Unit 1:

2 marks:

Pilot study: a small scale test of a piece of a research project before the main research.

Open questions: In open questions the respondent can reply freely in their own words to give the responses. They
are mostly used for qualitative data.

Pre-coded/closed questions: closed or pre-coded questions are those where the research has set out which
responses can be recorded.

Reliability: when the research can be repeated and similar responses will be obtained.

Validity: when the finding accurately reflect the reality that it is intended to capture.

4 marks:

What is meant by reliability and validity? – Compare validity and reliability meanings.

Differentiate between open and closed questions – Again, compare the definitions of open and closed questions.

Are social surveys usually high in reliability? How? –

Social surveys are usually high in reliability; that is, they can be repeated and similar responses will be obtained.
However, they are not always valid – the findings are not necessarily true. This was shown in a study in 1980s to find
out how many unsuitable films children had watched. Surveys found many children had seen some of these films,
but to check the validity if the research, many of the films did not even exist.

What are the strengths of sampling or samples? – 1) more manageable 2) saves time and money 3) easy to make
generalization of the whole population.

Describe any two types of sampling –

Random sampling - This is when everyone in the sampling frame has an equal chance of being chosen. Random
samples are not always representative; for example by chance, a sampling frame containing equal numbers of boys
and girls might produce a sample dominated by one sex;

Systematic samples – This is when there is a regular pattern to the choice – for example, every tenth name in the
sample frame is chosen. It is not random because other names in the frame have no chance of being chosen.

8 marks:

Q1) Describe two strengths and two limitations of carrying out group interviews.

Pro: Save time and widen the pool. One of the biggest benefits of a group interview is how quick it is. Instead of
having to devote a whole day to meet each applicant one by one, you talk to them all in one shorter session. Con:
Less time to get to know individual candidates. The downside to the group interview’s time-efficient process is that
you have less time to talk to each candidate. If you have a really strong shortlist of candidates and enough time to
meet them all, traditional interviews might still be the best option. Are you a believer in that old saying, “talent
always shines through”? In a group interview, you’ll have a bunch of candidates with limited time to make their
strengths known. They’ll be in direct competition for your attention. This could mean that the strongest personalities
will command the room, while weaker candidates fade into the background. Another take is that the loudest
applicants may dominate your group interviews – and they won’t necessarily be the best people for the job.

Q2) What are the strengths and limitations of self-completion questionnaire?

Strengths: i) they are cheaper than structured interviews because they can be distributed by post. ii) Large number
of questionnaire can be posted to participants who may be geographically distant, iii) the researcher is not present
so cannot influence the answers given. iv) They are convenient for participants who can complete the questionnaire
when they choose.

Limitations: i) the response rate is low compared to structured interviews. Ii) Questions may be misunderstood and if
a participant does not understand a question, there is no one present to explain it. Iii) The researcher cannot be sure
who answered the questions. Iv) Participants often leave some questions unanswered.

Q3) What are interviews? Explain three types of interviews in detail.

The three main types of interview in sociological research are structured, semi-structured and
unstructured. An interview consists of a face-to-face question-and-answer session between interviewer and
interviewee. In structured interviews, the questions are asked in a set / standardized order and the interviewer will
not deviate from the interview schedule or probe beyond the answers received (so they are not flexible). In semi-
structured interviews, the interviewer has an interview guide that has a list of questions or fairly specific topics to be
covered. The order of the questions may vary and questions in the guide may be asked, but all questions in the guide
will be used with a fairly similar wording. In unstructured interviews, the interviewer has only a brief set of prompts.
The aim is to get the interview to talk freely and the interviewer will try not to say very much except for encouraging
the interviewee or probing a bit deeper at times.

15 marks:

Q1) To what extent are unstructured interviews successful for qualitative research?

Widen these points:

i) In unstructured interviews, the interviewer has only a brief set of prompts. The aim is to get the
interviewee to talk freely and the interviewer will try not to say very much except for encouraging the
interviewee or probing a bit deeper at times.
ii) Strengths of qualitative research:
a. Interviews conducted well provide detailed and valid data on the point of view of respondents; who
are able to say what they really think.
b. The flexibility of the interview allows the interviewer to probe more deeply or to follow new
directions.
c. Interviewers can often assess the honesty and validity of the answers as they are given.
d. They can bring out information for further investigation.
iii) Limitations of qualitative research:
a. Interviews are time consuming, both to carry out and then to transcribe and analyze.
b. It can be difficult to make generalizations when standardized questions are not used.
c. They are less reliable than structured interviews because they are difficult to replicate.
d. The interviewer must be highly skilled.
e. The responses may be affected by the interviewer being biased.