Lesson Plan

• Describe the two main types of data (qualitative and quantitative) and their key characteristics.
• Explain at least three common data‑collection methods and match them to suitable research questions.
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of surveys, interviews, observation and experiments.
• Evaluate the main ethical considerations when planning sociological research.
• Design a brief research plan that links a question to a data type, method and appropriate design.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides summarising data types & methods
• Handout with a table of methods, designs and examples
• Sample questionnaire and interview protocol sheets
• Observation checklist
• Case‑study excerpts for group work
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with the question, “How would you find out why teenagers prefer streaming services to traditional TV?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of formulating research questions. Explain that today they will learn how to choose data types, methods and designs, and they will know the success criteria: correctly matching a method to a question and recognising ethical issues.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Quick quiz on qualitative vs. quantitative data.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of data types, collection methods and research designs with examples.
3. Group activity (15’) – Each group receives a research question, selects a data type, method and design, and completes a planning worksheet.
4. Gallery walk (5’) – Groups display their plans; peers provide brief feedback.
5. Whole‑class debrief (10’) – Discuss advantages/disadvantages of chosen methods and highlight ethical considerations.
6. Exit ticket (5’) – Students write one appropriate method for a new question and note a key ethical point.

Summarise how data type, method and design interrelate and remind students of the ethical checklist. Collect exit tickets and announce the homework: read the textbook section on research design and draft a one‑page outline for a study of their own choosing.