9699/22/M/J/15

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## **Section A**

Answer question 1.

**1** Interpretivists reject the idea that it is possible to investigate humans as objects of
scientific study. However, they do try to conduct their research impartially and are
reflexive about this, i.e. they are careful to review how objective they are as they proceed.
Interpretivists choose from a wide range of qualitative methods to gather data. Sometimes
these methods may be used together to form an ethnographic approach, where the aim of
the researcher is to provide a thorough understanding of the culture of the group. Such an
approach involves attempting to focus on the meanings people generate to make sense of
their lives. To achieve this end, interpretivists often use a technique in their research
known as *verstehen*.

Interpretivists have questioned whether it is possible to research people in a value-free
way. Positivists, on the other hand, believe that it is possible for sociologists to study
society without the research findings being influenced by value judgements.

**(a)** What is meant by the term *verstehen*? [2]

1 One mark for a partial answer such as ‘get to know the respondents well’.

2 Two marks for a clear and accurate definition. Verstehen involves researchers using a
method that will enable them to understand a situation from the viewpoint of another
individual or group. In doing so any data obtained is as valid as possible, i.e. an accurate
and true picture of those being studied.

**An example on its own will not be credited. If an example is used to support a**
**definition, thereby demonstrating understanding of the term, this will be credited.**

**(b)** Describe **two** methods of research favoured by interpretivists. [4]

The following methods are acceptable:

• Varieties of observation, semi- and unstructured interviews, focus group.

• There may also be reference to ethnography, case studies, qualitative secondary data,
and content analysis (semiology), all of which should also be credited.

One mark for the example plus one mark for development (2 x 2 marks).

**(c)** Explain why it might be impossible to study society in a value-free way. [8]

• Answers may consider a range of research methods, showing in each case how
objectivity and freedom from bias/influence are difficult to achieve.
• There may be consideration of values in relation to choice of research topic, of method
and data.
• It is not necessary to counter this view, i.e. by demonstrating that value-freedom is
possible.
**0–4** Lower in the band, a few simple points are likely to demonstrate a misunderstanding
about what is meant by value-free or be in some other way marginal to the question.

Higher in the band, a basic account of why it might be difficult to study society
objectively is likely to be given, without development or links to concepts or theoretical
perspectives.

**5–8** Lower in the band, there is likely to be a sound account of the reasons why it might not
be possible to study society in a value-free way.

Higher in the band, there will be clear and accurate links to theoretical perspectives
and the interpretivist position in particular.

**A good list of undeveloped points may gain up to six marks. To go higher, there**
**needs to be development of three or more points.**

**N.B.** This question asks candidates to ‘explain’, therefore there is no requirement for
assessment.

**(d)** Assess the interpretivist view that it is inappropriate to use scientific methods for the
study of human behaviour. [11]

**0–4** Answers at this level are likely to show only limited appreciation of the issues raised by
the question.

Lower in the band, a few simple points describing scientific methods might be worth 1
or 2 marks.

Higher in the band, there may be a limited attempt to describe the interpretivist
perspective, with no direct links to the set question.

**5–8** Answers at this level show some sociological knowledge and understanding of the
question.

Lower in the band, a simple account of the interpretivist appraisal of positivism,
perhaps relying mainly on material in the stem, could gain 5 or 6 marks.

Higher in the band, a more detailed account that explores the view could gain 7 or 8
marks. A one-sided answer that is done very well could also gain up to 8 marks.

A descriptive answer cannot gain more than 8 marks.

**9–11** Answers at this level will demonstrate good sociological knowledge and understanding
applied to the question. There will also be an assessment of the view on which the
question is based.

Lower in the band (9–10 marks), there will be a good account of the interpretivist
critique of positivism and the scientific method will be complemented by an
assessment of the strengths and/or weaknesses of the interpretivist position.

At the top of the band, the assessment must either cover a good range of issues
and/or demonstrate depth of understanding.

## **Section B**

Answer **either** question 2 **or** question 3.

**2** ‘Longitudinal surveys provide a more complete understanding of society than can be
achieved using other research methods.’ Explain and assess this view. [25]

**Level 1 0–6** Answers at this level are likely to be assertive and focus on a few commonsense observations.

Lower in the band, answers may be confined to one or two simple points based
on assertion/common-sense understanding. For example, there may be
misunderstanding about the nature of longitudinal research, perhaps confusing
it with observation techniques or the use of secondary sources.

Higher in the band, there may be a wider range of simple points based on
assertion/common-sense understanding. For example, answers will
demonstrate a basic understanding of the nature of longitudinal studies but offer
very little detail or development that is relevant to the question as set.

**Level 2 7–12** Answers at this level will show some sociological knowledge and understanding
of the question.

Lower in the band (7–9 marks), the answer may be confined to a narrow range
of points, lacking detail and possibly with some inaccuracies. Answers will be
rather list-like and may focus on some practical pros and cons of longitudinal
research.

