Clarification details
Updated February 2014. This document has been updated in its entirety to highlight key issues that have arisen from moderation.
Beliefs, attitudes and practices definitions
Explanatory Note (EN) 3 explains that beliefs may include personal and societal viewpoints. A point of view is based on the beliefs and attitudes of the people or the group expressing them. Practices are the way people display their beliefs and attitudes. Assumptions or misconceptions (expressed as viewpoints) could be based on people’s experiences and knowledge of the issue.
Analysing beliefs, attitudes and practices
An analysis involves explaining beliefs, attitudes and practices - both those of people expressing the viewpoint and/or the people affected. This will include consideration of:
- what the viewpoint is - where it has come from, or how it has developed
- the nutritional issue that is linked to the chosen point of view
- implications for well-being for those affected by the issue.
A nutritional issue refers to a health related situation that gives cause for concern because it may affect individual and societal well-being. Students need a clearly defined nutritional issue e.g. poor breakfast choices or lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, rather than obesity. Obesity is a complex societal problem and it is often difficult to show understanding of.
Thoroughly examining and giving reasons
Detailed reasons, supported by evidence are needed for an in-depth analysis for Merit. This could include consideration of:
- why people hold/express the chosen viewpoint
- determinants contributing to the nutritional issue, particularly those linked to the selected point of view
- values, experiences, and feelings of those affected by the issue.
Supporting evidence
Supporting evidence is needed for an in-depth analysis for Merit. Sources could include questionnaire or survey results, interviews, statistics, research reports, newspaper and other print articles, documentaries, government and Ministry websites and recognised non-government organisations (NGOs). Some acknowledgement of where the evidence was sourced is expected and evidence should be less than five years old (unless the historical factor is being examined).
Challenging assumptions and misconceptions
While EN 2 requires students to refute the point of view they are examining for Excellence, it is not intended to exclude those who frame their issue in such a way that their evidence supports it. It does, however, require consideration of opposing points of view in a comprehensive analysis of the issue.