assessment objectives used in economics exams
The skills they want you to show
The subject criteria for Economics and Business Studies published by QCA contain full details on the four assessment objectives that A and AS level subject specifications have to contain. These objectives are:
KNOWLEDGE and critical UNDERSTANDING of the subject content
This skill is essentially a foundation skill and will probably be tested by the use of command words such as:
- Classify...
- Define the following...
- Explain...
- Give...
- Identify...
- List the advantages...
- List...
- Name...
- Outline...
- State...
The main features of such questions are:
- they normally carry a relatively low mark allocation, though in certain high mark questions this should be carefully monitored;
- they normally call for a specific number of facts to be responded to; · unless specifically asked the candidate will not have to offer a detailed explanation of the subject matter.
Examiners also expect candidates to demonstrate a basic KNOWLEDGE of all relevant terms and ideas common to the subject area.
APPLICATION of KNOWLEDGE and CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING
The second objective is APPLICATION. Here candidates must show an ability to apply basic terms, concepts, theories and methods relevant to the problem(s) being addressed.
Examples of command words commonly used to identify such a skill are:
- Apply...
- Calculate...
- Explain (relevant to the circumstances outlined) ...
- Give an example of...
- How...
- Predict...
- Show how...
- Use...
- What is meant by...
- What would be the advantages of...
- Which...
- Why...
The main features of questions using these command words are:
- candidates will be expected to give some detail;
- a decision may be called for;
- the required knowledge may have to be shown in context.
This assessment objective calls for the candidate to demonstrate a clear UNDERSTANDING through APPLICATION of the relevant knowledge to the set problem or situation.
ANALYSIS
The third assessment objective is ANALYSIS. This calls for the candidate to demonstrate an ability to SELECT, organise and interpret the information from the sources given.
The skill is normally expected when command words such as the following are used:
- Analyse...
- Calculate...
- Compare...
- Explain the advantages / disadvantages...
- From the given...
- How...
- Identify...
- Organise...
- Select...
- Show how...
- Which...
The main features of such questions are:
They usually require the candidate to carefully read and respond to data / text that relates to several elements and provide a sensible answer, with supporting reasons.
Examiners are therefore looking for candidates to be able to carry out selection and interpretation and analyse their findings against whatever stimulus they have been given.
EVALUATION
The final and most advanced skill is that of EVALUATION. This requires the candidate to make reasoned JUDGEMENTS and present a CONCLUSION / OPINION that is supported.
Questions calling for this skill normally carry the highest marks available. The command words that accompany this skill include: ·
- Advise...
- Analyse (and come to a decision) ...
- Assess...
- Compare...
- Consider...
- Decide...
- Discuss...
- Evaluate...
- Recommend...
- To what extent...
- Which...
- Why...
The main features of such questions are:
- they tend to be more open-ended;
- they will require a decision, with reasons / support;
- detailed responses will be needed, involving a decision, again with relevant support / justification;
- they often require some form of comparison.
The candidate must therefore provide an evaluative reaction, that forms a reasoned judgement and concludes with evidence of an opinion being supported. Most questions carry high mark allocation, but there may be exceptions.
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