9699 · 2.1
Types of data, methods and research design flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9699 Types of data, methods and research design (syllabus 2.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Primary data?
Collected firsthand by researcher for their study.
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Secondary data?
Already exists — official stats, previous studies, documents.
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Quantitative methods?
Structured, numerical — surveys, experiments, content analysis.
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Qualitative methods?
Rich, detailed — unstructured interviews, PO, focus groups.
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Random sampling?
Each member of population has equal chance — reduces bias if large enough.
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Snowball sampling?
Hard-to-reach groups — participants refer others; risk of unrepresentative sample.
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What is Primary Data?
Data collected firsthand by a sociologist for their own specific research purposes. Examples include data from questionnaires, interviews, or observations they have conducted themselves.
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What is Secondary Data?
Data that already exists and was previously collected by other people or organisations for a different purpose. Examples include official government statistics, historical documents, and media reports.
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Define 'Verstehen'.
A key concept from Max Weber, central to Interpretivism. It refers to the sociologist's goal of achieving deep, empathetic understanding of the subjective meanings and motivations of social actors.
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What are the three components of the PET framework for choosing a method?
Practical (e.g., time, cost, access), Ethical (e.g., informed consent, confidentiality, harm), and Theoretical (e.g., the researcher's Positivist or Interpretivist standpoint).
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What is Triangulation in sociological research?
The use of two or more research methods or data sources within a single study to cross-check findings, thereby strengthening the validity and reliability of the overall conclusions.