1. Collective Identity – Possible
exam questions
1. Analyse the ways in which
the media represent one
group of people you have
studied. (Jan 10/ 11)
2. “The media do not construct
collective identity; they
merely reflect it”. Discuss.
(Jan 10)
3. Discuss how one or more groups are represented through the media?
(Jun 11)
4. Explain the role play by the media in the construction of collective
identity (Jun 11)
5. What is collective identity and how is it mediated? (Jan 11)
6. With reference to any one group of people that you have studied,
discuss how their identity has been ‘mediated’ (Jun 10)
7. “Media representations are complex, not simple and straightforward”.
How far do you agree with the statement in relation to the collective
group that you have studied? (Jun 10)
8. How far does the representation of a particular social group change
over time?
9. The representation of a particular social group can never be realistic.
Discuss.
10.The representation of a particular social group is always limited.
Discuss.
11.The media present what the audience want to see. Discuss.
12.What are the social implications of different media representations of
groups of people?
13.Different audiences respond differently to different representations.
Discuss.
14.Collective identity is formed through the media. Discuss.
15. People use the media to form ideas about collective identity. Discuss.
Key questions we need to answer (provided by
spec)
• How do the contemporary media represent
nations, regions and ethnic / social / collective
groups of people in different ways?
• How does contemporary representation
compare to previous time periods?
• What are the social implications of different
media representations of groups of people?
• To what extent is human identity increasingly
‘mediated’?

2. 16.The media controls the formation of a collective identity. Discuss.
17. Audiences use the media to form ideas and opinions about collective
identity. Discuss.
18.Audiences use the media to construct their own identities. Discuss.
19.More media means a greater range of representations. Discuss.
20.How do media representations influence collective identity? You may
refer to one group of people or more in your answer. (Jan ’12)
21.Discuss the different ways in which groups of people are represented
by media. You may refer to one group of people or more in your
answer. (Jan ’12)
22.Analyse the ways in which at least one group of people is ‘mediated’
(Jun ’12)
23.Discuss the social implications of media in relation to collective identity.
You may refer to one group of people or more in your answer. (Jun ’12)