SY4 Exam TipsObjectives:

Have some useful tips for doing wellKnow the layout and expectations of the exam

paper.

EXAM STRESS ???

Don’t get stressed get prepared!!

Exam is 2 hours

You MUST answer question 1 parts a) and b) ANDOne question on Social Inequality (parts a)

and b) frm a choice of two questions.

Before the examRevise !!!!!!!!Practice answering questions to timeKnow beforehand how much time you should

allocate to each question according to the marks available

Have the right equipment readyEat and sleep wellTake time-out to relaxRemember that some adrenaline when going into the

exam will help you perform better! BUT talk to someone in school or at home if you get too stressed.

During the ExamRead the instructions on the paper

thoroughlyRegularly check the timePlan your longer answers – but don’t spend

too long on this!Check your answers by reading back over

themKeep your handwriting legibleClearly mark on your answer booklet which

question you are answering

Research Methods Compulsory question Question a) 10 marks – 10 minutesAO1 10 marks (All knowledge based) You will be given an example of some research on a topic and

could be asked about why the researcher has chosen a particular method, sampling methods, ethics or even theoretical things like advantages/disadvantages of positivism/interpretivist. You need to know advantages and disadvantages of all the methods in the textbook and how to evaluate each method in terms of GROVER (generalisability, representativeness, operationalisation, validity, ethics and reliability). Your answers must be in the context of the source material given. You could also use other examples of research you know about (see SY4 research summaries handout.)

Question b) 30 marks – 40 minutesAO1 14 AO2 16You will be asked to outline a research design on a topic which

will be given to you. It will also state whether the study should be qualitative or quantitative. You will then have to discuss any problems which may occur with your design. You should design a study which is fitting for the topic given to you. So don’t try to write one you have pre-prepared, just practice doing them. You need to cover the sub-headings below in your design.

To get AO2 marks you must justify each stage saying why you made the decision and giving some strengths and weaknesses of your design e.g the method or sampling technique used. The evaluation section will be particularly important for getting AO2. 

The research design Aim, a statement about what your overall aim is Hyposthesis (If quantitative) a prediction about what you think will be

found Operationalisation (how are you measuring/defining the concept e.g class

inequalities) Sampling method (how will you get access to your participants and select

them?) Method used (primary or secondary data collection and actual method) Procedure used, how you would actually carry it out Analysis of the data, how would you analyse it and what you might expect

to find. Evaluation. A couple of paragraphs explaining any problems you might

anticipate with data collection e.g time, cost, access to sample, and problems with the design itself in terms of GROVER, see above.

  A way to remember order of above list:- A Hippo Only Smells Monkeys Properly After Eating.

Question 2 Social Inequality These could be any question based around the 10 booklet

topics that we have covered. Synopticity is being examined in this unit so a question may also be broader requiring you to bring aspects of topics together or draw on previous knowledge in sociology.

You should know:-Key terms linked to each topickey points/patterns e.g on gender, ethnicity etc, names of

writers, linked research studies, linked theories /perspectives and have strengths and weaknesses prepared.

You need to pay attention to command words (see handbook)Use activities, key words and essay plans at back of booklets.

Question 4/5 a) 20 marks – 25 minutesAO1 8 AO2 12This will be the ‘identify two areas of inequality’ question.You should aim to identify each area, explain it with

examples, provides at least two pieces of evidence for each area which is fully explained, developed and evaluated using strengths and weaknesses or alternative viewpoint/perspective. You can also use research from the summaries and evaluate the methods used.

Mark scheme states ‘range of evidence’ for AO1Mark scheme states ‘explicit links to question’ and analysis

must be the focus. I.e demonstrating an understanding of the issues and what evidence implies/suggests about it.

Question 4/5 b) 30 marks – 45 minutesAO1 13 AO2 17

This is a longer essay and is examining your skills of evaluation and analysis more , you need range AND depth.

You can jot a quick plan if you have time Include an introduction and conclusionThis question will ask you to Discuss, assess or critically evaluate

etc. The essay should be set out as an argument. Use evaluative language at every opportunity and make VERY

explicit links to the question in your answer.You need to include a range of writers, research and theories in your

answer. Each point you make should be fully explained, developed, provide

evidence which is then evaluated and analysed. Use PEEA !!!

Extra Tips !The key to doing well in exams is all about

revision and practice. Half the battle is writing good essays to time.

Watch the news and apply your knowledge to current debates. This will help you understand the issues and consolidate your knowledge. Anything current you can include in your answers will get extra marks but don’t overdo it, remember you need actual research studies writers and theories too !

GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!