2018-2022

PLEASE NOTE 2020 and 2021 were not proper summer papers (Teacher assessed grades
were issued in these years) so these questions could well come up sooner rather than later
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2018

1. Outline two reasons why marketisation policies may produce inequality of educational achievement between social classes.
(4)
2. Outline three reasons for gender differences in educational achievement. (6)
3. Item A
According to Marx, capitalism is based on the ownership of the means of production by a wealthy minority. Capitalism
continues to exist because each new generation of workers is forced to undertake low-paid, alienating work to survive. This
makes capitalism potentially unstable, since it depends on the proletariat not seeking to overthrow this unequal system.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which the education system might serve the needs of capitalism. (10)

4. Item B
Social class differences in achievement are found at all stages of the education system and sociologists have put forward
several explanations for these differences. Some sociologists focus on factors outside school, such as the material
circumstances of pupils’ families or the ways in which parents socialise their children. Other sociologists see factors internal
to the education system itself as responsible.

However, it can be argued that it is the interaction between these external and internal factors that produces class
differences in educational achievement.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in
educational achievement. (30)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2018

5. Item C
Investigating pupil exclusions
Pupil exclusions take many forms. Permanent exclusions from school are rare, but about 1 pupil in 20 is excluded
for a fixed period, often for physical assaults against staff. There are no reliable figures for pupils sent out of
individual lessons. Pupils may also self-exclude by truanting or simply by ‘switching off’ in class.

Boys, pupils with special educational needs, poorer pupils and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils are much more
likely to be excluded.

One way of studying pupil exclusions is to use participant observation. By adopting an appropriate role, the
researcher may be able to get close to pupils. However, participant observers usually can only study fairly small
groups. Furthermore, success greatly depends on the researcher’s ability to establish a good relationship with
those being studied.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations
of using participant observation to investigate pupil exclusions (20)

6. Outline and explain two problems of using the functionalist perspective to study today’s society. (10)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods

2019

1. Outline two criticisms of schools selecting pupils by ability (4)

2. Outline three ways in which the characteristics of schools may be similar to the characteristics of workplaces. (6)
3. Item A
Some sociologists suggest that pupils of different social classes have different experiences in schools. The curriculum may
place a higher value on middle-class cultural capital and place some pupils at a disadvantage. Both teacher-pupil
relationships and interactions within peer groups are likely to affect how pupils of different social classes see themselves.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which processes within schools may affect pupils’ identities. (10)

4. Item B
All levels of the education system show differences in achievement between ethnic groups. When explaining these patterns,
some sociologists focus on the role of the home and family life in promoting educational achievement for some ethnic
groups.

However, other sociologists suggest that factors within schools are more important in explaining differences in achievement
between ethnic groups.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of differences in educational
achievement between ethnic groups. (30)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2019

5. Item C
Investigating the role of parents in pupils’ achievement
Sociological research has shown how much parents can contribute, materially and culturally, to their children’s
achievement in education. For example, parents can support their children by having regular contact with
schools and teachers, and by helping them with their homework. However, parents’ own education and their
attitudes to school may affect their ability or willingness to help.

One way of studying the role of parents in their children’s achievement is to use written questionnaires. One
advantage of these is that they can be completed outside the school setting. However, operationalising concepts
in questionnaires can be difficult. Furthermore, for a variety of reasons, some questionnaires may not be
returned.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations
of using written questionnaires to investigate the role of parents in their children’s achievement in school. (20)

6. Outline and explain two disadvantages of using personal documents in sociological research. (10)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2020

1. Outline two factors external to schools that may affect social class differences in educational achievement.(4)
2. Outline box three functions that the education system performs for society. (6)
3. Item A
Businesses compete with each other to attract customers. Another route to success for businesses is to provide unique
products for their customers.

The introduction of marketisation policies into the state education system means that schools are run like businesses.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which marketisation policies have led to schools being run like
businesses. (10)

4. Item B
The patterns of educational achievement by gender have changed over time. Some sociologists explain these patterns
through factors external to schools, such as socialisation and parental attitudes towards education. Changes in wider society,
such as employment opportunities, may also contribute to these patterns.

