Advice from the exam board - what makes a good case study?

What makes a good case study?

Students should complete their own individual case study on the two pre-set topics.

The best case studies include:

• a range of different media products from a range of media platforms

• detailed examples from particular media products

• evidence of research into media debates and issues and relevant wider contexts; theory used to explain and support answers

• real interest in the case study chosen, evidenced by engagement with the products and issues and own opinions.

The main ways students write good Section B essays and achieve higher level marks is to do the following.



Have their own individual case study to answer the question

Students from one centre should not all have the same case study. This does not allow students to show evidence of independent study, which excludes them from the higher levels. For example, in a centre where students are all writing answers on the identity of women in film, with the same or very similar media products, theory, contexts and media debates, the students will not be able to show evidence of independent and individual study. In addition, students who have their own case study are more engaged and more willing to focus on the question, rather than repeat a pre-learned answer of descriptive points. The majority of the media products students use to support and illustrate their answer should also be individual.

Centres may want to start the pre-set topics with a class overview that introduces the topic; but then students should do their own individual case study, with their own choice of media products.



Answer the particular question that is asked

Students should not write everything they know about their case study. It is best to do a plan before the question is answered and use the key words in the question.



Show range in their answers



Students should refer to a range of different media products to support their answer; for example, by referring to a wide range of platforms (preferably all three) and products from different genres, targeted at different audiences and produced by different institutions. It often works well if students have four products to refer to in detail and others to which less detailed reference can be made.



Include detailed references to particular media products rather than just general examples

For example, a point explaining that men can reject the masculine identity shown in action films should include detailed references to particular characters, scenes and shots from action films.



Have a clear focus

Students produce better answers when they have a clear and specific focus. Very general case studies, such as gender identity in all of the media, are often too much for one case study.



Apply media issues, debates and theories

Students should ask the question:

What does their case study suggest are the current issues and critical debates in the media? The students should apply relevant media theories to their case study and media products, use the theory to answer the question and support the point made, and should not just describe a theory.



Include relevant wider contexts

Students should apply relevant economic, political, social and historical contexts to their own case study.