9699/22/O/N/16

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## **Section A**

Answer question 1.

**1** There is disagreement within sociology about the most appropriate way to do sociological
research. Firstly, there are those who carry out research in a broadly scientific way,
collecting data that can be used to test a hypothesis. In this way, they seek to explain the
causes and functions of social phenomena, such as rates of divorce and levels of
educational achievement. The research methods used are quantitative.

Sociologists who disagree with this approach believe that it is mistaken to see the social
world as involving the same subject matter as the natural world that scientists investigate.
It follows that the social world cannot be studied in the same way as the natural world. As
a result, these sociologists are much more likely to use qualitative research methods.
However, this approach has been criticised. For example, it is questioned how far
sociologists are able to understand other people’s behaviour objectively.

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

1 One mark for a partial definition such as ‘something the sociologist wants to test’ or ‘a
supposed relationship between things’.

2 Two marks for a clear and accurate definition.

A hypothesis is a statement about a relationship between concepts/variables that a
sociologist believes to be true and will be tested against evidence.

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 qualitative research methods. [4]

1 Methods may include:

• Unstructured, semi-structured or focus group interviews

• Qualitative observations [specific types need not be cited as identification i.e. overt
and covert/direct and indirect/participant and non-participant]

• Qualitative content analysis [semiology]

• Case studies

• Open ended questionnaires

• Any other reasonable response

2 One mark for the example plus one mark for development (2 × 2 marks). The
development may take the form of a feature of the method or an extension of the
description of the method.

**(c)** Explain the problems that a sociologist may face in seeking to understand other
people’s behaviour. [8]

**L 1 0–4** Many potential problems, including. For example:

• Researcher bias: the preconceptions and values of the observer may result in
subjective interpretations. This may be linked to positivism.

• Researcher effect and the possibility that the people being observed may
deliberately mislead the observer (Hawthorne effect)

• The ambiguous nature of many social actions

• A variety of practical difficulties, e.g. the difficulty in some cases of obtaining
adequate access to the individuals or groups concerned.

• Researcher’s skill set

• Any other reasonable response

Answers at this level are likely to show only limited appreciation of the issues raised
by the question and make little use of relevant sociological concepts and theories.

Lower in the band [1–2] there will be a few commonsense observations or vague
assertions about the problems sociologists face in understanding people’s behaviour.

Higher in the band [3–4] there will be a more concerted attempt to develop the issues
raised in the question, perhaps by referencing some of the practical difficulties
involved in relation to the question.

**L 2 5–8** Answers at this level will show some sociological knowledge and understanding of the
question. There will be a clear attempt to explain the problems sociologists face in
understanding other people’s behaviour.

Lower in the band [5–6] an answer might develop two relevant points successfully.

Higher in the band [7–8] there may be a more expanded version of this type of
answer, perhaps including references to more than two relevant but with a degree of
development.

A good list of undeveloped points may gain up to six marks. To go higher,
some of the points should be developed

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

**(d)** Assess the strengths and limitations of adopting a scientific approach to sociological
research. [11]

**L 1 0–4** Answers at this level are likely to show only limited appreciation of the issues raised
by the question.

Lower in the band [1–2], there might be a few simple points about research methods
in general or some observations about natural science poorly linked to the question.

Higher in the band [3–4] one or two basic points about the strengths/limitations of
using science as a model may feature.

**L 2 5–8** Answers at this level show some sociological knowledge and understanding of the
question.

Lower in the band, a list-like account of a few arguments for and/or against a scientific
model might feature. Likewise, a sound account of the positivist perspective or its
methods that is not particularly well applied to the question could also be worth five or
six marks. At this level answers are likely to be lacking in breadth or depth.

Higher in the band [7–8] there may be a sound account of the issues concerning the
use of scientific methods in sociology, with effective links to positivism. Arguments for
and against using scientific methods may be addressed, perhaps by illustrating the
salient features of different methods, though not necessarily in a balanced way.

A descriptive answer cannot gain more than 8 marks.

**L 3 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, the assessment may be limited in range or depth.

The issues around sociology as a science will be explained clearly and thoroughly.
There will also be explicit links to theoretical perspectives with answers most likely to
be constructed in terms of the debate between positivists and interpretivists, though
there may also be useful references to feminist and postmodernist views on the
relationship between sociology and science but this is not necessary to enter this
level.

Higher in the band, the assessment may have more range or depth. Answers may
include some overall evaluative statements about whether it is appropriate to use
scientific methods in sociological research. The answer should respond directly to the
question

Evaluation points need not be wide ranging or in great depth for candidates to
achieve full marks.

Ideas and concepts likely to be included:

Hypothetico-deductive; Comte, Durkheim

Objectivity, subjectivity and value freedom

Reliable/valid/representative/generalisation

Falsification/Popper

Realism

## **Section B**

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

**2** ‘Sociological studies that are based on observational methods will always produce
more interesting findings than those that use questionnaires.’ Explain and assess this
view. [25]

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

Lower in the band, answers may show misunderstanding about the nature of
either research method.

