AS & A Level Sociology 9699 · Topic 2

Methods of research: past paper questions

189 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2026usually: Explain, Evaluate, Describe, Assess

Real questions on methods of research

The newest 20 of 189 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

9699/11 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[8]
Explain two factors that may influence the sociologist’s choice of research topic.
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9699/11 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[6]
Explain two strengths of using qualitative secondary data in sociological research.
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9699/11 · May/June 2026 · Q5[26]
Evaluate the use of unstructured interviews in sociological research.
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9699/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1[4]
Describe two types of qualitative research method.
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9699/12 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[8]
Explain two reasons why structured interviews are high in reliability.
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9699/12 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[6]
Explain one strength and one limitation of longitudinal studies in sociological research.
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9699/12 · May/June 2026 · Q5[26]
Evaluate the view that the values of the sociologist lead to bias in research findings.
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9699/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1[4]
Describe two types of questionnaire.
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9699/13 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[8]
Explain two features of the interpretivist approach to sociological research.
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9699/13 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[6]
Explain one strength and one limitation of structured interviews as a research method.
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9699/13 · May/June 2026 · Q5[26]
Evaluate the view that practical factors are more important than theoretical factors in influencing the choice of research method.
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9699/12 · February/March 2026 · Q2a[8]
Explain two reasons why group interviews are high in validity.
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9699/12 · February/March 2026 · Q2b[6]
Explain two strengths of field experiments as a research method.
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9699/12 · February/March 2026 · Q4[26]
Evaluate the view that human behaviour is shaped by nature rather than nurture. OR
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9699/12 · February/March 2026 · Q5[26]
Evaluate the use of official statistics in sociological research.
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9699/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[6]
Explain two strengths of semi-structured interviews.
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9699/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5[26]
Evaluate the view that the interpretivist approach provides the best way to understand society.
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9699/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[8]
Explain two ways that research might be influenced by how it is funded.
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9699/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[6]
Explain two strengths of longitudinal studies in sociological research.
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9699/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5[26]
Evaluate the view that quantitative methods provide the best way to study social behaviour.
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What examiners said

Comprehensive responses • Many responses clearly identified two different reasons for the validity of group interviews. • Some focused on the group aspect directly, mentioning the more relaxed atmosphere, or the group members feeding from each other’s responses. • Some candidates used sociological material, including a concept such as rapport, qualitative data, a theory such as interpretivism or f...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9699/12 Q2(a) (Cambridge)

Comprehensive responses • Two clear strengths were often identified and clearly linked to field experiments. • Many explained each strength to clearly show why it applies to field experiments and why it is a strength, for example related to enhancing validity. • Many candidates successfully discussed ecological validity and the advantages of real-world research settings over laboratory experiments...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9699/12 Q2(b) (Cambridge)

Comprehensive responses • Many candidates showed clear understanding of the view presented and could use evidence to support both sides, creating a debate. • A range of evidence, including theories such as sociobiology and functionalism and thinkers such as Wilson, Parsons and Lombroso, was effectively used to support the view in the question. • Many candidates produced extended responses that cha...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9699/12 Q4 (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise methods of research

In the syllabus

2.1 Types of data, methods and research design

The differences between primary and secondary sources of data and between quantitative and qualitative data.
The strengths and limitations of different secondary sources of data, including official statistics, personal documents, digital content and media sources.
The strengths and limitations of different quantitative research methods, including questionnaires, structured interviews, experiments and content analysis.
The strengths and limitations of different qualitative research methods, including overt and covert participant and non-participant observation, unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews and group interviews.
Stages of research design, including deciding on research strategy, formulating research questions and hypotheses, sampling frames, sampling techniques, pilot studies, operationalisation, conducting research and interpreting results.

2.2 Approaches to sociological research

The use of approaches drawing on different research methods, including case studies, social surveys, ethnography and longitudinal studies.
The mixed methods approach to research, including triangulation and methodological pluralism.
The positivist approach, with reference to scientific method, objectivity, reliability and value-freedom.
The interpretivist approach, with reference to verstehen, meaning, subjectivity and validity.
The debates about whether sociology can/should be based on the methods and procedures of the natural sciences and the role of values in sociological research.

2.3 Research issues

The theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing the choice of topic, choice of method(s) and conduct of research.
How research findings may be biased by the actions and values of the sociologist and by choices made in funding, designing and conducting the research.
Validity, reliability, objectivity, representativeness and ethics as important concepts in assessing the value of different research methods.

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