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Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that theoretical factors are the most important influence on a sociologist's choice of research method - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 3
Question 6
Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that theoretical factors are the most important influence on a sociologist's choice of research m... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that theoretical factors are the most important influence on a sociologist's choice of research method - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 3
Step 1
Evaluate the view that theoretical factors are the most important influence on a sociologist's choice of research method.
Answer
To evaluate this view, we first recognize the definitions and distinctions among research methods in sociology. Theoretical factors, such as the preference for positivism or interpretivism, often guide sociologists’ decisions.
For instance, positivist approaches favor quantitative methods, which allow researchers to discover patterns and general laws governing human behavior. This is particularly relevant in studies aimed at achieving wider generalizability and statistical significance. In contrast, interpretivist approaches emphasize qualitative methods, which can yield richer, contextual insights into human behavior. The choice, therefore, hinges considerably on a researcher's theoretical stance, which could argue that theoretical factors play a crucial role in research method selection.
However, we must also consider practical factors. These can include the availability of resources, access to subjects, and time constraints which can heavily influence method choice. For instance, surveys can be deployed quickly with fewer resources compared to extensive interviews or ethnographies.
Ethical considerations are also paramount. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines which dictate their methodological choices, particularly in studies involving vulnerable populations. For example, qualitative methods might be preferred in sensitive contexts to ensure deeper trust and rapport with participants, which contradicts pure theoretical motivations.
By weighing these factors, it is evident that while theoretical influences are significant, practical and ethical considerations can often override theoretical preferences in actual research scenarios. Therefore, it is a combination of factors that influence a sociologist's choice of method rather than theoretical factors standing alone as the most crucial influence.