Higher in the band [4–6], there may be a few simple points made about either
methods or a weak attempt to explain the view expressed in the question but
with very little detail or development that is relevant to the question as set

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

Lower in the band [7–9], the answer may be confined to a narrow range of
points, lacking detail and possibly with some inaccuracies. Responses here
are likely to be descriptive account of questionnaires as a sociological
research method or of types of observation.

Higher in the band [10–12], answers may either cover a narrow range of
points in reasonable detail or cover a wider range of points in limited detail.
For example, there may be a basic attempt to contrast the limitations of
questionnaires with the purported advantages of observational studies.
Answers will be largely descriptive at this level.

Answers that discuss only one of the methods are unlikely to rise above
10 marks and not beyond this level.

**L 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], answers may use a range of knowledge, supported
by concepts/theory. However, the points covered may lack development.
Here, the view expressed in the question will be explained accurately, possibly
by referring to the interpretivist critique of quantitative data and the methods
(questionnaires, structured interviews) through which it is derived.

Higher in the band [16–18], answers will use a wider range of knowledge,
supported by the use of concepts/theory where relevant and include some
well-developed points. Here, the explanation will be more developed and may
make good use of relevant concepts such as validity, verstehen, and in-depth
understanding.

Candidates will begin to address the specific wording of the question, though
the analysis of the view may not be fully convincing.

There is no requirement for assessment at this level.

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

• first, there will be good sociological knowledge and understanding;

• second, the material used will be interpreted accurately and applied
effectively to answering the question;

• third, there must also be some evidence of assessment.

Lower in the band [19–21], 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.
Here, answers will offer a full and well-informed account of why the data
collected using questionnaires might be considered inferior to the insights
provided by observation studies. The assessment will cover a range of
strengths and limitations of each research method (questionnaires and
observation) and will demonstrate a sound understanding of the theoretical
issues involved. Those that point out that each method may be chosen to fit a
particular purpose/aim should be rewarded.

Higher in the band [22–25], there will be sustained assessment and the points
offered will be explicit and well-directed towards the question. To reach the top
of the band, a response would possibly question what is meant by the term
‘interesting’ in relation to different types of sociological data, e.g. in the sense
that the data yielded may contain surprising or fascinating details that other
methods would not have reached. However, this is not necessary to enter this
level.

There is likely to be a well formulated conclusion

**3**  ‘Functionalists exaggerate how far people’s behaviour is controlled by external social
forces.’ Explain and assess this view. [25]

**L 1 0–6** Answers at this level are likely to be assertive and focus on a few common
sense 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
remarks about social forces.

Higher in the band, there may be a wider range of simple points with some
limited understanding of how society influences the individual but with little or
no further development that is relevant to the question.

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

Lower in the band [7–9], the answer may be confined to a narrow range of
points, lacking detail and possibly with some inaccuracies. For example, a
basic account of the importance of socialisation in human development, with
little or no reference to the functionalist perspective. Answers may be rather
list-like and likely to be lacking in some key respects.

Higher in the band [10–12], answers may either cover a narrow range of
points in reasonable detail or cover a wider range of points in limited detail.
For example, some knowledge of the functionalist perspective on socialisation,
but without clear reference to social forces.

**L 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], answers may a range of knowledge supported
concepts/theory. However, the points covered may lack development. Expect
to see direct reference to the functionalist notion that social roles are shaped
by the fact that society exists as an external force shaping behavior, i.e. a
structural one. At this level the discussion of the functionalist perspective may
lack subtlety and be rather narrow in the range of ideas/thinkers.

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. Here, a wider range of material on the
functionalist perspective will be covered, for example, discussion of
determinism and some answers may distinguish between different strands of
functionalist thought.

Candidates will begin to address the specific wording of the question, though
the analysis of the view may not be fully convincing.

There is no requirement for assessment at this level.

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

• first, there will be good sociological knowledge and understanding;

• second, the material used will be interpreted accurately and applied
effectively to answering the question; and

• third, there must also be some evidence of assessment.

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. Answers at this level will provide a good account of the
functionalist perspective on socialisation and social interaction. The idea that
society exists as a constraining and shaping force on roles will be fully
explained. There will also be a sustained and informed assessment of the
claim on which the question is based. At this level, the assessment may still
rely mainly on juxtaposition of contrasting sociological theories; for example,
structural versus action theories of human behaviour.

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. There is
likely to be a more direct analysis of the extent to which functionalists are
justified in claiming that external forces predominate. The analysis may take
the form of, for example, arguing that people have great freedom to construct
social roles and that they are negotiable; the ‘voluntarist’ position might be
outlined or Wrong’s critique of the ‘oversocialised’ could be utilised. Postmodernist ideas might also be used to support (or possibly to refine) the
overall approach taken by the interpretivist perspective. There may be
reference to Gidden’s structuration 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**