However, the way schools are organised and the social interactions that take place within schools are also likely to affect
gender differences in educational achievement.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of gender differences in educational
achievement. (30)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2020

5. Item C
Pupils behave in many different ways in schools. Some pupils conform to school rules, for example by wearing
the correct uniform and completing tasks set, whilst others break school rules. Interactions between teachers
and pupils, and between peers, are likely to influence behaviour. Sociologists are interested in researching
patterns of pupil behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour.

One way of studying pupil behaviour in schools is to use non-participant observation. Pupils are often observed
during the course of a school day. One advantage of nonparticipant observation is that the sociologist can
observe behaviour both inside and outside classrooms. Non-participant observation allows behaviour categories
to be decided before the observation begins. However, behaviour may not be classified in the same way by
different researchers.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations
of using non-participant observation to investigate pupil behaviour in schools. (20)

6. Outline and explain two problems of using primary qualitative methods in sociological research. (10)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2021

1. Outline two ways in which globalisation may have had an influence on educational policies in the UK. (4)
2. Outline three reasons why some working-class boys join anti-school subcultures (6)
3. Item A
Some sociologists claim that the curriculum taught in schools today prioritises some
cultures over others. Research also suggests that teacher expectations can be based
on stereotypes.

Teaching and learning in schools may affect the educational experiences of minority
ethnic groups.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which teaching and learning in schools may affect the educational
experiences of minority ethnic groups. (10)

4. Item B
Some sociologists, such as functionalists, claim that the education system is based on
meritocratic principles and provides all pupils with the opportunity to succeed. Pupils,
whatever their background, are objectively assessed through the examination process.
Other sociologists claim that meritocracy is a myth. The education system ensures that
existing social inequalities are reproduced in each generation

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the education system is meritocratic. (30)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2021

5. Item C
Investigating the academic progress of pupils in schools
There are differences in educational achievement between groups of pupils in schools.
Sociologists seek to identify patterns of differential achievement and the reasons for
these patterns. Academic progress is influenced by a range of factors, both external and
internal to schools.
One way of studying the reasons for differences in academic progress between groups
of pupils is to use secondary data. Schools collect and produce a range of quantitative
secondary data, such as exam statistics, as well as qualitative secondary data, such as
progress reports and pupils’ work. One practical advantage of using secondary data is
that it is often available in the public domain. However, access to some secondary data
may be restricted. Data on pupil progress may also be presented in a selective way
Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations
of using secondary data to investigate the academic progress of pupils in schools.. (20)

6. Outline and explain two arguments against the positivist view that sociology can be scientific. (10)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2022

1. Outline two ways in which schools may promote competition between pupils. (4)
2. Outline three ways in which the education system may be seen as patriarchal. (6)
3. Item A
Teachers may label and treat some groups of pupils differently from others. Schools and staff will have views about
appropriate pupil behaviour and attitudes to school.
Relationships and processers within schools may lead to anti-school subcultures.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which relationships and processes within schools may lead to anti-
school subcultures. (10)

4. Item B
Since the introduction of marketisation policies to education, over 30 years ago,
competition has grown between increasingly diverse types of schools. New Right
theorists argue that every parent is free to choose the best school for their child. They
also claim that this efficiently drives up standards and ensures that schools are
responsive to the needs of parents and pupils.
However, some sociologists argue that there are limits to these choices. They also
argue that marketisation policies may reinforce existing inequalities in educational
achievement.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view marketisation policies have increased diversity and
choice in the education system. (30)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2022

5. Item C
Investigating the reasons for subject choices made by pupils
As well as compulsory subjects at school, pupils can often choose optional ones. Pupils
may choose different subjects for a variety of reasons. They may have a personal
interest or talent in a subject or act on the basis of advice given by parents,
professionals working within schools or others. However, there are patterns in subject
choices linked to class, gender and ethnicity which could result from factors external to
schools.
One way of studying differences in the subject choices made by pupils is to use group
interviews. This type of interview can encourage deeper thought as participants can
develop ideas put forward by other group members. However, participants may be
influenced by peer pressure. Furthermore, some pupils, teachers and parents may find
it difficult to find a time to meet as a group.
Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations
of using group interviews to investigate the reasons for subject choices made by pupils . (20)

6. Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts (10)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2023

1. Outline two similarities of the Functionalist and Marxist view of education(4)

2. Outline three ways criticisms of marketisation policies in education. (6)
3. Item A
Throughout their schooling pupils are told that everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. Schools prepare pupils for
the workplace.
Sociologists suggest that the hidden curriculum may help to reproduce the social class structure.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways that the hidden curriculum may help to reproduce the social class
structure(10)

