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Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using written questionnaires to investigate the role of parents in their children's achievement in school - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using written questionnaires to investigate the role ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using written questionnaires to investigate the role of parents in their children's achievement in school - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the strengths of using written questionnaires
Answer
Written questionnaires offer several strengths when investigating the role of parents in children's achievement. First, they allow for the collection of data from a large sample, which enhances the reliability and generalizability of the findings. Additionally, questionnaires can be administered outside school settings, making it easier for parents to participate at their convenience.
Moreover, written questionnaires provide anonymity, which can encourage more honest responses regarding sensitive topics such as educational practices and parental involvement. The standardized format enables researchers to collect quantifiable data that can be analyzed statistically, providing clear results on parental contribution to student achievement.
Step 2
Evaluate the limitations of using written questionnaires
Answer
Despite their strengths, written questionnaires present several limitations. One major concern is the potential for low response rates, which can lead to non-representative samples. This can skew results and limit the validity of conclusions drawn about parental involvement.
Additionally, the operationalization of concepts in questionnaires may misrepresent complex parental behaviors and attitudes. Respondents may interpret questions differently, leading to inconsistencies in data collection. Furthermore, there's the risk of response bias, where participants may provide socially desirable answers instead of their true feelings or practices, particularly regarding their involvement in their children's education.
Step 3
Conclusion on the use of written questionnaires
Answer
In conclusion, while written questionnaires are a valuable tool for researching the role of parents in pupils' achievement, it is crucial to be aware of their strengths and limitations. Effective design and careful consideration of how questions are phrased can help mitigate some of the limitations. Ultimately, combining written questionnaires with other qualitative research methods may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play between parental involvement and children's educational outcomes.