Research issues
Paper 1 – Methods of research
Objective: Research issues
In this section you’ll learn how to recognise the main problems that can arise when you collect and analyse data. Think of research as a detective story – every clue (data point) must be reliable, and every suspect (method) must be fair.
1️⃣ Common research issues
- Sampling bias – picking a group that isn’t representative of the whole population. Imagine only interviewing people who love pizza to judge everyone’s food preferences.
- Non‑response – when participants refuse or drop out, leaving gaps. Like a survey where 70 % of the class didn’t answer.
- Measurement error – inaccurate tools or questions. Think of a ruler that’s off by a centimetre.
- Social desirability bias – people say what they think you want to hear. It’s like a student claiming they always study, even if they binge‑watch shows.
- Ethical concerns – ensuring participants’ rights and privacy. Picture a researcher who reads your diary without permission.
2️⃣ Analogy: Research as a cooking show
🔪 Ingredients (data) – Fresh, varied, and measured correctly. 🍳 Recipe (method) – Step‑by‑step instructions that anyone can follow. 👨🍳 Chef (researcher) – Keeps the kitchen (study) clean, follows safety rules, and checks the taste (validity). 🍽️ Plate (results) – Presented clearly, with notes on any seasoning (bias) that might affect flavour.
3️⃣ Quick‑look table: Methods & Typical Issues
| Method | Typical Issue |
|---|---|
| Survey (questionnaire) | Non‑response, wording bias |
| Interview (structured/unstructured) | Interviewer bias, social desirability |
| Observation (participant/non‑participant) | Observer effect, limited scope |
| Experiment (lab or field) | Ethical constraints, artificial setting |
📌 Examination Tips
- Read the question carefully – does it ask you to identify, explain, or evaluate research issues?
- Use the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) for each paragraph.
- Give at least two examples of each issue and link them back to the research method.
- Remember the word limit – concise, but complete.
- Practice with past papers: note the word count and the style of answers that received full marks.
4️⃣ Quick Quiz (for fun)
⚡ Which issue is most likely when a survey is sent to only one school? Sampling bias – because the sample isn’t representative of all students.
Revision
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