A-LEVEL EXAMPLE MEDIA RESPONSES STUDIES - AQA

1 EXAMPLE RESPONSESA-LEVELMEDIASTUDIES(7572)Paper 2 MEDIA TwoUnderstand how the highest levels were achieved and how to interpret the mark May 2020 AQA 2020 Please note that for copyright reasons we are unable to display the sources, figures, etc which correspond with the exam questions in this resource. To view the question papers and inserts for A-LEVEL MEDIA STUDIES , please visit Secure Key Materials on eAQA. Student RESPONSES have been reproduced exactly as they were originally, therefore any errors in spelling and grammar are the student s own. 2 AQA 2020 Question 1 Figure 1 shows the Bioshock Infinite game cover. Analyse Figure 1 using the following semiotic ideas: denotation connotation myth. [9 marks] Mark scheme Level Marks Descriptor 4 7-8 Excellent analysis of the product that is detailed and critically engages with the nuanced aspects of how MEDIA language is used to construct meaning in the album launch poster Excellent and judicious use of the theoretical framework ( MEDIA language) to analyse how meanings are generated Consistent highly appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout.

2 3 5-6 Good analysis of the product that is clear and sometimes engages with the nuanced aspects of how MEDIA language is used to construct meaning in the album launch poster Good use of the theoretical framework ( MEDIA language) to analyse how meanings are generated Frequent appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout. 2 3-4 Satisfactory analysis of the product that engages with generally obvious or straightforward aspects of how MEDIA language is used to construct meaning in the album launch poster Satisfactory use of the theoretical framework ( MEDIA language) to analyse how meanings are generated Generally appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout. 1 1-2 Basic analysis of the product that engages with more straightforward aspects of how MEDIA language is used to construct meaning in the album launch poster.

3 Basic, if any, use of the theoretical framework ( MEDIA language) to analyse how meanings are generated Occasional appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout. 0 0 Nothing worthy of credit. 0 1 3 AQA 2020 Response A Denotation can be defined as the primary and or literal meaning behind a MEDIA text. Taking into account the genre of this MEDIA product being action/adventure it is plausible to suggest there will be elements of either genre present. One such EXAMPLE is reinforced by the prop (gun) on the front cover in Figure 1. Typical of the action genre this prop suggests to us immediately that there will be violence present in the game as is in action games. Connotation can be defined as the ideas perceived from MEDIA text which depend on conceptual map on an individual based on culture.

4 Applying ideas of mise-en-scene once again the way the protagonist is presented (dressed) to some it could perceive ideas revolving around the cowboy stereotype, whist more specifically to Americans in the south this a reference to the outlaw archetype seen in western movies suggesting the game to be living life on one s own terms. Barthes idea of myth, which can be defined as the dominant ideology could then be reinforced based on how an individual goes through the level of signification. As aforementioned, audiences based in the deep south, for EXAMPLE when seeing the prop, understanding the game will have violence as well as associating the protagonist outlaw archetype it is more than fair to suggest that this type of audience would believe that Figure 1 is a product revolved around rebellion in Wild West.

5 The answer addresses all parts of the question in a detailed way, demonstrating excellent understanding throughout. The question requires the student to apply understanding of the concepts identified in order to analyse the image. Here the student gives a definition of the concepts which isn t necessarily required understanding can be shown through the analysis. The answer begins (as does the structure of the question) with a fairly straightforward identification of the hybrid genre, backed up with evidence from the image, this is then developed through concepts of stereotyping linked to myth, to analyse how the image constructs meanings around cultural and national identity. Specialist terminology from the MEDIA language theoretical framework (props, mise-en-scene, protagonist, ideology) is used throughout.

6 This is a good EXAMPLE of how very high-level RESPONSES are possible without using additional space a focused and clear answer that covers the relevant points. Level 3++ 4 AQA 2020 Question 2 MEDIA effects theories argue that the MEDIA has the power to shape the audience s thoughts and behaviour. How valid do you find the claims made by effects theories? You should refer to two of the Close Study Products (Tomb Raider Anniversary, Metroid: Prime 2 Echoes, Sims Freeplay) in your answer. [25 marks] Mark scheme Level Marks Descriptor 5 21-25 Excellent understanding of the theoretical framework of MEDIA demonstrated through critical engagement with the nuanced aspects of the claim and how MEDIA products shape response. Excellent, detailed and accurate application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate effects theories claim.

7 Evaluation is insightful, thorough and critically informed. Judgements and conclusions regarding the validity of effects theories claims are perceptive and fully supported with detailed reference to specific aspects of the set video game products. Consistent highly appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout. 4 16-20 Good understanding of the theoretical framework of MEDIA demonstrated through some engagement with the nuanced aspects of the claim and how MEDIA products shape response. Good, accurate application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate effects theories claim. Evaluation is logical and informed. Judgements and conclusions regarding the validity of effects theory s claim are logical and well supported with reference to relevant aspects of the set video games products.

8 Frequent appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout. 3 11-15 Satisfactory understanding of the theoretical framework of MEDIA demonstrated through engagement with generally obvious or straightforward aspects of the claim and how MEDIA products shape response. Satisfactory, generally accurate application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate effects theories claim. Evaluation is reasonable and straightforward, although 0 2 5 AQA 2020 there may be a tendency to apply rather than evaluate effects theories claim. Judgements and conclusions regarding the validity of effects theory s claims are sensible and supported with some appropriate reference to relevant aspects of the set video game products. Generally appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout.

9 2 6-10 Basic understanding of the theoretical framework of MEDIA demonstrated through engagement with more straightforward aspects of the claim and how MEDIA products shape response, this is likely to be limited. Basic application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate effects theories claim though there is likely to be a lack of clarity or relevance. There may be a tendency to simply describe features of the set product rather than evaluate the theory. Judgements and conclusions are not developed and only partially supported by reference to the set video games products. Occasional appropriate use of subject specific terminology throughout. 1 1-5 Minimal, if any, understanding of the theoretical framework of MEDIA that engages with minimal aspects of the claim or only focuses on how MEDIA products shape simple response.

10 Minimal, if any application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate effects theories claim. Evaluation is absent and description is minimal. Judgements and conclusions drawn are superficial, generalised and lacking supporting evidence from the set video game products. Minimal use of subject specific terminology throughout. 0 0 Nothing worthy of credit. 6 AQA 2020 Response B Some theorists like Bandura and George Gerbner say that MEDIA products such as Tomb Raider and Metroid create a false reality that indoctrinates the audience. Social learning says that the audience responds to the products as the products intend. Bandura warned that immersive first person shooters such as Metroid would influence children to act violently also. Cultivation Theory says that games like Tomb Raider create false ambitions of beauty through the representation of Lara Croft.