Research methods: past paper questions
Real questions on research methods
The newest 20 of 292 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[2]
From Source A, identify the two countries with the highest percentage of people using the internet to buy goods or services.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[4]
Using information in Source A, explain two reasons why the research is useful for studying people’s internet activity.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(iii)[6]
Using information in Source A, explain three problems with the research for understanding people’s internet activity.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[2]
Give two examples of personal documents.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[4]
Explain one strength and one limitation of quota sampling.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[10]
Evaluate the interpretivist view that it is important for a researcher to achieve verstehen in sociological research. Your answer should include: • at least two arguments for and two arguments against • a conclusion.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[12]
Explain the research methods and evidence that you would choose to investigate ethnic inequalities in education. Give reasons for your choices. Your answer should include: • two primary methods with relevant sampling • one source of secondary evidence. Answer either Question 2 or Question 3. Identity: self and society
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[2]
From Source A, identify the two research methods that were used in the study.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[4]
Using information in Source A, explain two reasons why triangulation was a useful approach for studying women’s experiences of paid work.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(iii)[6]
Using information in Source A, explain three problems with the research for studying women’s experiences of paid work.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[2]
Give two examples of secondary evidence.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[4]
Explain one strength and one limitation of non-participant observation.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[10]
Evaluate the view that random sampling is the best sampling technique to use in sociological research. Your answer should include: • at least two arguments for and two arguments against • a conclusion.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[12]
Explain the research methods and evidence that you would choose to investigate why people migrate from one country to another. Give reasons for your choices. Your answer should include: • two primary methods with relevant sampling • one source of secondary evidence. Answer either Question 2 or Question 3. Identity: sel...
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[2]
From Source A, identify two countries where the number of people who do not have access to safe drinking water in their home has decreased between 2000 and 2020.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[4]
Using information in Source A, explain two reasons why the data is useful for understanding people’s access to safe drinking water.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(iii)[6]
Using information in Source A, explain three problems with using the data for understanding people’s access to safe drinking water.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[2]
State two sampling techniques.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[4]
Explain one strength and one limitation of digital sources of secondary evidence.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[10]
Evaluate the view that researcher bias exists in all sociological research. Your answer should include: • at least two arguments for and two arguments against • a conclusion.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Almost all candidates used the source to identify two weaknesses of focus groups, correct answers were that they can be expensive to organise and are time consuming.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0495/11 Q1(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates correctly identified at least one method that could be used by interpretivists, apart from focus groups. The most popular answers were participant observation and unstructured interview. Other possible answers were group interview and case studies. Some candidates chose questionnaires which illustrated a lack of understanding. Answers which cited interviews without specifying eithe...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0495/11 Q1(b) (Cambridge)
The source-based question proved a challenge for some candidates. The most successful candidates directly identified a feature of the research method from the source, for example the fact that focus groups allow researchers to obtain in-depth data or researchers were able to create an atmosphere where the girls felt comfortable to open up. Candidates then described how this may lead to validity, f...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0495/11 Q1(c) (Cambridge)
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