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AQA GCSE · Question 09 · Sociological Research Methods
Identify one disadvantage of using a qualitative method to investigate criminal behaviour and explain how you would deal with this in your investigation.
Identify one disadvantage of using a qualitative method to investigate criminal behaviour and explain how you would deal with this in your investigation.
How to approach this question
First, identify a common disadvantage of qualitative methods (e.g., subjectivity, small sample size, time-consuming). Explain why this is a problem. Then, suggest a practical way to overcome or minimise this problem in a research study. Be specific about the solution (e.g., don't just say 'be objective', explain *how* you would be objective).
Full Answer
One disadvantage is that the findings may be subjective and influenced by the researcher's own values. For example, in an unstructured interview, the researcher might unintentionally lead the respondent or interpret their answers in a biased way. To deal with this, I would use researcher triangulation. This would involve having another sociologist independently analyse the interview transcripts and then comparing our interpretations. This would help to check for bias and improve the objectivity and validity of the findings.
Qualitative methods like unstructured interviews and participant observation are favoured by interpretivists for producing valid, in-depth data. However, they are often criticised by positivists for being unreliable and subjective. Researcher bias is a key concern, as the researcher's personal values can influence the research process, from the questions asked to the interpretation of data. Triangulation is a technique used to improve the validity and reliability of research. Researcher triangulation involves using multiple researchers to collect or analyse data, reducing the impact of any single individual's bias.
Common mistakes
Identifying a disadvantage but suggesting a vague or impractical solution. For example, saying 'I would be more careful' is not a sociological solution.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2
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