Qualitative Methods for Studying Social Behavior
TITLE
Evaluate the view that qualitative methods provide the best way to study social behaviour.
ESSAY
Title: Evaluating the Use of Qualitative Methods in Studying Social Behavior
Introduction
💥 Introduction to the topic and the debate over the use of qualitative methods in studying social behavior
Supporting Points for Qualitative Methods
💥 Qualitative methods provide a deeper understanding of human behavior compared to quantitative methods
💥 They offer highly valid data that captures subjective meanings and interpretations of individuals
💥 Qualitative methods allow researchers to uncover the reasons behind social behaviors
💥 Subjects have more control over their responses, minimizing researcher imposition
💥 Discuss specific qualitative methods such as interviews, observations, and case studies
Critiques of Qualitative Methods
💥 Lack of replicability in qualitative data affects its reliability
💥 Subjectivity and value💥laden nature of qualitative data may impact objectivity
💥 The potential for researcher bias due to the close relationship with subjects
💥 Ethical concerns related to qualitative research such as invasion of privacy or emotional harm
💥 Unrepresentative samples due to small numbers involved in qualitative studies
💥 Practical limitations including time and cost constraints in conducting qualitative research
Research Evidence and Theoretical Frameworks
💥 Illustrate the use of qualitative methods in studies by sociologists such as Weber and Durkheim
💥 Examine the interpretivist rationale in qualitative research emphasizing verstehen and rapport
💥 Contrast with positivist perspectives that prioritize replicability and objectivity in data collection
💥 Discuss the concepts of agency, realism, and validity in relation to qualitative research
💥 Mention research designs that combine qualitative and quantitative methods for a more comprehensive analysis
Conclusion
💥 Highlight the importance of considering both the strengths and limitations of qualitative methods in studying social behavior
💥 Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that integrates various research methods to enhance understanding in sociology
References
💥 Cite relevant studies, theorists, and methodological frameworks supporting the evaluation of qualitative methods in studying social behavior
SUBJECT
SOCIOLOGY
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
🌟Question 5: Evaluate the view that qualitative methods provide the best way to study social behaviour.🌟
🌟Indicative Content:🌟
The above content is indicative and other relevant approaches to the question should be rewarded appropriately.
🌟Levels of Response for Question 5:🌟
The maximum mark for Question 5 is 26. Examiners should award up to 8 marks for AO1, up to 8 marks for AO2, and up to 10 marks for AO3.
🌟In Support🌟
💥 Qualitative methods are more suitable for study of human behaviour than quantitative methods.
💥 They produce highly valid data that explores the subjective meanings actors hold from their point of view – interpretivist rationale.
💥 Allow you to understand the reasons behind behaviour.
💥 Give more control to the subjects / less imposition from the researcher.
💥 Reference made to a range of qualitative methods to illustrate these points.
🌟In Evaluation🌟
💥 Qualitative data cannot be easily replicated and so lacks reliability.
💥 Qualitative data lacks objectivity/is value💥laden and subjective.
💥 As qualitative methods involve a closer connection with the researcher, there is more likely to be researcher bias.
💥 There are sometimes ethical problems linked to qualitative methods.
💥 Researcher imposition.
💥 The small numbers involved often lead to unrepresentative samples.
💥 Practical considerations – time, money, etc.
🌟Research Evidence🌟
Weber, examples of studies using qualitative methods, Durkheim, Popper.
🌟Additional Concepts🌟
Interpretivism, agency, realism, validity, verstehen, rapport.
Positivism, scientific approach; replicable, social facts; hypothesis.