AQA Exam Structure
- AQA AS Exam Structure
The research methods paper is essentially the same as the papers for units 1 and 2 in structure, with 4 short answer questions and two 20 mark essay questions.
The simplified mark scheme below should help you get an idea of the kind of thing the examiners are looking for in your answers.
Simplified Mark Scheme
a) Explain what is meant by ….. (2)
* Two marks for an appropriate explanation or definition
b) Identify two …… (4)
* Two marks for each of two appropriate points
c) Suggest three ….. (6)
* Two marks for each of three appropriate points
d) Identify and briefly explain two …. (8)
* Two marks for each of two appropriate points identified
* Two marks for each appropriate explanation of the identified points
e) Examine ……. (20)
1-7 marks
* Displays limited K&U
o Lower in band: one-or two common-sense points
o Higher in band: two or three weak descriptive points
* Interpretation of material may be simplistic or not relevant to the question
* Limited or non-existent analysis
8-14 marks
* Reasonable K&U
* Lower in the band:
o Competent but basic account of method/issue
o Interpretation is limited and not explicitly linked to the question
* Higher in band
o Material is accurate but relevance is not always made explicit
o Some limited analysis or evaluation linked to question
15-20 marks
* Sound, conceptually detailed K&U of sociological material
* Accurate interpretation to meet the demands of the question
* Material organised and analysed/evaluated to produce a coherent & relevant answer
* Consideration of a range of issues
* Examples of relevant studies are accurately and explicitly applied to the question
f) Using material from Item B and elsewhere , assess ….. (20)
1-7 marks
* Limited or non-existent analysis/evaluation
* Limited K&U
* Material may be recycled from the item without any display of understanding
* Points are common-sense or insubstantial
* Interpretation of material may be simplistic or not relevant to the question
8-14 marks
* Limited analysis/evaluation
* Reasonable K&U of some relevant material
* Lower in the band:
o Some suitable material is correctly identified
o Explanations are broadly accurate
o Some material may be unrelated to the question
* Higher in the band
o Deals explicitly with relevant issues
o May lack a balanced coverage of the topic
o Interpretation is largely linked to the question
o Some explicit analysis and/or evaluation
15-20 marks
- Analysis and evaluation are explicit and relevant
- Conceptually detailed K&U or relevant material from different sources
- Material is accurately interpreted to meet the demands of the question
- Analysis and evaluation are explicit and relevant
- Material is clearly organised leading to a distinct conclusion
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