Module 4: Social Inquiry and Investigation

6 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

Which research methods gather the best evidence for a social inquiry?

Explain primary and secondary research methods and select appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods for a social inquiry.

The difference between primary and secondary sources, qualitative and quantitative methods, common social research methods such as surveys, interviews and content analysis, and how to choose the right method for an inquiry.

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How do you carry out a structured social inquiry?

Describe the stages of the social inquiry process and the research methods used to gather and analyse evidence about a social issue.

The stages of the social inquiry process from question to conclusion, primary and secondary research methods, ethics in social research, and how to analyse evidence, framed for the SACE folio and group activity tasks.

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How do you plan and write the external investigation?

Explain the requirements of the external investigation and how to plan, research and present an independent study of a contemporary social or cultural issue.

What the SACE Stage 2 Society and Culture external investigation requires, how to negotiate and frame a contemporary issue, structure the report, use evidence and perspectives, and meet the word limit, since this is the 30 percent external component.

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How do you plan and reflect on a collaborative social action for the Interaction?

Explain the requirements of the Interaction, and how to plan, carry out and reflect on a collaborative social action linked to a social inquiry.

What the Assessment Type 2 Interaction requires, how to plan and carry out a collaborative social action linked to an inquiry, how to work effectively as a group, and how to write the individual reflection.

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How do you conduct social research ethically and responsibly?

Explain the ethical principles that guide social research and apply them when investigating people and communities.

Why ethics matter in social research, key principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, voluntary participation and avoiding harm, and how to research sensitive topics and communities responsibly.

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How do you analyse evidence and present findings convincingly in a social inquiry?

Explain how to analyse social research data, evaluate sources, and present findings and conclusions clearly in a social inquiry.

How to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, evaluate the reliability and bias of sources, draw justified conclusions, and present findings clearly in a social inquiry report.

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