Since the advanced information for Criminology was finally announced, it has been a whirlwind trying to interpret the altered specification, preparing coverall revision powerpoints (check out here: Unit Two and Unit Four) and analysing past exam papers for insights and obvious gaps. I am currently focusing on Unit Two (with preparation for Unit Four simmering in the background) and since deciphering the changes made by the exam board, the next move seemed to be colour coordinating past exam questions to see what has been asked, where the gaps are (areas on the specification never been asked) and potential questions. So here is what I have found:
Assessment Criteria: 1.2
Past Questions:
- With reference to examples, analyse how laws change due to time, place and culture. 9 marks (2017)
- Discuss, using examples, how laws have changed over time. 7 marks (2019)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Discuss, using examples, how laws change over place.
- Discuss, using examples, how laws change from culture to culture.
- How laws are applied differently according to circumstance in which actions occur.
Assessment Criteria: 2.1
Past Questions:
- With reference to the text above, describe the main features of one physiological theory of criminality. 5 marks (2017)
- Describe one physiological theory of criminality. 5 marks (2018)
- Describe one biological theory of criminality. 5 marks (2019)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Describe one physiological theory of criminality.
Assessment Criteria: 2.2
Past Questions:
- Describe one individualistic theory of criminality. 5 marks (2017)
- With reference to Jimmy’s case, describe one individualistic theory of criminality. 5 marks (2018)
- Describe one individualistic theory of criminality. 5 marks (2019)
- Briefly describe one individualistic theory of criminality. 4 marks (2020)
Past Questions:
- Describe the main features of one Learning Theory of criminality.
Assessment Criteria: 3.1
Past Questions:
- Analyse how the theory described above (individualistic) can be applied to Paul’s situation. 5 marks (2017)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Note: Questions will depend on scenario given but you can apply Physiological and Learning Theories to it. Marks can be awarded for other relevant links even if not on the Advanced Info for 2022.
Assessment Criteria: 3.2
Past Questions:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a range of individualistic criminological theories to explain causes of criminality. 8 marks (2017)
- Evaluate psychodynamic theory in explaining causes of criminality. 8 marks (2018)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the theory described in (b) (i) (Individualistic theories) in explaining the causes of criminality. 6 marks (2019)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of individualistic theories in explaining the causes of criminality. 9 marks (2020)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Evaluate social learning theories in explaining causes of criminality.
- Evaluate personality theory in explaining causes of criminality.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of individualistic theories in explaining the causes of criminality.
Assessment Criteria: 4.1
Past Questions:
- Examine the crime control policy options that Mr Mackie could introduce if elected as mayor. 6 marks (2017)
- Describe the difference between formal and informal policy making. 2 marks (2018)
- Describe the crime control policy options that Alan might propose. 4 marks (2018)
- Assess one crime control policy developed from individualistic theories of criminality. 6 marks (2018)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Outline one example of how individualistic theories of criminality have informed policy development.
- What is the difference between crime control policies and state punishment policies?
Assessment Criteria: 4.2
Past Questions:
- Discuss how social changes can affect policy development. 8 marks (2017)
- Explain how social values, norms and mores may impact on policy development. 7 marks (2018)
- With reference to the scenario, explain how social changes affect policy development. 6 marks (2020)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Discuss, using examples, how public perception of crime affects policy development.
- Discuss, using examples, how the structure of society affects policy development.
- Discuss, using examples, how demographic changes affect policy development.
- Discuss, using examples, how cultural changes affect policy development.
Assessment Criteria: 4.3
Past Questions:
- With reference to campaigns and their methods, discuss how the residents’ campaign may affect policy development. 9 marks (2020)
Gaps and Possible Questions:
- Discuss how the pressure group campaigns may affect policy development.
If you would like a copy of the coverall powerpoint, coverall worksheet and printable table of past questions and possible gaps please click here: Unit Two and Unit Four.