1. Added Value in Modern Studies Step One: Choosing your issue

2. What’s ‘Added Value’? In every National Qualification course there is an element of ‘Added Value’ (AV). The SQA states that the AV in a course is what ‘makes the Course more than the sum of its parts’. National 4 A separate Unit of work Assessed internally by your teacher Benchmarked against the relevant Outcome and Assessment Standards (see www.sqa.org)www.sqa.org You must use at least two different sources of evidence National 5 Assessed by a Question Paper, completed under exam conditions in your school Externally marked Not a separate Unit of work You must evaluate at least two Research Methods you have used

3. Step 1: Choosing your topic / issue Step 2: Brainstorming your ideas Step 3: Choosing your research question Step 4: Selecting your research methods Step 5: Conducting your research Step 5: Writing up your findings The Added Value Process

4. Unit: Democracy in Scotland & the United Kingdom Outcome 1 Use a limited range of sources of information to detect and explain bias and exaggeration relating to democracy in the Scottish and United Kingdom political systems Outcome 2 Draw on a straightforward knowledge and understanding of democracy in the Scottish and United Kingdom political systems National 4

5. Unit: Democracy in Scotland and & United Kingdom Outcome 1 Use a range of sources of information to detect and explain exaggeration and selective use of facts relating to democracy in the Scottish and United Kingdom political systems Outcome 2 Draw on a detailed knowledge and understanding of democracy in the Scottish and United Kingdom political systems National 5

6. Modern Studies: Social Issues in the United Kingdom (National 4) Outcome 1 Use a limited range of sources of information to make and justify decisions about social issues in the United Kingdom, focusing on either social inequality or crime and the law Outcome 2 Draw on a straightforward knowledge and understanding of social issues in the United Kingdom, focusing on either social inequality or crime and the law

7. Modern Studies: Social Issues in the United Kingdom (National 5) Outcome 1 Use a range of sources of information to make and justify decisions about social issues in the United Kingdom, focusing on either social inequality or crime and the law Outcome 2 Draw on a detailed knowledge and understanding of social issues in the United Kingdom, focusing on either social inequality or crime and the law

8. Modern Studies: International Issues (National 4) Outcome 1 Use a limited range of sources of information to draw and support conclusions about international issues, focusing on either a major world power or a significant world issue Outcome 2 Draw on a straightforward knowledge and understanding of international issues, focusing on either a major world power or a significant world issue

9. Modern Studies: International Issues (National 5) Outcome 1 Use a range of sources of information to draw and support conclusions about international issues, focusing on either a major world power or a significant world issue Outcome 2 Draw on a detailed knowledge and understanding of international issues, focusing on either a major world power or a significant world issue

10. So, what are you interested in? Once you have decided which Unit you are most interested in, the next step is to decide on the issue or topic you want to research. You should discuss your ideas and interests with your peers and teacher as there may well be others researching in your field of interest. Alternatively, you may wish to research an issue which no one else has selected. You should speak to your teacher if this is the case. Remember – there needs to be enough evidence available for you to carry out any research – so try not to pick an obscure topic!

11. How will you select your issue? Deciding on your issue or topic isn’t easy. Here are some questions to consider: Which Unit will you focus on? Does the issue interest you? Do you want to find out more about the issue? Does it make you think about challenging questions that involve controversy or are open to more than one opinion?