1. SOCIOLOGICAL
METHODS
Brian Roberts 2015

2. Within Unit 1 we will examine the Education System alongside
Sociological Research Methods,
analysing:
Theoretical approaches to the role & purpose of education (Consensus, Conflict, Social Actionism);
Differential Attainment between different social groups (class, gender & ethnicity)
Relationships & Processes within schools e.g. ‘Hidden Curriculum’, teacher/pupil relations & organisation of teaching;
Significance of Educational Policies and their effects
Impacts of Sociological Research upon education & our understanding of it
Brian Roberts 2015

3. Additionally, we will examine within Research Methods:
Quantitative (numbers/stats) & Qualitative (meanings & understandings) Data and methods;
Sources of Data (methods used to get data) e.g. questionnaires and observation;
Distinction between Primary & Secondary data;
The relationship between theoretical stances of Positivism and Interpretivism and sociological methods;
The Practical, Ethical and Theoretical considerations influencing research (PET)
Brian Roberts 2015

4. Paper 1 - 1 ½ hr 60 mark Exam split into:
Year 1
Paper ½ hr 60 mark Exam split into:
Education (2,2,6,10,20 mark Qs)
Methods in Context (20 mark Q)
Then Paper ½ hr Exam split into:
Research Methods (4,16 mark Qs)
Plus…
Unit 2 Family & Households… (more later!)
Year 2
2 hr 80 mark Exam paper split into:
Education (4,6,10,30 mark Qs)
Methods in Context (20 mark Q)
Theory & Methods* (10 mark Q)
* Sociological Theory is studied within Yr2)
Brian Roberts 2015