Primary Methods Used to Investigate Education (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Investigating pupil subcultures in schools

Pupil subcultures in schools may be pro-school or anti-school. Pupil subcultures can be based on class, gender, ethnicity or other factors. They may be a way that pupils assert their identity or express their frustration. Sociologists are interested in understanding reasons for the formation of these subcultures and the functions they fulfil for their members.

One way of studying pupil subcultures is to use overt participant observation. This type of observation allows researchers to be honest with the group and also avoid taking part in any rule-breaking behaviour. However, participants might change their behaviour as they know they are being observed.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using overt participant observation to investigate pupil subcultures in schools.

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Investigating the reasons for subject choices made by pupils

As well as compulsory subjects at school, pupils can often choose optional ones. Pupils may choose different subjects for a variety of reasons. They may have a personal interest or talent in a subject or act on the basis of advice given by parents, professionals working within schools or others. However, there are patterns in subject choices linked to class, gender and ethnicity which could result from factors external to schools.

One way of studying differences in the subject choices made by pupils is to use group interviews. This type of interview can encourage deeper thought as participants can develop ideas put forward by other group members. However, participants may be influenced by peer pressure. Furthermore, some pupils, teachers and parents may find it difficult to find a time to meet as a group.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using group interviews to investigate the reasons for subject choices made by pupils.

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Investigating the effects of teachers' labelling of pupils

Labelling is the process of defining a group or person positively or negatively, based on perceived characteristics. For example, in the course of their classroom interactions, teachers make judgements based on stereotypical assumptions about pupils' social class, gender or ethnicity. However, teachers may be unaware that they are doing so. Teachers label pupils in different ways, and this may lead to a variety of responses, such as misbehaviour or truancy.

One way of studying the effects of teachers' labelling of pupils is to use field experiments. One advantage is that these can be conducted in a natural setting. However, field experiments tend to be small in scale. Furthermore, for a variety of reasons, some pupils, teachers and parents may refuse to participate in a field experiment.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using field experiments to investigate the effects of teachers' labelling of pupils.

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Pupils behave in many different ways in schools. Some pupils conform to school rules, for example by wearing the correct uniform and completing tasks set, whilst others break school rules. Interactions between teachers and pupils, and between peers, are likely to influence behaviour. Sociologists are interested in researching patterns of pupil behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour.

One way of studying pupil behaviour in schools is to use non-participant observation. Pupils are often observed during the course of a school day. One advantage of non-participant observation is that the sociologist can observe behaviour both inside and outside classrooms. Non-participant observation allows behaviour categories to be decided before the observation begins. However, behaviour may not be classified in the same way by different researchers.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using non-participant observation to investigate pupil behaviour in schools.

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Investigating the role of parents in pupils' achievement

Sociological research has shown how much parents can contribute, materially and culturally, to their children's achievement in education. For example, parents can support their children by having regular contact with schools and teachers, and by helping them with their homework. However, parents' own education and their attitudes to school may affect their ability or willingness to help.

One way of studying the role of parents in their children's achievement is to use written questionnaires. One advantage of these is that they can be completed outside the school setting. However, operationalising concepts in questionnaires can be difficult. Furthermore, for a variety of reasons, some questionnaires may not be returned.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using written questionnaires to investigate the role of parents in their children's achievement in school.

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Investigating pupil exclusions

Pupil exclusions take many forms. Permanent exclusions from school are rare, but about 1 pupil in 20 is excluded for a fixed period, often for physical assaults against staff. There are no reliable figures for pupils sent out of individual lessons. Pupils may also self-exclude by truanting or simply by 'switching off' in class.

Boys, pupils with special educational needs, poorer pupils and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils are much more likely to be excluded.

One way of studying pupil exclusions is to use participant observation. By adopting an appropriate role, the researcher may be able to get close to pupils. However, participant observers usually can only study fairly small groups. Furthermore, success greatly depends on the researcher's ability to establish a good relationship with those being studied.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using participant observation to investigate pupil exclusions.