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Theoretical Factors Influencing Choice of Methods (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note

Exam code: 7192

Raj Bonsor

Last updated

Positivism versus interpretivism

  • A sociologist’s theoretical perspective plays a key role in influencing their choice of research methods and the type of data they prefer to collect

    • While some sociologists adopt a positivist approach, others align with interpretivism

  • These two perspectives differ in their views on how society functions, which in turn affects the research methods they choose to use

Comparison of positivist & interpretivist approaches

Positivism

Interpretivism

The nature of social facts

  • Positivists view society as made up of objective social facts, i.e., patterns, structures, and institutions that exist independently of individuals

  • They believe social facts can be measured scientifically. through developing and testing hypotheses

  • They aim to uncover patterns, trends, and cause-and-effect relationships within social behaviour

  • Interpretivists believe that the so-called social facts are socially constructed

  • They argue that behaviour and meaning can only be understood by exploring how individuals interpret and make sense of their social world

  • Interpretivists like to use non-scientific methods to study society from a subjective and empathetic perspective

How they aim to understand behaviour

  • Positivists focus on behaviour that can be observed and measured rather than on people's feelings or emotions

  • They believe that people are the 'puppets of society', so people don't have free will

  • Interpretivists aim to understand social actors’ meanings, motivations, and lived experiences

  • They believe that people are the 'architects of society' as they freely choose to interact with others

Research methods preferred

  • Prefer methods that produce quantitative data, e.g., structured interviews, questionnaires, and official statistics

  • They like to describe society in statistical terms

  • These methods produce data that is reliable and representative

  • Prefer methods that produce qualitative data, e.g., unstructured interviews and participant observation

  • They like to collect rich, detailed accounts rather than statistics

  • These methods produce data that is valid

Criticisms

  • Critics argue that scientific methods are unsuitable for studying society, as humans differ fundamentally from the subjects of natural sciences

  • It is difficult to achieve objectivity in research, as the researcher's beliefs, interpretations, and cultural preferences can affect the research outcomes

  • Sociologists do not always stick strictly to either the positivist or interpretivist approach

  • Instead, they may employ a mixed methods approach, where both quantitative and qualitative data are collected

  • This allows them to

    • create a complete picture of the topic they are researching

    • enable connections and comparisons to be made

    • take advantage of the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative data

    • cross-check the results of a qualitative and quantitative approach; this is referred to as triangulation

Examiner Tips and Tricks

A sociologist’s theoretical perspective often plays the most significant role in shaping their choice of research method. However, practical and ethical constraints frequently restrict what is possible. Even if a sociologist favours a certain method, they may be unable to use it due to limitations such as time, access to participants, available resources, or the need for informed consent.

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    Raj Bonsor

    Author: Raj Bonsor

    Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

    Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.