Methods in context and theory and methods

Read Item C (item written for this paper). Item C: Investigating pupil subcultures Some pupils form subcultures that reject the values of the school, while others conform. Subcultures can be hidden from teachers and researchers, and pupils may be reluctant to speak openly in front of adults. However, observing pupils in classrooms and corridors can provide insight into how subcultures operate day to day. Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using participant observation to investigate pupil subcultures.

Outline and explain two problems of using official statistics in sociological research.