Source A In 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria published data from a household survey on internet access. The survey used structured questio...

Part (a): The term sociologists use for data that is presented in numerical form [2 marks]

The term is quantitative data [2]. Quantitative data is expressed as numbers, percentages, or statistics and can be presented in tables, charts, and graphs. It is valued by positivist sociologists because it allows for measurement, comparison, and statistical analysis.

Part (b): From Source A, the research method used to collect the data [2 marks]

The method used was structured questionnaires [2]. Source A states that the survey used structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data from 12,000 households. Structured questionnaires use standardised questions, which means every respondent is asked the same questions in the same format.

Part (c): Two reasons why sociologists might choose to use structured questionnaires [4 marks]

One mark for identifying each reason, one mark for development of each, up to four marks.

• They produce standardised responses that are easy to compare across a large number of respondents [2]. Because every respondent answers the same questions, the data can be tabulated and patterns identified quickly.
• They can be distributed to many people at low cost, allowing for large sample sizes [2]. This is important when the researcher wants findings that can be generalised to the wider population.

Part (d): One type of sampling that could have been used in this survey [2 marks]

Any valid sampling method with identification and brief description receives two marks. Examples include:

• Random sampling: Every household in the target population has an equal chance of being selected.
• Stratified sampling: The population is divided into income groups, and households are selected proportionally from each group.
• Quota sampling: The researcher sets targets for how many respondents from each category to include.

Part (e): One strength and one limitation of using quantitative data [4 marks]

Strength: Quantitative data can be measured and compared easily [1], allowing sociologists to identify patterns and trends across large populations [1]. The chart in Source A, for example, clearly shows that internet access increases with income level.

Limitation: Quantitative data may not capture the depth of people's experiences or the reasons behind their behaviour [1-2]. It tells us that only 18% of low-income households have internet access, but it does not explain why, or what this means for the daily lives of those affected.

Part (f): Using Source A, describe what the data reveals about income and internet access [6 marks]

Up to six marks for a developed explanation.

The chart shows that internet access increases with income. Only 18% of low-income households have internet access, compared to 54% of middle-income and 89% of high-income households [1-2]. This reveals a clear link between social class and digital access [1], with those in higher income groups having significantly greater access to technology [1]. Sociologists would describe this as a digital divide, where economic inequality translates into unequal access to information and communication technology [1]. This has implications for education, employment, and social participation, as those without internet access may be excluded from opportunities available to wealthier groups [1].

Part (g): Two ways in which secondary data sources could help sociologists study inequality [6 marks]

Three marks for each way (identification + development), up to six marks.

• Official government statistics on poverty rates could show patterns of inequality across regions [1], allowing sociologists to compare levels of deprivation in different areas [1] and track changes over time [1].
• Media reports and newspaper articles could provide qualitative evidence about lived experiences of inequality [1], offering personal accounts and case studies [1] that bring statistical patterns to life [1].

Part (h): Two ethical issues sociologists should consider when conducting research [4 marks]

Two marks for each ethical issue (identification + description), up to four marks.

• Informed consent: Participants should be told the purpose of the research and agree to take part [2]. They must understand what is being asked of them and have the right to withdraw.
• Confidentiality: The personal details of respondents should be kept private and not shared without permission [2]. This is particularly important when collecting data on sensitive topics such as income.

Part (i): How sociologists might use both primary and secondary data to investigate a social issue [5 marks]

Up to five marks for a developed explanation.

Sociologists could collect their own primary data through methods such as interviews or questionnaires [1] to gather first-hand information on a topic [1]. They could then supplement this with secondary data such as government reports or existing research studies to provide context and background [1]. Using both types allows sociologists to cross-check findings (triangulation) [1] and build a more complete picture of the social issue being studied [1].

For example, a sociologist studying the digital divide in Nigeria might conduct interviews with families about their internet use (primary data) and also analyse the government household survey data described in Source A (secondary data). The interview data would explain the lived experiences behind the statistics, while the statistical data would show the scale of the problem.