4. Item B
There are differences in patterns of educational achievement between groups of pupils. These differences can be based on
class, gender or ethnicity, or a combination of these. Some sociologist argue that cultural actors are the main explanation for
differences in educational achievement. Differences in primary socialisation may mean that some groups find it easier to
engage with the culture of the school.
However, other sociologist argue that material factors, such as access to resources are also important.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the importance of cultural factors in explaining patterns of
educational achievement. (30)
 Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
2023

5. Item C
Investigating the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades
Pressure on pupils to achieve high grades can come from a range of sources. Schools and teachers are keen for
their pupils to achieve high grades. Parents and peers can also be source of pressure. High grades are often
required by employers and universities.
One way of studying the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades is by using self-completion questionnaires.
This type of questionnaires can be completed anonymously in private. However, operationalising concepts such
as pressure can be difficult for the researcher. There is also no interviewer present to explain what the questions
mean.
Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations
of using self-completion questionnaires to investigate the pressure on pupils to achieve high grades.(20)

6. Outline and explain two reasons why sociologists may chose to use research methods that produce quantitative
data (10)
 Paper 2 – Families and Households
2018

4. Outline and explain two ways in which government policies may affect family structure. (10)

5. Item C
There have been a number of demographic changes since 1900. Life expectancy has increased and therefore several
generations of a family may be alive at the same time.

Also, people now have fewer children.

Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which demographic trends since 1900 may have affected the nature of
childhood in the United Kingdom today. (10)

6. Item D
Postmodernist sociologists argue that individual choice is now more important to people than their responsibilities to their
family. As a result, people are choosing to live in a variety of different ways and the idea of family is more difficult to define.

However, other sociologists argue that postmodernists overestimate the extent of change in family life.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that individual choice in personal relationships has
made family life less important in the United Kingdom today. (20)
 Paper 2 – Families and Households
2019

4. Outline and explain two ways in which an ageing population may have led to policies that affect families and households
today. (10)

5. Item C
Many marriages now end in divorce. This often creates lone-parent families and single-person households. Serial monogamy
has also become a common pattern, with many divorced people remarrying.

Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which changing patterns of marriage and divorce have affected the
experience of childhood. (10)

6. Item D
Feminist sociologists emphasise the harmful effects of the conventional nuclear family on women. They see it as playing a
role in the continuing oppression of women. This is evident in areas such as domestic violence, paid employment and power.

Other sociologists reject this negative view of the family and argue that it is essential
for society.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate feminist explanations of the role of the family in society today.
(20)
 Paper 2 – Families and Households
2020

4. Outline and explain two ways in which changing childbearing patterns may have influenced gender roles and relationships
within families and households. (10)

5. Item C
Globalisation involves the growing inter-connectedness between countries through increased travel opportunities. It enables
more freedom of choice in terms of lifestyles and personal relationships.

Globalisation may influence families and households.

Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which globalisation may influence families and households. (10)

6. Item D
Some sociologists argue that UK society has become more child-centred. Children today are more privileged than they have
ever been. There are a large range of laws and policies in place to protect them and there is an increasing emphasis now
placed on children’s rights.

However, other sociologists argue that the extent of child-centredness is exaggerated, and that childhood can be a negative
experience for some children.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that UK society has become more child-centred. (20)
 Paper 2 – Families and Households
2021

4. Outline and explain two ways in which the functions of the family may have been affected by changes to its structure.(10)

5. Item C
In the UK, there has been an increase in divorce since the 1960s. There are also more same sex couples than in the past.

Family diversity in the UK has been influenced by government policies.

Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which family diversity in the UK has been influenced by government
policies. (10)

6. Item D
Despite many changes in society, some feminist sociologists argue that gender roles and relationships within the family
remain unequal. Women still take responsibility for housework and childcare, and men still dominate in terms of power and
financial control.

