Quantitative Research Methods

    OCR
    GCSE

    Quantitative research methods in Sociology are predicated on the Positivist methodological paradigm, which seeks to emulate the logic and procedures of the natural sciences. This study area focuses on the collection of numerical data to identify social facts, patterns, trends, and causal relationships. Candidates must evaluate the utility of these methods in macro-sociological analysis, specifically assessing their capacity to deliver reliability, representativeness, and generalisability. Mastery requires critical analysis of survey design, sampling techniques, and the use of official statistics, balanced against Interpretivist critiques regarding validity and the imposition of meaning.

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

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit accurate definitions of methodological concepts: reliability, representativeness, generalisability, and objectivity
    • Award marks for explicit links between the method (e.g., postal questionnaires) and practical issues (cost, response rate, access)
    • Candidates must evaluate the utility of quantitative data for identifying social trends and correlations rather than uncovering meanings
    • Reward specific examples of quantitative sources, such as the ONS Census or police recorded crime statistics

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate definitions of methodological concepts: reliability, representativeness, generalisability, and objectivity
    • Award marks for explicit links between the method (e.g., postal questionnaires) and practical issues (cost, response rate, access)
    • Candidates must evaluate the utility of quantitative data for identifying social trends and correlations rather than uncovering meanings
    • Reward specific examples of quantitative sources, such as the ONS Census or police recorded crime statistics

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When evaluating, use the 'PER' structure: Practical issues, Ethical issues, Reliability/Validity/Representativeness
    • 💡For 12-mark questions, ensure a balanced argument: contrast the method's strength (e.g., reliability) with a limitation (e.g., lack of validity)
    • 💡Explicitly reference the source material in Section A questions to secure AO2 marks
    • 💡Distinguish between 'official statistics' (secondary) and 'surveys' (primary) when discussing data sources

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'validity' (truthfulness/depth) with 'reliability' (replicability/consistency)
    • Asserting that quantitative methods are 'quick and cheap' without qualifying (e.g., large scale surveys are expensive; analysis is quick)
    • Failing to apply the method to the specific context of the question (e.g., researching sensitive topics like domestic abuse using a questionnaire)

    Study Guide Available

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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