AQA A-Level Sociology: Research Methods

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from AQA A-Level Sociology Research Methods.

Primary Data

Information collected first-hand by the sociologist for their own research.

Secondary Data

Information already collected by someone else, such as government statistics or documents.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be measured and analysed statistically.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data that gives detailed meanings and experiences.

Questionnaire

A written set of questions completed by participants.

Postal Questionnaire

They are cheap and can reach many people quickly.

Interviews

A method where researchers ask participants questions directly.

Structured Interview

An interview with fixed questions in a set order.

Unstructured Interview

An informal interview with open-ended questions and flexibility.

Participant Observation

A method where the researcher joins the group being studied.

Overt Observation

Participants know they are being studied.

Covert Observation

Participants do not know they are being studied.

Experiments

A method used to test cause and effect by controlling variables.

Laboratory Experiment

An experiment conducted in a controlled environment.

Field Experiment

An experiment carried out in a natural setting.

Reliability

Whether research can be repeated and produce the same results.

Validity

Whether research truly measures what it intends to measure.

Representativeness

How well a sample reflects the wider population.

Practical Issues

Problems involving time, money, access, and resources.

Ethical Issues

Concerns about consent, privacy, harm, and confidentiality.

Theoretical Issues

Concerns about validity, reliability, and the researcher’s perspective.

Sampling

The process of selecting participants for a study.

Random Sample

A sample where everyone has an equal chance of being chosen.

Snowball Sample

Participants recruit other participants for the research.

Official Statistics

Numerical data collected by governments or organisations.

Positivism

Scientific, quantitative methods with reliable data.

Interpretivism

Qualitative methods that provide valid, detailed insights.

Triangulation

Using more than one research method to improve accuracy.

Hawthorne Effect

People changing behaviour because they know they are being studied.

Sociology and Science

Some sociologists believe sociology is scientific because it uses systematic research methods and evidence.