Exam Preparation
How can I best prepare for the exam?
There are a number of things you can do:
- Remind yourself of the learning aims of the qualification. Look again at the MRS Advanced Certificate syllabus to remind yourself of the scope of the type of questions which might come up.
- Apply what you know to a problem. When revising, it is useful to consider how you might apply what you are reading about to a practical situation. You have already done this when preparing your Integrated Assignment. Now try to think of practical situations which are relevant to the area you are looking at.
- Analyse some research. The business or social affairs sections of newspapers are good places to start. Keep an eye open for reports of recent research surveys, then evaluate the processes which are described. Which areas would you like more information about? You may be able to find a copy of the research report on the internet.
- Get to know the exam. Read the questions contained in this section of the site. If you have the MRS Advanced Certificate Distance Learning Materials, re-read the past papers which they contain.
- Practise writing to time. This section of the site contains 3 sample questions (one Mini Case Study question and 2 Essay questions). Give yourself 50 minutes to write an answer, then compare your ideas with the relevant Answer Guide.
How much should I write for each question?
Remember that both sections require you to write in continuous prose. The amount you write will be dictated by the time you have and the range of ideas you have.
How are my exam answers marked?
All examiners who mark the MRS Advanced Certificate papers are very experienced market and/or social researchers who are involved in training researchers. Before they begin to work as examiners, they undergo thorough training in assessing examination work.
When marking papers, the examiners have Exam Answer Guides to support them. Examples of these answer guides have been included on the website to help you assess your own answers to the sample questions. These answer guides are not 'model answers', nor definitive lists of all the points which could be made in relation to the question. They are summaries of key points which might be made in answer to the question. However, if you do not cover all of the points in the answer guide or if you make different points, don't worry - the examiner who reads your paper is an expert who will give credit for all relevant and convincing points which you make.
In addition to this first round of marking, a sample of all exam scripts are double marked by a Senior Examiner. After marking, all exam scripts which fail to meet the pass standard or which fall on a borderline are then subject to moderation by an industry expert and by the Joint Chief Examiner. Only then is a decision made on your result.
What is the examiner looking for in my answers?
As with many subjects, there are few 'black and white' solutions in market research practice. The examiners are seeking evidence that you:
- have a range of ideas which are relevant to the question being asked
- can justify the suggestions you make, thereby demonstrating your understanding of the research process
- can identify the limitations of the suggestions you make - i.e. you can identify any potential problems which may not be solved by your suggestions.
In short, the examiner is looking for a range of suggestions which demonstrate the depth of your understanding.
What are the most common problems in the exam?
Completing an exam can be stressful. Overcome the most common exam problems by following these guidelines:
- Take time to read the paper: When the exam begins, take a few minutes to plan how you are going to tackle the paper. For example, you may want to do one of the essay questions first as you feel you can answer the question effectively and quickly. That's fine - don't feel constrained to answer the sections in the order in which they appear in the paper.
- Working to time: Avoid spending too much time on one question. Instead, try to follow the suggested timings given above.
- Answer the question: Remember that you need to identify exactly what the question requires. Writing all you know about a subject will mean that only a few of the points you make may be relevant. Try to focus on the key elements of the question.
- Plan your answers: When writing in continuous prose, it is easy to go off at a tangent. Remember to stay focused on the question and to plan your answers, making sure that you can link each point you make with the question being asked. You can do this rough work in your answer booklet - simply put a line through any notes which you don't want the examiner to take into consideration.
- Use the question to support your answer: The question may give you a lot of context within which to base your answer. This is certainly true of the Mini Case Study section, where you are given a research 'problem' and asked to provide suggestions and/or solutions. Remember to link your answers to the context given.
- Demonstrate your understanding: Remember that the examination is a time for you to show exactly how wide and deep your knowledge and understanding of key issues are. When writing your answer, try to give the rationale for the points you make. Don't forget - the examiner doesn't know you, therefore she or he can't assume that you know why you have made a particular suggestion. Don't be afraid to 'state the obvious' - it demonstrates that you know what you are talking about!
Remember, as with most exams, exam technique is important. Try to use the sample questions to help you practice.
Sample Questions & Answer Guides
Simply click on the links below to take you to the sample questions and the relevant answer guides (all are Word documents):
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