However, other sociologists argue that there is evidence that gender roles and relationships are becoming more equal. For
example, men now take on a more domestic role.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that gender roles and relationships within the family
are still unequal in society today. (20)
 Paper 2 – Families and Households
2022

4. Outline and explain two ways ways in which increased life expectancy may have affected the experience of childhood (10)

5. Item C
People have more choice than in the past over who they can be in a personal
relationship with. They also have more choices when a relationship ends.
This increased choice in personal life has affected family structures in the UK today.
Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways effects that increased choice in personal life has on family structures in the
UK today. (10)

6. Item D
Marxist sociologists argue that families continue to perform a key role in maintaining
capitalism. Families support the economy and play an important part in transmitting
ideology that helps to legitimise the capitalist system.
However, some sociologists argue that Marxists place too much importance on the role
of families in supporting capitalism and that families are beneficial to individuals and
society as a whole.
Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate Marxist explanations of the role of families in society today.
(20)
 Paper 2 – Families and Households
2023

4. Outline and explain two ways that social change may affect patterns of marriage(10)

5. Item C
Globalisation has increased the movement o people around the world. It has also led to wider access in the UK to
technological developments.
Globalisation may affect domestic labour in the UK.
Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways that globalisation may affect domestic labour in the uk(10)

6. Item D
Recent demographic changes in the UK include a declining birth rate, increased immigration and an ageing population. Some
sociologists, such as the New Right, argue that these changes may have a negative impact of families and households as they
undermine the traditional nuclear family.
However, other sociologists, such as postmodernists, argue that these changes have had a range of different impacts on
families and households in the UK.
Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate sociological views on the impact of demographic changes on
families and households in the uk. (20)
 Paper 2 – Beliefs in Society
2018

13. Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect religious beliefs and practices. (10)

14. Item I
Minority ethnic groups often arrive in the United Kingdom with a different culture from that of the host society. Also,
members of minority ethnic groups often face racism in their everyday lives.

Applying material from Item I, analyse two reasons why minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom are often more
religious than the majority of the population. (10)

15. Item J
Postmodernists argue that there has been an increase in spirituality in the United Kingdom. For example, there is increased
interest in New Age activities such as yoga, meditation and crystal healing.

However, theories of secularisation claim that traditional organised religion has declined, while science and rational thought
have become more important.

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that an increase in spirituality in the United Kingdom
has compensated for the decline of organised religion. (20)
 Paper 2 – Beliefs in Society
2019

13. Outline and explain two ways in which churches may act as conservative forces. (10)

14. Item I
Globalisation involves the spread of a worldview based on science and rationality. In some places people have rejected this
worldview and have revitalised religious traditions.

Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which globalisation may affect the extent of secularisation. (10)

15. Item J
There are differences between women and men in levels of religious belief and participation in religious activities. Feminist
sociologists focus on women’s subordination to men and see religion and religious organisations as playing a part in
maintaining patriarchal society.

However, despite this, women appear to be more religious than men.

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the relationship between gender
and religious beliefs and practices. (20)
 Paper 2 – Beliefs in Society
2020

13. Outline and explain two reasons why women are more likely than men to participate in New Age movements. (10)

14. Item I
Secularisation theory explains the decline in religious participation across parts of Europe, but it does not explain why religion
continues to be popular in other parts of the world. It also fails to recognise that religion may be changing rather than
declining.

The extent of secularisation may have been exaggerated.

Applying material from Item I, analyse two reasons why the extent of secularisation may have been exaggerated. (10)

15. Item J
Some sociologists argue that religion acts as a force for social change. It can be used to challenge mainstream beliefs and
values, and inspire protest against the existing social order.

However, other sociologists suggest that the relationship between religion and social change is not straightforward and that
religion can even prevent social change.

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religion acts as a force for social change. (20)
 Paper 2 – Beliefs in Society
2021

13. Outline and explain two ways that globalisation may have influenced the way in which religion acts as a force for change. (10)

14. Item I
Churches are generally seen as traditional and conservative in their beliefs. They also tend to have a strict hierarchy of power.

The characteristics of churches are different from those of New Age movements. .

Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which the characteristics of churches are different from those of New Age
movements. (10)

15. Item J
Secularisation is the declining importance of religion. Some sociologists argue that within the UK, religious beliefs and
organisations are losing significance. Fewer people are attending churches than ever before and there are smaller numbers
of religious ceremonies such as weddings.

However, others argue that religion is not losing importance. This only appears to be the case because the way people
interact with religion is changing over time.

