Sociology

    OCR
    GCSE

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    42

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    168

    Exam Tips

    137

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    16 revision guides for OCR GCSE Sociology

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    40%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts, evidence and methods

    AO2
    40%

    Apply knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts, evidence and methods

    AO3
    20%

    Analyse and evaluate sociological theories, concepts, evidence and methods in order to construct arguments, make judgements and draw conclusions

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Conflating 'socialisation' with general 'learning' without explicit reference to the transmission of norms and values.
    • •Presenting the 'Organic Analogy' as a literal biological fact rather than a theoretical metaphor for structural interdependence.
    • •Failing to acknowledge the 'rose-tinted' critique—ignoring dysfunction, conflict, or exploitation within institutions.
    • •Confusing the 'New Right' with Functionalism; while similar, candidates must distinguish between the two when discussing state dependency.
    • •Confusing Marxist 'class conflict' with general social disagreement or Weberian 'status'.
    • •Failing to distinguish between the 'infrastructure' (economic base) and 'superstructure' (institutions).
    • •Describing inequality generally without using specific Marxist terminology like 'exploitation' or 'alienation'.
    • •Confusing 'sex' (biological) with 'gender' (social construct) in explanations of inequality.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In 12-mark and 24-mark questions, ensure every paragraph follows the PEEL structure: Point, Explanation, Evidence (Theorist), Link.
    • •When discussing Durkheim, explicitly link 'social solidarity' to the prevention of 'anomie' to demonstrate depth of understanding.
    • •Allocate strictly 1 minute per mark; do not over-write on 6-mark 'Describe' questions at the expense of the high-tariff synoptic essay.
    • •Use the 'Organic Analogy' as a framing device for introduction paragraphs to demonstrate conceptual oversight before diving into specifics.
    • •In 12 and 24-mark questions, always juxtapose Marxism with Functionalism to demonstrate AO3 evaluation.
    • •Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to ensure chains of reasoning are developed.
    • •When analyzing sources, explicitly state how the data supports or refutes the Marxist view of class stratification.
    • •Memorize specific studies (e.g., Willis, Bonger) to provide the necessary evidence for AO1 marks.

    Specification Topics

    42 topics

    Functionalism

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Marxism

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Feminism

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Interactionism and Social Action

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    Postmodernism

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Functions of the Family

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Family Structures

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Couples and Family Roles

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Divorce

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Theories of the Family

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    The Role and Functions of Education

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    The Role of Education in Society

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    Educational Achievement and Inequality

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    The Impact of Social Class, Gender, and Ethnicity

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    School organisation and culture

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    Defining Crime and Deviance

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Theories of Crime and Deviance

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Types of Crime

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    Social Control and Punishment

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    The Media and Crime

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    Social Class

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    Poverty

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    Wealth

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    Social mobility

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    Life Chances

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    Definitions of Poverty

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    Causes of Poverty

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    Effects of Poverty

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    The welfare state

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    Solutions to Poverty

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    Quantitative Research Methods

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    Qualitative Research Methods

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    Primary and secondary data

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    Sampling Techniques

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    Reliability and Validity

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    Ethical Considerations

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    Culture

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Norms

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Values

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Roles

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Socialisation

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    Identity

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

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