Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.
Item C
Investigating the academic progress of pupils in schools
There are differences in educational achievement between groups of pupils in schools. Sociologists seek to identify patterns of differential achievement and the reasons for these patterns. Academic progress is influenced by a range of factors, both external and internal to schools.
One way of studying the reasons for differences in academic progress between groups of pupils is to use secondary data. Schools collect and produce a range of quantitative secondary data, such as exam statistics, as well as qualitative secondary data, such as progress reports and pupils' work. One practical advantage of using secondary data is that it is often available in the public domain. However, access to some secondary data may be restricted. Data on pupil progress may also be presented in a selective way.
Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using secondary data to investigate the academic progress of pupils in schools.
Was this exam question helpful?