Writing a Methods in Context Answer

This final lesson provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to writing a high-quality Methods in Context answer in the AQA A-Level Sociology Paper 1 exam. The Methods in Context question is worth 20 marks and you should spend approximately 30 minutes on it. It is a skills-based question that tests your ability to apply knowledge of research methods to a specific educational context. This lesson covers how to decode the question, use the Item, structure your answer, and achieve the highest marks using the AQA mark scheme criteria.

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Understanding the Question Format

The Methods in Context question always follows the same format:

Read Item [letter] below and answer the question that follows.

Item [letter] [A short passage describing an educational topic that sociologists might want to investigate]

Applying material from Item [letter] and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using [named method] to investigate [topic described in the Item]. [20 marks]

Key Components of the Question