Primary Sources
Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 6.1.4
Primary Sources
Primary sources are data collected by the researchers themselves. They can be qualitative or quantitative. Researchers always need to check for reliability, validity and representativeness.
Primary data
- Primary sources are data collected by the researchers themselves.
- They can be qualitative or quantitative.
- Researchers always need to check for reliability, validity and representativeness.
Reliability
- Reliability: i.e whether they would produce the same results if another researcher did the same study.
- A method that produces quantitative data is likely to be reliable but lack validity.
- Qualitative methods may be seen as more appropriate to ensure validity.
Validity
- Validity: i.e. whether the data are depicting the real world.
- Qualitative research methods are usually valid because they can give a better idea of what is happening in the world and a more in-depth picture of social behaviour.
Representativeness
- Representativeness: a study that accurately represents the wider population/ typical of the population.
- Quantitative methods that produce more reliable data are seen as appropriate in studies that need to be large-scale.
- Qualitative methods are seen as better if the research is going to include a small number of people.
Types of Primary Data
Primary sources are data collected by the researchers themselves. They can be qualitative, quantitative, or a mixture of both.
Quantitative methods
- E.g. questionnaires.
- They can be used in large numbers and this is why they are seen as more reliable because it is easier for other sociologists to replicate them and see whether they would yield the same results.
- They are mainly used to identify patterns and trends and draw conclusions as to whether there are causal relationships.
Qualitative methods
- E.g. observations, unstructured interviews, ethnographies.
- They can produce in-depth pictures of social reality.
- They can’t be produced in large numbers and can’t be very reliable as they can’t be easily replicated.
- They are seen as better to quantitative methods as they might reveal things that can’t be easily detected when participants only tick a box for example.
Mixed methods
- Help the researchers avoid making mistakes that are associated with either the qualitative or quantitative methods.
- It gives the researchers the chance to see something from different angles, thus eliminating any possible drawbacks.
Test yourself on Primary Sources
Which of these research methods produces quantitative data?
Which of the following would be quantitative data?
Which of the following would be primary data?