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the UK is becoming increasingly secular. (20)
 Paper 2 – Beliefs in Society
2022

13. Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may have influenced religious beliefs and practices of minority ethnic
groups in the UK. (10)

14. Item I
Social change can involve periods of increased poverty and higher numbers of people
living in such conditions. Individuals may feel uncertainty in times of rapid social
change.
Social change may lead to the growth of sects.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which social change may lead to the growth of sects. (10)

15. Item J
Defining religious belief and practice often creates problems. Some sociologists argue
that religion should be defined in terms of its belief in a higher power. However, others
argue that it should instead be defined in terms of the social role the belief system
plays.
Measuring religious belief and practice can also pose problems. Whilst many
individuals may claim to hold religious beliefs, the way they practise these beliefs may
be difficult for sociologists to measure

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the problems that sociologists may face when defining and
measuring religious belief and practice. (20)
 Paper 2 – Beliefs in Society
2023

13. Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect the functions of religion(10)

14. Item I
Religion claims to provide answers to life’s ultimate questions. Religion can also provide support in times of change.
Religion may have greater influence than science in some people’s lives.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two reasons why religion may have greater influence than science on some people’s
lives (10)

15. Item J
There are difference sociological explanations of the relationship between ethnicity and religious beliefs and practices. Some
sociologists argue that religion plays an important part in the lives of many minority ethnic groups, providing a mechanism
for cultural defence and cultural transition.
However, other sociologists argue that there has been a decline in the importance of religion for most ethnic groups.

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the relationship between ethnicity
and religious beliefs and practices (20)
 Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance
2018

Crime and Deviance

1. Outline two ways in which gender may influence the risk of being a victim of crime. (4)

2. Outline three criticisms of the labelling theory of crime and deviance (6)

3. Item A
The different agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the courts, are responsible for processing
individuals who are suspected of committing crimes. Some individuals may also have greater motivation or pressure to
offend, or have more opportunity to do so.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two reasons for social class differences in official crime statistics.(10)

4. Item B
Much media output is devoted to crime but the media offer a distorted portrayal of crime and criminals. The media are also
often seen as causing crime, for example by creating a sense of relative deprivation or causing moral panics. The new media
also provide opportunities both for committing crime and for policing it.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological contributions to our understanding of the
relationship between crime and the media. (20)
 Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance
2019

Crime and Deviance

1. Outline two reasons why deviant subcultures exist. (4)

2. Outline three reasons why victims may not report crimes. (6)

3. Item A
Crime reduction strategies make assumptions about why and how offenders commit their crimes. Such strategies also make
assumptions about what crimes it is important to reduce and about the role or impact of criminal justice agencies.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two reasons why crime reduction strategies may not always be successful.(10)

4. Item B
Some sociologists explain levels of offending by girls and women in terms of their socialisation or their position in patriarchal
society. For example, one feminist sociologist argues that the weakening of patriarchy has led to an increase in female
offending.

However, other sociologists focus on the ways in which the police and courts treat females, as well as on the impact of media
stereotypes of female offending.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of levels of female offending. (20)
 Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance
2020

Crime and Deviance

1. Outline two ways in which media representations of crime may not reflect reality. (4)

2. Outline three functions of the criminal justice system. (6)

3. Item A
The world is becoming increasingly globalised and interconnected with the development of new technologies. There has also been an
increase in trade across national borders.

Globalisation may influence crime in the UK.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways that globalisation may influence crime in the UK.(10)

4. Item B
Official statistics show that the majority of convicted offenders come from deprived areas. Convicted offenders are more likely to be
unemployed and have limited educational qualifications. Crimes of the powerful are less likely to appear in the
statistics.

Functionalists argue that social class differences in offending is a result of the working class having fewer opportunities to achieve
mainstream goals. Other sociologists argue that the differences are due to selective law creation and enforcement. .

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the relationship between social class and
offending. (20)
 Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance
2021

Crime and Deviance

1. Outline two ways that the nature of capitalism may cause people to commit crime. (4)

2. Outline three reasons for gender differences in levels of recorded crime. (6)

3. Item A
The media often portray role models with glamorous lifestyles. The news also frequently exaggerates the reporting of events.

The media may contribute to an increase in crime

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways that the media may contribute to an increase in crime. (10)

4. Item B
Official crime statistics indicate that people from some minority ethnic groups are more likely to be arrested for and convicted of crime than
the white ethnic majority. For example, Black people are more likely to be stopped and searched by the police. They are also more likely to be
arrested and convicted of crimes or sent to prison.

