Questionnaires

    AQA
    GCSE

    Questionnaires constitute a primary quantitative method within sociological research, favored particularly by Positivists for their ability to generate large-scale, generalisable macro-data. Candidates must understand the operational mechanics of survey design—including the distinction between open and closed questions—and the various modes of distribution (postal, online, interviewer-administered). Assessment focuses heavily on the methodological trade-off: questionnaires typically offer high reliability and representativeness at the expense of validity and depth (verstehen). Mastery requires evaluating their utility in investigating sensitive topics versus demographic patterns.

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise distinction between open questions (qualitative, validity-focused) and closed questions (quantitative, reliability-focused).
    • Credit responses that explicitly link the choice of questionnaire to Positivist methodological preferences for generalisability and pattern identification.
    • Candidates must evaluate validity issues, specifically referencing 'social desirability bias', 'right answerism', or the 'imposition problem'.
    • Award marks for application (AO2) where the candidate assesses the suitability of questionnaires for the specific group named in the item (e.g., pupils, criminals).

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise distinction between open questions (qualitative, validity-focused) and closed questions (quantitative, reliability-focused).
    • Credit responses that explicitly link the choice of questionnaire to Positivist methodological preferences for generalisability and pattern identification.
    • Candidates must evaluate validity issues, specifically referencing 'social desirability bias', 'right answerism', or the 'imposition problem'.
    • Award marks for application (AO2) where the candidate assesses the suitability of questionnaires for the specific group named in the item (e.g., pupils, criminals).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Use the acronym PERVERT (Practical, Ethical, Reliability, Validity, Examples, Representativeness, Theory) to structure 12-mark evaluations.
    • 💡When discussing low response rates, explain the *consequence*: it undermines representativeness and generalisability.
    • 💡In 12-mark questions, ensure the conclusion directly answers 'how far' or 'to what extent' rather than just summarising points.
    • 💡Distinguish clearly between postal/online questionnaires (self-completion) and those administered by an interviewer, as the limitations differ.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing reliability (replicability/consistency) with validity (truthfulness/depth).
    • Stating that questionnaires are 'cheap and quick' without qualifying this relative to sample size or comparison with interviews.
    • Failing to contextualise the method; providing a generic textbook evaluation rather than applying it to the specific research scenario provided.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss how far
    Evaluate
    Examine

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic