Socio-cultural influences
50 exam-style questions with answers for 3.2.2 Socio-cultural influences in AQA GCSE Physical Education (spec 8582). Practise with flashcards, a topic quiz, a random quiz across the course, 5 crosswords, or read every question and answer below. Not official AQA material.
All 50 questions and answers
Question 1 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Participation
State four factors that affect participation in physical activity. [4 marks]
Answer:Any four from: gender (1); race, religion or culture (1); age (1); family, friends or peers (1); disability (1); socio-economic group (1); education (1); environment or climate (1); time (1); role models (1).Question 2 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Gender
Explain how gender can affect participation. [2 marks]
Answer:Stereotypes suggest some sports are 'male' or 'female' (1); and there is less media coverage of women's sport, so fewer role models (1).Question 3 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Age
Explain how age can affect participation. [2 marks]
Answer:Older people may have less fitness or health problems (1); and there may be fewer suitable activities or clubs for their age (1).Question 4 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Socio-economic group
Explain how socio-economic group can affect participation. [2 marks]
Answer:Some sports are expensive, e.g. golf or skiing (1); so people with less money cannot afford equipment, membership or travel (1).Question 5 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Family and peers
Explain how family and friends affect participation. [2 marks]
Answer:If family or friends take part, a person is more likely to take part too (1); through support, transport and encouragement (1).Question 6 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Disability
Explain how disability can affect participation and how it can be overcome. [2 marks]
Answer:A lack of accessible facilities or adapted activities can reduce participation (1); adapted sports such as wheelchair basketball increase it (1).Question 7 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Race and religion
Explain how religion can affect participation. [2 marks]
Answer:Religious festivals or holy days may clash with fixtures (1); and some religions have dress requirements that clash with kit (1).Question 8 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Role models
Explain how role models can increase participation. [1 mark]
Answer:People are inspired to copy successful performers they admire, e.g. after the Olympics.Question 9 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Environment
Explain how the environment can affect participation. [1 mark]
Answer:Some activities need specific locations or climates, e.g. skiing needs snow or mountains.Question 10 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Education
Explain how education can affect participation. [1 mark]
Answer:School PE introduces people to a range of activities and teaches the benefits of exercise.Question 11 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Commercialisation
Define commercialisation. [1 mark]
Answer:The management or exploitation of an organisation in a way designed to make a profit.Question 12 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Golden triangle
Describe the golden triangle. [3 marks]
Answer:The relationship between sport, sponsorship and the media (1); the media raises the profile of sport, attracting sponsors (1); sponsors' money develops the sport, attracting more media (1).Question 13 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Sponsorship
State two advantages of sponsorship for a performer. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: money to train full time (1); free equipment and kit (1); funding for travel and coaching (1).Question 14 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Sponsorship
State two disadvantages of sponsorship for a performer. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: pressure to perform or lose the deal (1); must attend events, reducing training time (1); may have to use products they don't like (1); behaviour is restricted (1).Question 15 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Sponsorship
State one advantage of sponsorship for a sponsor. [1 mark]
Answer:Increased exposure of their brand, leading to more sales.Question 16 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Sponsorship
Explain why some products are not appropriate to sponsor sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Products such as alcohol, tobacco or junk food are unhealthy (1); and sport has a young audience who may copy role models (1).Question 17 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Media
State four types of media. [2 marks]
Answer:Television and radio (1); newspapers and social media (1).Question 18 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Media
State two positive effects of the media on sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: increases awareness and participation (1); creates role models (1); brings in sponsorship money (1); educates about rules (1).Question 19 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Media
State two negative effects of the media on sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: invasion of performers' privacy (1); changes to rules or event times to suit TV (1); focus on negative stories (1); less coverage for minority sports (1).Question 20 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Technology
Give two examples of technology used in sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: Hawk-Eye in tennis (1); VAR in football (1); TMO in rugby (1); goal-line technology (1).Question 21 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Technology
State one advantage and one disadvantage of technology in officiating. [2 marks]
Answer:Advantage: more accurate, fairer decisions (1). Disadvantage: it is expensive or slows down the game (1).Question 22 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Technology
Explain how technology benefits performers. [2 marks]
Answer:Equipment such as lightweight carbon bikes and swimsuits (1); and analysis software improve performance (1).Question 23 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Sportsmanship
Define sportsmanship and give an example. [2 marks]
Answer:Conforming to the rules, spirit and etiquette of a sport (1); e.g. kicking the ball out when an opponent is injured (1).Question 24 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Gamesmanship
Define gamesmanship and give an example. [2 marks]
Answer:Bending the rules or laws of a sport without breaking them to gain an advantage (1); e.g. time-wasting (1).Question 25 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Etiquette
Define etiquette and give an example. [2 marks]
Answer:A convention or unwritten rule in an activity (1); e.g. shaking hands at the end of a match (1).Question 26 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Contract to compete
What is the contract to compete? [1 mark]
Answer:An unwritten agreement to abide by the written and unwritten rules of the sport.Question 27 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Deviance
Define deviance. [1 mark]
Answer:Behaviour that goes against the moral values or laws of the sport.Question 28 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
State why performers take performance-enhancing drugs. [2 marks]
Answer:To gain an advantage and win (1); for money, fame, or because of pressure from coaches (1).Question 29 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Describe the effect of anabolic steroids and two side effects. [3 marks]
Answer:They increase muscle mass and allow harder training and faster recovery (1); side effects include aggression (1); and liver damage or heart disease (1).Question 30 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Describe the effect of beta blockers and the type of performer who might use them. [2 marks]
Answer:They lower heart rate and steady the hands by reducing the effects of adrenaline (1); used by performers needing fine control, e.g. archers or snooker players (1).Question 31 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Describe the effect of diuretics and one side effect. [2 marks]
Answer:They remove fluid from the body to lose weight quickly or mask other drugs (1); side effects include dehydration and cramp (1).Question 32 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Describe the effect of narcotic analgesics. [2 marks]
Answer:They mask pain (1); so a performer can compete when injured, which may make the injury worse (1).Question 33 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Describe the effect of EPO (peptide hormones). [2 marks]
Answer:It increases the production of red blood cells (1); improving oxygen transport for endurance athletes (1).Question 34 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Describe the effect of stimulants. [2 marks]
Answer:They increase alertness and reduce tiredness (1); side effects include insomnia, anxiety and heart problems (1).Question 35 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Blood doping
Describe blood doping. [2 marks]
Answer:Blood is removed and the red cells stored, then re-injected before competition (1); increasing oxygen-carrying capacity for endurance events (1).Question 36 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
State two disadvantages to a sport of performers using PEDs. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: gives the sport a bad reputation (1); unfair competition (1); sponsors withdraw (1); poor role models for young people (1).Question 37 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
State two consequences for a performer caught using PEDs. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: bans from competition (1); fines (1); loss of medals or titles (1); loss of sponsorship (1); damaged reputation (1).Question 38 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Spectators
State two positive effects of spectators at sports events. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: create atmosphere (1); provide home-field advantage (1); bring in money from tickets (1).Question 39 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Spectators
State two negative effects of spectators. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: hooliganism (1); cost of security (1); intimidation of players or officials (1); pressure on home players (1).Question 40 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Hooliganism
State three reasons for hooliganism. [3 marks]
Answer:Any three from: rivalry (1); alcohol or drugs (1); gang culture (1); frustration with results or decisions (1); being part of a crowd (1).Question 41 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Hooliganism
State three strategies to combat hooliganism. [3 marks]
Answer:Any three from: early kick-offs (1); all-seater stadia (1); segregation of fans (1); increased police and stewards (1); alcohol restrictions (1); travel bans and banning orders (1); CCTV (1).Question 42 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Participation
Explain how lack of time affects participation and suggest a solution. [2 marks]
Answer:Work and family commitments leave little free time (1); short or flexible sessions, e.g. lunchtime classes, make it easier (1).Question 43 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Commercialisation
Explain one positive effect of commercialisation on spectators. [1 mark]
Answer:Better facilities and more events to watch, including on TV at home.Question 44 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Commercialisation
Explain one negative effect of commercialisation on spectators. [1 mark]
Answer:Higher ticket prices or having to pay subscriptions to watch on TV.Question 45 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Commercialisation
Explain one negative effect of commercialisation on officials. [1 mark]
Answer:Increased pressure and scrutiny, as mistakes are replayed and criticised.Question 46 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Gamesmanship
Explain why gamesmanship is not cheating. [1 mark]
Answer:It bends the rules but does not break them.Question 47 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · Deviance
Give one example of deviance by a performer. [1 mark]
Answer:Taking performance-enhancing drugs, match fixing or deliberately injuring an opponent.Question 48 · Spec 3.2.2.1 · Participation
Explain how inclusive provision can increase participation in disadvantaged groups. [2 marks]
Answer:Targeted sessions or subsidised prices remove barriers (1); e.g. women-only swimming sessions or free taster sessions (1).Question 49 · Spec 3.2.2.2 · Media
Explain how the media can create role models. [1 mark]
Answer:Coverage of successful performers makes them famous, inspiring others to take part.Question 50 · Spec 3.2.2.3 · PEDs
Explain why a weightlifter might take anabolic steroids. [1 mark]
Answer:To increase muscle mass and strength, lifting heavier weights.