Higher in the band (10–12 marks), answers may either cover a narrow range of
points in reasonable detail or cover a wider range of points in limited detail.
They will include some extension of key points, perhaps through references to
actual longitudinal studies and/or links to relevant concepts or theoretical
perspectives.

**Level 3 13–18** Answers at this level will show good sociological knowledge and understanding.
The material used will be interpreted accurately and applied effectively to
answering the question.

Lower in the band (13–15 marks), answers may use a limited range of
knowledge and concepts/theory. The points covered may lack development.
The account of the strengths and limitations of longitudinal studies may cover
both theoretical and practical issues, though not necessarily with equal
emphasis.

Higher in the band (16–18 marks), answers will use a wider range of
knowledge, supported by the use of concepts/theory where relevant, and
include some well-developed points.

Candidates will begin to
address the specific wording of the question, though the analysis of the view
that they yield the ‘most complete’ understanding of society may not be fully
convincing.

**There is no requirement for assessment at this level.**

**Level 4 19–25** Answers at this level must achieve three things:

**Firstly**, there will be good sociological knowledge and understanding.

**Secondly**, the material used will be interpreted accurately and applied
effectively to answering the question.

**Thirdly**, there must also be some evidence of assessment. At this level expect
an accurate and detailed appraisal of the extent to which longitudinal studies
provide the most complete understanding of society of all approaches.

Lower in the band (19–21 marks), the assessment may be largely delivered
through juxtaposition of contrasting arguments/theories. Alternatively, the
assessment may be limited to just one or two evaluative points that are explicitly
stated.

Higher in the band (22–25 marks), there will be sustained assessment and the
points offered will be explicit and well directed towards the question. Answers
may note that the value of longitudinal research may vary to some extent
depending on the subject studied, the theoretical perspective adopted, and the
relationship with any other methods that may be involved in the study.
There is likely to be a well-formulated conclusion.

**3** Explain and assess the view that the functionalist approach to socialisation is too
deterministic to fully explain how human behaviour is shaped. [25]

**Level 1 0–6** Answers at this level are likely to be assertive and focus on a few commonsense observations.

Lower in the band, answers may be confined to one or two simple points based
on assertion/common-sense understanding. For example, a few general
statements about socialisation.

Higher in the band, there may be a wider range of simple points based on
assertion/common-sense understanding. For example, there may be some
attempt to define the functionalist approach to socialisation, albeit in a very
simple and partial way.

**Level 2 7–12** Answers at this level will show some sociological knowledge and understanding
of the question. A solid descriptive account of the functionalist theory of
socialisation would fit this band if fairly well done.

Lower in the band (7–9 marks), the answer may be confined to a narrow range
of points, lacking detail and possibly with some inaccuracies.

Higher in the band (10–12 marks), answers may either cover a narrow range of
points in reasonable detail or cover a wider range of points in limited detail. For
example, an answer that is confined to discussing functionalism, but which also
includes some acknowledgement of why the functionalist concept of
socialisation might be seen as deterministic, would fit here.

**Level 3 13–18** Answers at this level will show good sociological knowledge and understanding.
The material used will be interpreted accurately and applied effectively to
answering the question.

A good defence of functionalism/determinism could get into this level if it is well
done.

Lower in the band (13–15 marks), answers may use only a limited range of
knowledge and concepts/theory. The use of concepts/theory, and the points
covered, may lack development. Here, the functionalist theory of socialisation
will be described with reasonable accuracy.

Higher in the band (16–18 marks), answers will use a wider range of
knowledge, supported by the use of concepts/theory where relevant, and
include some well-developed points. For example, there may be a reasonably
sound attempt to address the issue of determinism.

**There is no requirement for assessment at this level.**

**Level 4 19–25** Answers at this level must achieve three things:

**Firstly**, there will be good sociological knowledge and understanding.

**Secondly**, the material used will be interpreted accurately and applied
effectively to answering the question.

**Thirdly**, there must also be some evidence of assessment. At this level expect
an accurate and detailed account of the extent to which the functionalist view of
socialisation is overly deterministic.

Lower in the band (19–21 marks), the assessment may be largely delivered
through juxtaposition of contrasting arguments/theories. Alternatively, the
assessment may be limited to just one or two evaluative points that are explicitly
stated.

Higher in the band (22–25 marks), there will be sustained assessment and the
points offered will be explicit and well directed towards the question. Responses
will show a fuller picture of the contribution that alternative theories have made
to understanding the process of socialisation. The interactionist perspective
may be used to good effect to illustrate the limitations of the functionalist theory.
There is likely to be a well-formulated conclusion.

## Useful information (Hints)

**Question 1(a)**

**Question 1(b)**

**Question 1(c)**

**Question 1(d)**

**Question 2**

**Question 3**