Lesson Plan

• Describe key ethical, reliability, validity, sampling, data‑collection, bias and practical issues in sociological research.
• Explain how each issue can affect the credibility and validity of research findings.
• Evaluate a research method and propose strategies to mitigate identified issues.
• Apply reflexivity to improve the design of a study.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides summarising research issues
• Handout with key issues and examples
• Sample questionnaire and interview guide
• Whiteboard and markers
• Laptop with internet access
• Exit‑ticket slips

Start with a quick poll: “What makes a research study trustworthy?” Connect the responses to previous lessons on research methods. Explain that today’s success criteria are to identify key research issues, explain their impact, and suggest practical mitigation strategies.

1. Do‑now (5’) – poll results and brief whole‑class discussion.
2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – overview of ethical considerations, reliability & validity, sampling, data‑collection methods, researcher bias, and practical constraints.
3. Group analysis (20’) – each group receives a case study of a specific method; identify three research issues and discuss their impact.
4. Whole‑class share (10’) – groups present findings; teacher highlights good practice and common pitfalls.
5. Mitigation workshop (15’) – groups brainstorm practical ways to address the identified issues and record suggestions on the handout.
6. Exit ticket (5’) – students write one research issue and one mitigation strategy they would use.

Recap how ethical, methodological and practical issues intertwine to shape research quality. Use exit‑ticket responses to confirm understanding. For homework, ask students to draft a brief plan for a small sociological study, addressing at least three of the research issues discussed.