Long Answer Questions

For students sitting the AQA 8525 GCSE Computer Science course, the "Impacts of Technology" question is a vital part of Paper 2 (Computing Concepts). In the AQA specification, this is typically a 9-mark extended-response question.

Here is the rewritten guidance tailored specifically to the AQA 8525 requirements.

The AQA 9-Mark "Impacts" Question

In Paper 2, you will encounter a question that asks you to "Discuss" a specific technological development. This usually involves evaluating its impact across several areas: Ethical, Legal, Cultural, Environmental, and Privacy.

AQA uses a Levels of Response mark scheme. To reach the top band (Level 3, 7–9 marks), you must provide a balanced argument, use technical terminology accurately, and show a breadth of understanding across different "impact" categories.

Generic Points for Any Context

When you're stuck, use these categories to find points to discuss:

• Privacy and Security: Will the technology require personal data to be stored? Does it track location? Think about the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR). Is there a risk of data breaches or unauthorized access?

• Environmental Impact: Consider the "hidden" costs. Does manufacturing use rare earth metals? Is there high energy consumption (e.g., data centers or Bitcoin mining)? What happens to the e-waste when the tech is obsolete?

• Ethical Concerns: Is it "right" to replace humans with AI? If an automated system makes a mistake (like a self-driving car), who is responsible?

• Legal Frameworks: You must reference specific legislation where relevant:

  • Data Protection Act 2018: Personal data rights.

  • Computer Misuse Act 1990: Hacking and malware.

  • Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Protecting intellectual property/software piracy.

• Cultural & The Digital Divide: Does this technology favor the wealthy? Could it disadvantage people in rural areas with poor internet? Does it change how we interact socially (e.g., social media addiction or "echo chambers")?

• The Workplace: Mention automation leading to job losses in traditional sectors, but the creation of new roles in software development and cybersecurity. Don't forget de-skilling—relying on algorithms instead of human expertise.

• Algorithmic Bias: A key AQA topic. Could the technology discriminate? For example, facial recognition or recruitment software that has been trained on biased data sets, leading to unfair outcomes for specific ethnic groups or genders.

Extra Guidance for AQA Long Answer Questions

To secure those top-tier marks, follow these strategic tips:

1. The "Stakeholder" Approach

Before you start writing, spend 60 seconds identifying the stakeholders. Who is affected by this technology?

• The Individual: (Privacy, convenience, cost).

• The Company/Organization: (Profit, efficiency, legal liability).

• Society/The Environment: (Employment, pollution, cultural shifts).

• The Government: (Regulation, surveillance, infrastructure).

2. Use the "PEEL" Structure

For each paragraph, try to follow this flow:

• Point: State the impact (e.g., "One major environmental concern is e-waste.")

• Evidence/Example: Give a real-world context (e.g., "Smartphones are often replaced every two years.")

• Explain: Why is this an issue? (e.g., "This leads to toxic chemicals leaking into the ground if not recycled properly.")

• Link: Connect it back to the question or the next point.

3. Provide a Conclusion

AQA examiners love a "weighted" conclusion. Don't just summarize; tell them which impact you think is the most significant and why. For example: "While the environmental costs of data centers are high, the cultural benefits of global connectivity often outweigh them, provided that legislation like the DPA 2018 is strictly enforced."

4. Technical Vocabulary

Don't use "vague" words.

• Instead of "bad people," use "unauthorised users" or "cyber-criminals."

• Instead of "stealing music," use "copyright infringement."

• Instead of "broken computers," use "e-waste" or "obsolescence."

5. Check the "Command Word"

If the question says "Discuss," you must show both sides (pros and cons). If you only list the benefits, you will likely be capped at the bottom or middle mark band, no matter how much you write!

How confident do you feel about linking specific laws like the Computer Misuse Act to these long-answer scenarios?