The "Unseen" Text: Dominating Paper 3
Paper 3 gives you a research study you have never seen before. Your job is to analyse its methodology. The good news: the questions are almost always the same structure.
The Three Questions — Every Time
Name the research method used in the study (e.g., Naturalistic Observation, Semi-structured Interview, Case Study). Then state and explain two characteristics of that method as demonstrated in the study.
Teacher's Tip: Always link your characteristics to the specific study. Don't just define the method in the abstract — show the examiner you've read the text.
"The study uses a semi-structured interview. One characteristic is that it uses open-ended questions, as seen in the study where participants were asked to describe their experiences in their own words."
This question alternates between two topics. For sampling: identify the method (e.g., purposive, snowball, convenience) and explain its strengths and limitations. For ethics: discuss two or more ethical considerations (informed consent, confidentiality, right to withdraw, anonymity).
Teacher's Tip: For ethics, always link to the specific study. Saying "informed consent was important because participants were discussing sensitive personal experiences" is far stronger than a generic definition.
"The study used purposive sampling, selecting participants who had been diagnosed with PTSD. This is appropriate because it ensures the sample is relevant to the research question, but it limits transferability to other populations."
Discuss both the credibility and the generalisability (or transferability) of the study. Use specific evidence from the study to support your evaluation.
Teacher's Tip: This is where the "magic words" come in. Use Transferability, Reflexivity, and Triangulation to score in the top band.
"The credibility of the study is supported by the researcher's use of reflexivity — they acknowledged their own background as a former patient, which may have influenced data interpretation. Transferability is limited because the small sample of six participants from one hospital cannot be assumed to represent all patients with this condition."
The Three "Magic Words"
Memorise these definitions. Using them correctly in Question 3 is the fastest way to reach the top mark band.
Transferability
The extent to which findings from one qualitative study can be applied to other contexts or populations. Unlike generalisability (which is a quantitative concept), transferability acknowledges that qualitative findings are context-specific.
Reflexivity
The researcher's ongoing process of reflecting on how their own background, values, and experiences may have influenced the research process and interpretation of data.
Triangulation
The use of multiple methods, data sources, or researchers to cross-check findings and strengthen the credibility of a study.
Common Research Methods in Paper 3
| Method | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Naturalistic Observation | Behaviour observed in natural setting; no manipulation; high ecological validity |
| Semi-structured Interview | Mix of pre-set and open-ended questions; flexible; rich qualitative data |
| Case Study | In-depth study of one individual or group; multiple methods; idiographic |
| Focus Group | Group discussion; social interaction generates data; researcher as facilitator |
| Thematic Analysis | Identifies patterns (themes) across qualitative data; inductive or deductive |