Possible arguments for:
• a strength of primary data is that it is gathered by the researcher who
can see for themselves how the data has been gained;
• skilled sociologists can operationalise concepts and variables giving
them greater understanding of the data;
• in general, primary data should be fit for purpose because the study is
designed and carried out for the main purpose of the research;
• often considered to be more trustworthy than secondary data – if
collected objectively, with careful planning and sampling;
• primary data is more up-to-date than data gathered from previous years
which is less likely to answer the questions your data needs to address;
• primary data can be a reliable way to collect data because the
researcher can do it again as they know the procedures;
• gathering primary data enables the researcher to focus on the specific
issues of the research;
• primary data can be more ethical as researcher can build rapport with
sample and ensure no harm is caused;
• participant observation has the advantage of seeing respondents in
their natural environment;
• allows researcher to gain consent and ensure participants are not
deceived;
• any other reasonable response
Arguments against:
• secondary data is more readily available for example official statistics
and so it easier to access for researchers;
• secondary data is cheaper and easier to use – governments put in time
and money to gather data and often make data freely available this
reduces the costs of research which is a major practical issue;
• official statistics have bigger samples and this can improve the
representativeness of the data in comparison to some primary methods;
• official statistics often involve much larger samples than so
generalisations are able to be made practical issues make it difficult for
sociologists to carry out research on this scale;
• official statistics are often part of longitudinal research so they can show
changes over time – thus trends can be identified, most sociologists
wouldn’t be able to carry out longitudinal research such as the UK
census
• large data sets from official statistics enable thinkers and researchers to
formulate social policy, it wouldn’t be possible to draw large scale
conclusions from smaller primary studies;
• diaries and historical documents may be the only way to research
certain topics as respondents are not available for primary research;
• primary data may include ethical issues that are not found in secondary data
• some secondary data may have been gathered initially by skilled sociologists and therefore can be highly trustworthy
• primary data may be influenced by the researcher’s values – interviewer
bias so secondary data can be seen to be more objective;
• primary data may be influenced by the researcher – interviewer effect,
whereas some secondary data won’t have this limitation;
• any other reasonable response
Band 0 [0 marks]
No creditworthy response.
Band 1 [1–4 marks]
Answers in this band may be vague and largely based on common sense
showing limited knowledge of the debate. Use of sociological terms or
concepts is very unlikely. Responses may be short, undeveloped and onesided.
Lower in the band (1–2 marks), expect one or two weak points.
Higher in the band (3–4 marks) candidates may offer more than two points
and provide a weak definition of key terms in the question.
Band 2 [5–8 marks]
In this band candidates will show some basic knowledge of the debate.
Alternatively, they may offer an answer which is list-like in nature but there
will be no real attempt to assess the issues raised by the question. There
may be limited/some use of sociological terms or concepts. Responses may
be underdeveloped and lack range. Answers may be simplistic and twosided
or only cover one side of the debate. Lower in the band, the response
may be rather narrow in the points covered and there may be some
development.
Higher in the band, more points are likely to be covered with some
development. Alternatively, a list-like answer with some development
covering both sides of the argument may score up to 8 marks.
A one-sided answer cannot score higher than 8 marks.
Band 3 [9–12 marks]
Answers in this band will show good sociological knowledge and
understanding of the debate. Sociological terms and concepts will be used
with greater accuracy and/or frequency. For the most part, answers will be
well-developed, focused on the questions and there will be a range of points
presented. There will be a two-sided response but it may lack range on one
side. At the bottom of the band, candidates may provide a narrower range of
developed points. At the top of the band, expect a wider range of developed
points and clear focus on the question.
Band 4 [13–15 marks]
Answers in this band will show excellent knowledge and understanding of
the debate. There will be a strong grasp of the arguments as well as
accurate and frequent use of sociological terms and concepts. Answers will
be well-developed, clearly focused on the question and discuss a wide
range of points. Responses will be two-sided and have a range of points on
each side. At the bottom of the band (13 marks), the answer may lack a
specific conclusion. Higher in the band, there will be a clear attempt to offer
an assessment of the ‘To what extent.?’ part of the question through a focused conclusion.