1. Research Methods Mrs Green BGHS 2012
Research Methods Essay Plan 2
The final question on the paper ALWAYS asks you to look at either the
STRENGHTS or LIMITAIONS of a particular research method or type of source
material.
These questions have been asked in recent years. The questions coded red
were from the Education section and the questions coded blue were from the
health section. These questions are generic and could be asked in either
section
January 2009
Examine the problems some sociologists may find when using experiments in
their research.
Examine the problems some sociologists may find when using personal
documents in their research.
June 2009
Examine the disadvantages some sociologist may find when using official
statistics in their research.
Examine the advantages some sociologists may find when using participant
observation in their research.
January 2010
Examine the extent to which practical issues are the most important influence
when choosing research methods and research topic.
In this paper the question was identical for both sections
June 2010
Examine the problems some sociologists find when using postal questionnaires
in their research
In this paper the question was identical for both sections

2. Research Methods Mrs Green BGHS 2012
January 2011
Examine the problems when using personal and historical documents in
sociological research.
In this paper the questions was identical for both sections
Hopefully you can see the pattern emerging. You could be asked about ANY
research method we have studied and will be asked about either the
advantages or the problem/limitations.
In your revision you need to make sure that you revisit these areas:
Primary data
Questionnaires
Interviews – structured and informal
Observation
Participant observation – covert and overt
Longitudinal studies
Experiments/field research
Life histories
Secondary data
Official statistics
Historical documents
Personal documents
Content analysis
You may wish to use a grid to help you to summarise the key points. The
following page might be useful for your revision.

3. Research Methods Mrs Green BGHS 2012
Method:_________________________________________________________
Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method
Supporting Sociological Study

4. Research Methods Mrs Green BGHS 2012
Essay Plan 2
Introduction
Explain the method or type of data
Paragraph 1
Give an example of how the method has been used in the study of sociology
Paragraph 2
Discussion of genral STRENGHTS OR LIMITATIONS (make sure you read the question
properly)
Paragraph 3
Practical issues relating to the method which may be an advantage or a limitation.
Paragraph 4
Ethical issues relating to the method which may be an advantage or a limitation
Paragraph 5
Theoretical issues relating to the method which may be an advantage or a limitation
(reliability, validity, objectivity, representativeness and generalizability) . You may also wish
to include the preferences of positivist and anti-positivist researchers.
Conclusion
Sum up your argument and provide balance
Although this method has many limitations it should not be discounted as a method due
to…..
Although this method has many positives is also has limitations such as…..
In order to gain a full insight into the study of society sociologists may wish to use a number
of methods to gain a full picture of the topic in question.