What the A2 3 exam involves

A2 3 is a compulsory decision-making exercise based on a real-world case study. You:

• Adopt and maintain a particular role throughout.
• Review and analyse a resource booklet - maps, statistics/data, reports, infographics, diagrams and photographs.
• Write your answer as a structured report using the headings and subheadings provided.

It is synoptic: you draw together knowledge and skills from across the whole course.

Adopting a role

Processing and interpreting data

You must process and present quantitative data using appropriate techniques and interpret and evaluate all the information. Resources come in two broad forms:

• Quantitative - statistics, data tables, choropleth maps, graphs.
• Qualitative - reports, interview quotes, photographs, opinions.

Strong answers cross-reference resources and judge their reliability rather than taking each at face value.

Calculate — benefit-cost ratio

Calculate — weighted score

Sort the resource or skill

Tap an item, then tap the correct group.

Conflicting values

Alternatives and justification

To reach a decision you consider alternative choices, then make and justify a recommendation on the basis of greater overall benefits.

A convincing justification:

• refers directly to the evidence in the resources;
• weighs benefits against costs and drawbacks;
• acknowledges the rejected alternatives and why they were weaker;
• stays consistent with your adopted role.

Match the decision-making step

Tap an item on the left, then its matching partner on the right.

A justified recommendation

Using a benefit-cost ratio

The big ideas to know

You have covered A2 3 Decision Making. Press Finish for your score.