Exam Question Structure

Question 1

How would you answer a typical part A key research question?

E.G ‘Using the key research by … explain how … behaviour could be explained through … factors’ (10)

Answer 1

• Aim of study
• Describe study
• Finding of study
• Apply finding back to question
• Give another finding
• Apply back to question
• Conclusion

Question 2

How would you answer a background style question part A?

E.G ‘Outline physiological and non physiological explanations of what makes a criminal’ (10)

Answer 2

• Description of any background research or info about the area
• Use evidence
• Give reasons for points
• Give a concluding sentence

Question 3

How would you answer a debate / issues question part B?

E.G Assess the reliability of research into what makes a criminal (15)

Answer 3

• Intro
• 3/4 paragraphs with PEE
• contradict yourself to give an argument
• end with concluding sentence

Question 4

How would you answer a strategies / application question part C?

E.G Scenario with question on potential strategies

Answer 4

• Intro
• Explain strategy
• Link strategy to context
• Give another strategy
• Link this strategy
• Include evidence from previous research
• Concluding sentence

Question 5

How would you answer a research methods style question part C?

Answer 5

• Suggest sample and sampling method
• Suggest procedure
• Suggest dependent variable
• Explain how you would adhere to ethics
• Link answer to previous research in some way
• show reasoning