AQA SCLY2
Unit 2: Education with Research Methods
There are 2 sections – choose the CORRECT one, Education (should be section 1). You answer 4
questions on the topic of education, 1 on research methods in context and 4 questions on
research methods.
Time allowed: 2 hours
Maximum marks: 90
Time per mark = max 1 1/3 min.
Questions with more than 12 marks should be answered in continuous prose and you will be
marked on your ability to use good English, to organise information clearly and to use specialist
vocabulary where appropriate.
Section A – Education with Research Methods
01-04 You will be given 1 item to consider and which will help you answer the questions. Question
04 will ask you to refer to the item – you must make sure you make direct reference to an idea or
quotes in the item. Spend approximately 50 mins on questions 01 to 04
05 methods in context – apply your knowledge of methods to a particular issue in education
Spend approximately 30 mins on question 05
06-09 Research methods – draw on examples from any area of sociology
Spend approximately 40 mins on questions 06 to 09
No
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Possible Question outlines
definition of key term, e.g. ‘hidden curriculum’
Explain 3 factors
e.g. 3 reasons for boys’ underachievement
Outline some reasons for something
e.g. gender differences in subject choice
Essay question:
Using material from Item A and elsewhere…
e.g. assess the claim ‘the main function of education…’
Methods in context
Using material from Item B and elsewhere…
e.g. Assess the strengths and limitations of one of the following
methods (observation / official statistics) for investigating teacher
attitudes towards minority ethnic group pupils
Definition of key term, e.g. ‘triangulation’
Evaluation of methods
e.g. 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of using official statistics
Evaluation of methods
e.g. 2 disadvantages of using unstructured interviews
Essay question:
e.g. Examine some of the problems sociologists may find in using
experiments
Marks
2 marks
6 marks
Timing
<2 mins
<7 mins
12 marks
<14 mins
20 marks
<30 mins
20 marks
<30 mins
2 marks
4 marks
<2 mins
<4 marks
4 marks
<4 min
20 marks
<30 mins