IGCSE Sociology

Paper One Units

Paper Two Units

Unit One: Methodology:

Students are expected to develop an awareness of how information and data are collected in Sociology and be able to evaluate that information. Awareness of methodological issues and a critical approach to sociological evidence, including primary and secondary data, will support understanding of other sections of the Sociology curriculum. Students will be expected to be familiar with the concepts of generalisation, objectivity, reliability and validity.

"I've been doing a bit of research".

Look up key words and concepts

How do sociologists study society?

The main methods of investigation: participant and non-participant observation, questionnaires, interviews, experiments, case studies, longitudinal studies and content analysis.
Research strategies, for example the use of pilot studies.
Sampling and sampling methods.
The stages in devising and implementing a research strategy and the problems that may be encountered.
The distinction between positivist and interactionist perspectives.

What information and data do sociologists use?

Different sources of information; primary and secondary data; official and other statistics; published studies; different forms of evidence.

What factors should be considered when evaluating a piece of sociological research?

Students should recognise that the method of data collection and the form of presentation may influence the information given and the conclusions reached.
The distinction between
reliability and validity.
The potential influence of researcher bias and values in distorting sociological data.

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This website was created on May 17, 2005.