The specification requires us to address one key question of relevance to today’s society, discussed as a contemporary issue for society rather than an academic argument. We have to apply concepts, theories and/or research (as appropriate to the chosen key question) drawn from learning theories to explain this.

“Should the school’s pastoral curriculum include more about the impact of violent video games?”

How effective are airline ‘fear of flying’ courses likely to be?

Practice Questions:

The learning approach has been used to explain key questions of relevance to today’s society.

1. Describe the key question that you studied for the learning approach (4)

2. Explain the key question that you studied for the learning approach (4)

3. Discuss the key question you have studied using concepts, theories and/or research from the learning approach (8)

Use this sheet to plan your answer: essay-planner-sheet-8 KEY QUESTION 2017

3. Evaluate the key question you have studied using concepts, theories and/or research from the learning approach (8)

Use this sheet to plan your answer: EVALUATE or ASSESS 8-key-question-2017

Sample essay to deconstruct and improve using the essay grid:

Evaluate one key question of relevance from the Learning Theories Topic

In the past, Edexcel have often given scenarios in the exam and expected you to explain and/or evaluate your explanations. As you have practiced this in the key questions part of the course, they are happy to ask you to employ the same skills set to explaining anything they care to chuck at you under timed conditions. This is very likely to continue based on the SAMs, where this question came from:

The media is said to have an ever growing impact on our lives, including the behaviours we show and how we view ourselves and others. For example, the media can be said to affect the style of clothes that young people choose to wear. Claims have been made that the media is responsible for the increasing number of young people with eating disorders, both male and female.

Discuss the key issue for society of the effect of the media on young people, using concepts, theories and/or research from learning theories. You must make reference to the context in your answer (8)