Methods in Context

 

Item C

Investigating the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades

 

Pressure on pupils to achieve high grades can come from a range of sources. Schools and teachers are keen for pupils to achieve high grades. Parents and peers can also be sources of pressure. High grades are often required by employers and universities.

One way of studying the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades is by using self-completion questionnaires. This type of questionnaire can be completed anonymously in private. However, operationalising concepts such as pressure can be difficult for the researcher. There is also no interviewer present to explain what the questions mean.

 

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using self-completion questionnaires to investigate the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades. ( 20 marks)

 

Model Answer

One practical strength of using self-completion questionnaires to investigate the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades is the convenience and efficiency it offers. These questionnaires can be distributed to a large number of pupils simultaneously, allowing for a broader sample size and potentially more diverse perspectives. Moreover, self-completion questionnaires can be completed at the participants' convenience, reducing the time constraints and scheduling conflicts that may arise with other research methods. This ease of administration makes it a practical choice for gathering data on a topic that involves a large number of participants, such as the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades.

However, there are practical weaknesses associated with self-completion questionnaires as well. One significant drawback is the potential for low response rates. Some pupils may choose not to participate or may not take the questionnaire seriously, leading to incomplete or biased data. Additionally, the accuracy of the responses relies on the participants' ability to recall and articulate their feelings accurately, which may be challenging for some individuals, especially if they are under pressure or experiencing stress. These factors can undermine the reliability and representativeness of the data collected through self-completion questionnaires.

Using self-completion questionnaires also presents some ethical strengths. Anonymity is one of the key ethical benefits of this method. Pupils can respond to the questionnaire without disclosing their identity, allowing them to express their true thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment or negative consequences. This anonymity can promote honesty and increase the likelihood of obtaining valid data on the pressure they feel to achieve high grades. Moreover, by ensuring privacy, self-completion questionnaires protect participants' confidentiality, enhancing the ethical integrity of the study.

On the other hand, self-completion questionnaires have ethical weaknesses as well. Since there is no interviewer present to provide clarifications or offer support, some participants may find it challenging to understand the questions or navigate complex concepts like pressure accurately. This lack of guidance can potentially lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the questions, compromising the validity of the responses. Additionally, without a human presence to address any emotional distress that might arise from answering the questionnaire, participants may experience feelings of isolation or vulnerability. Researchers must take precautions to ensure participants' well-being and provide resources for support if needed.

Self-completion questionnaires can also offer validity strengths. They provide participants with the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and provide well-thought-out responses. This can lead to a deeper exploration of the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades and provide valuable insights into their subjective experiences. Additionally, self-completion questionnaires can be designed with standardised questions and response options, ensuring consistency across participants and enhancing the comparability of the data collected. This contributes to the internal validity of the study.

However, self-completion questionnaires also have validity weaknesses. As mentioned earlier, participants may struggle to accurately recall and articulate their feelings, particularly when it comes to intangible concepts like pressure. The absence of an interviewer or a clarification mechanism further hampers the ability to probe for deeper understanding or seek clarifications. Moreover, self-completion questionnaires rely on self-reporting, which can be susceptible to social desirability bias, where participants may provide responses they perceive as socially acceptable rather than their true feelings. This compromises the external validity of the study as the data may not accurately represent the actual pressure experienced by pupils in real-world settings.

 

In conclusion, while self-completion questionnaires offer practical advantages in terms of convenience and efficiency, there are several limitations to consider. Ethically, anonymity and privacy are strengths, but the absence of an interviewer can hinder participants' understanding and emotional well-being. Validity strengths include participants' reflection and standardised design, but validity weaknesses arise from the reliance on memory and potential social desirability bias. Researchers must carefully weigh these factors when choosing self-completion questionnaires as a method to investigate the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades.

 

 

Theory and Methods

 

11.) Outline and explain two reasons why sociologists may choose to use research methods that produce quantitative data (10 marks)

 

Model Answer

Positivist sociologists adopt a scientific approach to studying society, aiming to uncover objective truths through empirical research methods. They value the use of quantitative data, which involves collecting and analysing numerical information.

One reason why sociologists may prefer quantitative research methods is their ability to produce data that is generalisable. Generalisability refers to the extent to which findings from a study can be applied to a larger population or broader social context. Quantitative research often involves large sample sizes, allowing for statistical analyses that can generate representative and reliable results. By employing random sampling techniques, researchers can select participants in a way that minimises bias and increases the likelihood of obtaining a representative sample. This enhances the external validity of the findings, enabling sociologists to make broader claims about the social phenomena being investigated. For example, a positivist sociologist studying the effects of social media on political participation may use a quantitative survey method to collect data from a diverse sample of individuals. By analysing the quantitative data, they can identify patterns and trends that are more likely to hold true for the larger population, contributing to the general understanding of the topic.

Another reason why sociologists may opt for quantitative research methods is the emphasis on objectivity and comparability. Quantitative data allows for systematic and standardised measurement, reducing the influence of personal biases and subjective interpretations. By employing structured questionnaires or closed-ended survey items, researchers can ensure consistency in data collection, enabling comparability across different studies and researchers. This consistency facilitates replication and verification of findings, enhancing the credibility and reliability of sociological research. Additionally, quantitative data lends itself well to statistical analyses, which can reveal relationships and patterns that might not be readily apparent from qualitative data alone. For instance, positivist sociologists interested in understanding the relationship between socioeconomic status and educational attainment may collect quantitative data on income, occupation, and educational outcomes. Through statistical analysis, they can identify correlations and establish causal connections, thereby contributing to the empirical evidence base of sociological knowledge.

In conclusion, positivist sociologists often favour research methods that produce quantitative data due to their potential for generalisability and the emphasis on objectivity and comparability. The use of large sample sizes and random sampling techniques in quantitative research enhances the external validity of findings, enabling sociologists to make broader claims about society. Furthermore, the standardised measurement and statistical analyses associated with quantitative data promote objectivity and facilitate the comparison and replication of research findings.

 

• Share Share on Facebook
• Tweet Tweet on Twitter
• Pin it Pin on Pinterest