2.1 Types of data, methods and research design

Differentiates between primary and secondary data sources, as well as quantitative and qualitative data.

Evaluates the strengths and limitations of secondary data sources like official statistics, personal documents, digital content, and media sources.

Evaluates the strengths and limitations of quantitative research methods, including questionnaires, structured interviews, experiments, and content analysis.

Evaluates the strengths and limitations of qualitative research methods, including overt and covert participant and non-participant observation, unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and group interviews.

Explores stages of research design, including research strategy, research questions/hypotheses, sampling frames, sampling techniques, pilot studies, operationalisation, research conduct, and result interpretation.

2.2 Approaches to sociological research

Examines research approaches drawing on different methods, such as case studies, social surveys, ethnography, and longitudinal studies.

Explores the mixed methods approach, including triangulation and methodological pluralism.

Investigates the positivist approach, including scientific method, objectivity, reliability, and value-freedom.

Investigates the interpretivist approach, including verstehen, meaning, subjectivity, and validity.

Debates whether sociology can/should be based on natural science methods and the role of values in sociological research.