One view is that differences in crime rates between ethnic groups are the result of the way the criminal justice system labels and criminalises
some minority ethnic groups. Others argue that there are real differences in criminality. For example, Left Realists highlight issues such as
relative deprivation as a cause of crime and Right Realists argue there is a lack of social control in some groups.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that differences in crime rates between ethnic groups are mainly the
result of the way the criminal justice system operates. (20)
 Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance
2023

Crime and Deviance

1. Outline two reasons why surveillance man not reduce crime(4)

2. Outline three reasons for social class differences in patterns of offending(6)

3. Item A
Some argue that social odder is maintained in society by reinforcing social solidarity. Others argue that the ruling class maintain social
ord4er by controlling the working class.
Punishment may help to maintain social order.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways that punishment may help maintain social order(10)

4. Item B
The increased interconnections across the globalised world have created new opportunities for crime and also new types of crime. For
example, the rise of new technology ahs led to the development of cybercrime. Marxists argue that the reduced control over finance and
corporations has led to increased insecurities, inequalities and crime.
However, others have argued that globalisation has enabled more effective ways of tackling crime. For example, states may cooperate in
tackling international crimes such as green crime and human rights abuses.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that globalisation has led to increased levels of crime(20)
 Paper 3 – Theories and Methods
2018

Theories and Methods

5. Outline and explain two disadvantages of using laboratory experiments in sociological

research. (10)

6. Item C
Structured interviews are a relatively cheap way of studying a sample. Positivist sociologists
favour structured interviews because they produce reliable data that can be used to test
hypotheses.

However, critics argue that structured interviews are inflexible and that their results lack
validity.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the advantages of using
structured interviews in sociological research. (20)
 Paper 3 – Theories and Methods
2019

Theories and Methods

5. Outline and explain two reasons why sociologists’ research may not always be objective. (10)

6. Item C
Marxist sociologists see capitalism as based on class inequality and the exploitation of the
proletariat. They argue that all social institutions help to maintain capitalist society. However,
in the Marxist view, the proletariat will ultimately overthrow capitalism and create a classless
society.

Critics argue that the traditional Marxist view of society is outdated.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the contribution of Marxist
approaches to understanding today’s society. (20)
 Paper 3 – Theories and Methods
2020

Theories and Methods

5. Outline and explain two ethical issues that sociologists using primary quantitative methods
would have to consider when carrying out their research. (10)

6. Item C
Postmodernists believe we have entered a new type of society, which is characterised by
consumption, diversity, choice and globalisation. Furthermore, postmodernists argue that
metanarratives are less useful for explaining how society works today.

However, Marxists and others are particularly critical of the view that we have entered
a new type of society.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that society today
should be described as postmodern. (20)
 Paper 3 – Theories and Methods
2021

Theories and Methods

5. Outline and explain two sociological perspectives on the purpose of social policy in society. (10)

6. Item C
Before they begin research, sociologists have to make choices about which research methods to
use. Positivists favour methods that are more likely to generate quantitative data as they want to
discover laws of human behaviour. Others prefer methods that enable a sociologist to gain a
deeper understanding of why people behave in certain ways.

Alternatively, it could be argued that practical and ethical factors are more important
influences on a sociologist’s choice of research method..

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that theoretical
factors are the most important influence on a sociologist’s choice of research method. (20)
 Paper 3 – Theories and Methods
2022

Theories and Methods

5. Outline and explain two reasons why some sociologists choose unstructured interviews in their
research (10)

6. Item C
Social action theorists take a micro-level approach in focusing on an individual’s free
will and choice of behaviour. These theorists believe it is important to examine how
people interact with others and seek to understand the meanings behind why people
behave as they do.
However, structural theorists are critical of social action theories. They argue that
sociologists should examine the structural power differences between groups and
individuals, which control people’s behaviour.

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of social action
theories in explaining human behaviour. (20)
 Paper 3 – Theories and Methods
2023

Theories and Methods

5. Outline and explain two reasons why interpretivists prefer to use qualitative methods of
research(10)

6. Item C
Feminists argue that society continues t be patriarchal. Radical feminists argue that patriarchy is
the most important organising principle in society and strongly disadvantages women. Examples
of this include the gender pay gap in employment as well as the inequalities and oppression
experiences in the private world of the family.
However, Marxists would argue hat many feminists ignore the influence of capitalism as an
orgnasing principle in determining inequalities and oppression in today’s society

Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate extend to which todays society can
be seen as patriarchal (20)