>
← Back to subjects
⭐ 0
GCSE Sociology · general specification · Research methods · (see note)
Mini-Lesson

Research methods & researching society

This mini-lesson covers research methods: primary vs secondary and quantitative vs qualitative data, questionnaires, interviews, observation, sampling, and reliability, validity and representativeness.

Work through each screen, answer the questions as you go and collect ⭐ stars. Some questions are multiple-choice, some are sort-and-match games, and a few use simple research-methods maths (percentages and sample figures). Press Start when you're ready.

Methods · data

Types of data

  • Primary (first-hand) vs secondary (already exists).
  • Quantitative (numbers) vs qualitative (words/meanings).
  • Positivists like quantitative; interpretivists like qualitative.

Spec note (please read): Pearson/Edexcel does not currently offer a GCSE Sociology qualification, and the code 1SC0 is Edexcel Combined Science, not Sociology. This lesson therefore teaches mainstream GCSE Sociology content (valid across boards) rather than a fabricated Edexcel spec. Check your own board's specification for exact wording.

Quick check

Data type

?Analysing existing census statistics uses…
Methods · key ideas

Reliability, validity & representativeness

  • Reliability — repeatable.
  • Validity — true and in-depth.
  • Representativeness — sample reflects the population.
Quick check

Concept

?A study repeated by others gives the same results. This shows high…
Methods · tools

Questionnaires, interviews, observation

  • Questionnaires: cheap, reliable; low depth/response.
  • Structured vs unstructured interviews.
  • Participant observation: covert vs overt; Hawthorne effect.
Sort it

Sort the feature

Tap a feature, then whether it fits quantitative or qualitative (or both).

🔁 Both

🔢 Quantitative

💬 Qualitative

Calculate

Your turn — response rate

✎A researcher posts 500 questionnaires and 275 are completed and returned. Calculate the response rate as a percentage. Give a whole number.
%
Hint: response rate = (returned ÷ sent) × 100 = (275 ÷ 500) × 100.
Calculate

Your turn — percentage

✎In a survey of 800 people who returned a questionnaire, 200 agreed with a statement. What percentage agreed? Give a whole number.
%
Hint: percentage = (part ÷ whole) × 100 = (200 ÷ 800) × 100.
Match it

Match method to strength

Tap a method, then its strength.

Statement
Answer
Calculate

Your turn — percentage

✎In a survey of 300 responses coded positive, 219 agreed with a statement. What percentage agreed? Give a whole number.
%
Hint: percentage = (part ÷ whole) × 100 = (219 ÷ 300) × 100.
Methods · sampling

Sampling & ethics

  • Sampling frame; random, systematic, stratified, snowball.
  • Ethics: informed consent, confidentiality, no harm.
Calculate

Your turn — sample size

✎A sampling frame lists 1200 people. The researcher takes a one-in-six (1/6) sample. How many people are in the sample?
people
Hint: sample = 1200 × 0.16666666666666666.
Quick check

Sampling

?A sample reflecting the age proportions of the population uses…
Calculate

Your turn — percentage

✎In a survey of 250 respondents who refused, 40 agreed with a statement. What percentage agreed? Give a whole number.
%
Hint: percentage = (part ÷ whole) × 100 = (40 ÷ 250) × 100.
Quick check

Ethics

?Studying a group without telling them raises the issue of…
Recap

Research methods — the big ideas

Data: primary/secondary; quantitative/qualitative

Positivism vs interpretivism

Judging: reliability, validity, representativeness

Sampling & ethics: frame, random/stratified/snowball; informed consent

You've covered research methods. Press Finish.

🏆

Mini-lesson complete!

⭐⭐⭐

You've worked through Research Methods for GCSE Sociology (Edexcel-style). 🎉

Your stars: 0 / 0

Next: test yourself in the Verify stage.

📣 Smashed it? Share your score

Challenge a mate to beat your stars, or show a parent how you got on.

→ Back to all subjects