcher tailor their research to small children?

Use pictoral form, make them draw it out, use simple vocab, shorter research (so the child doesn't get stressed), rest breaks, place (familiarity), have toys/colouring, use analogies (so they understand)

Give an example of an analogy where children will understand in terms of bullying?

A group of animals, them leaving one animal out

What does CAGE mean?

Class, age, gender, ethnicity

AO3: Are there any other factors that a researcher needs to consider when researching students? THINK CAGE (in terms of bullying)

More simple lanaguge with younger students, having a female/male interviewer based on group, cultural capital (better understanding of bullying), may be bullied by a male so want a female interviewer, anti school subcultures - younger people may be more understanding

Give an example of considering ethnicities? CAGE

A white researcher wanting to study a group of black students - the students may feel the researcher will never understand their experiences

Are children or adults at more or less risk of being vulnerable?

Children

Give an example of preventing harm to a participant in terms of bullying?

• if someone who was less effected may be more open to talking about their experiences

BUT

• if someone is experiencing bullying now, they may feel top vulnerable to open up about it

What must young people know/be informed about the research?

must be fully informed about

• the nature of the research

• informed consent

• when/where the research will be published

Why is preventing physical and psychological harm to a child more difficult than an adult?

It can be more difficult to explain to a small child

When researching young people there are many "gatekeepers" who are these?

Parents, teachers, participants, siblings, religious leaders, headteachers, local councils, school boards/governors/trustees

What does "gatekeepers" mean?

People who hold/alter research and information

Give an exmaple of "gatekeepers" in terms of parents? Linking to bullying

A parent may not want to accept or admit their child is bullying another child

• as children are a reflection of their parents