Cambridge Syllabus Notes

Paper 1 – Methods of research

Primary data 📚 – data collected directly from the source. Analogy: It’s like cooking a new dish from scratch.

Secondary data 📖 – data already collected by someone else. Analogy: It’s like following a recipe you found online.

Focus on depth, meaning, and context. Analogy: Like a detective piecing together a story.

Focus on numbers, measurement, and generalisation. Analogy: Like a scientist running a lab experiment.

Combines both to get a fuller picture. Analogy: Like using both a microscope and a telescope.

Structure of a study that determines how data are collected and analysed.

Design	Key Features	Example
Experimental	Random assignment, control & experimental groups, manipulation of independent variable.	Testing the effect of a new teaching method on exam scores.
Quasi‑experimental	No random assignment, uses existing groups.	Comparing two schools that already use different curricula.
Non‑experimental	Observational or survey data, no manipulation.	Cross‑sectional survey of attitudes toward climate change.

Define key terms – e.g., primary vs. secondary data, qualitative vs. quantitative.
Use examples to illustrate each method or design.
Show comparisons (e.g., experimental vs. non‑experimental) in a table or bullet list.
Remember the strengths & weaknesses of each approach.
Practice short, clear answers – aim for 2–3 sentences per point.