Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research Syllabus

Distinguish 'renewable' from 'non-renewable' energy resources, with one example of each.

Renewable resources replenish naturally on a human timescale (e.g. solar, wind, hydro); non-renewable resources exist in finite stocks that deplete with use (e.g. coal, oil, natural gas).

What is the 'tragedy of the commons'?

A situation in which individuals, acting in their own self-interest, overuse and deplete a shared, unregulated resource (e.g. fisheries, the atmosphere), producing collective harm that is against everyone's long-term interest.

In conflict studies, distinguish 'negative peace' from 'positive peace' (Galtung).

Negative peace is the mere absence of direct violence or war; positive peace is the presence of justice, equity and the absence of structural and cultural violence—addressing root causes.

What is the difference between 'direct', 'structural' and 'cultural' violence (Galtung)?

Direct violence is physical harm by an identifiable actor; structural violence is harm built into social systems (poverty, inequality) with no single perpetrator; cultural violence is the beliefs and norms that legitimise the other two.

What document, adopted by the UN in 1948, is the foundational statement of human rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948.

Distinguish 'civil and political rights' from 'economic, social and cultural rights'.

Civil and political rights protect freedom from state interference (e.g. free speech, fair trial, voting); economic, social and cultural rights guarantee access to provisions (e.g. education, health, work, an adequate standard of living).

What is the tension between 'state sovereignty' and 'humanitarian intervention'?

Sovereignty holds that states have exclusive authority within their borders; humanitarian intervention argues outside actors may intervene to stop mass atrocities. The clash is between non-interference and the 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P).

What does GDP stand for and what does it measure?

Gross Domestic Product—the total monetary market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given period, used as a headline measure of economic output.

Distinguish GDP from GNP (or GNI).

GDP measures output produced within a country's borders regardless of producer nationality; GNP/GNI measures output produced by a country's nationals/residents wherever located. GNI = GDP + net income from abroad.

What is the formula for GDP using the expenditure approach?

$$\text{GDP} = C + I + G + (X - M)$$ where $C$ is consumption, $I$ investment, $G$ government spending, $X$ exports and $M$ imports.

What is the Human Development Index (HDI) and which three dimensions does it combine?

The HDI is a composite index of development combining life expectancy (health), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and gross national income per capita (standard of living). It ranges from $0$ to $1$.

Why is GDP per capita criticised as a development measure?

It ignores income distribution/inequality, unpaid and informal work, environmental degradation, and well-being or quality of life—high average output can mask poverty and harm.

What is the Gini coefficient and what range does it take?

The Gini coefficient measures income (or wealth) inequality, ranging from $0$ (perfect equality, everyone equal) to $1$ (perfect inequality, one person holds all income); often expressed as a percentage from $0$ to $100$.

Distinguish 'economic growth' from 'economic development'.

Economic growth is a quantitative rise in a country's output (GDP); economic development is a broader qualitative improvement in living standards, including health, education, equality and freedom.

What is 'globalisation'?

The increasing interconnection and interdependence of countries through flows of trade, capital, people, technology and ideas, leading to greater integration of economies and cultures worldwide.

In science and ethics, distinguish 'deontological' from 'consequentialist (utilitarian)' ethics.

Deontological ethics judges actions by adherence to duties/rules/rights regardless of outcome; consequentialist (utilitarian) ethics judges actions by their results, aiming to maximise overall good (the greatest happiness for the greatest number).

What is the 'precautionary principle' in science and technology policy?

The principle that if an action or technology risks serious or irreversible harm, the absence of full scientific certainty should not be used to postpone preventive measures—the burden of proof falls on those proposing the action.

What is the difference between 'gene therapy' and 'genetic enhancement' as ethical categories?

Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent disease by correcting faulty genes (therapeutic); genetic enhancement aims to improve traits beyond normal health (e.g. intelligence, height), raising 'designer baby' equity and consent concerns.

State the difference between 'primary' and 'secondary' sources/data in research.

Primary data is original information the researcher collects directly (surveys, interviews, experiments); secondary data is existing information collected by others (books, official statistics, articles).

Distinguish 'qualitative' from 'quantitative' research methods.

Quantitative methods gather numerical data for statistical analysis (surveys, experiments), prioritising breadth and measurability; qualitative methods gather non-numerical descriptive data (interviews, observation), prioritising depth and meaning.

What is the difference between 'reliability' and 'validity' in research?

Reliability is consistency—whether a method yields the same results when repeated; validity is accuracy—whether the method actually measures what it claims to measure. A test can be reliable but not valid.

Define a 'representative sample' and why it matters.

A sample whose characteristics accurately reflect those of the wider population. It matters because only a representative sample allows findings to be generalised to the whole population without distortion.

Distinguish 'random sampling' from 'stratified sampling'.

In random sampling every member of the population has an equal chance of selection; in stratified sampling the population is divided into subgroups (strata) and members are sampled from each in proportion, ensuring all key groups are represented.

What is a 'triangulation' in research methodology?

Using multiple methods, sources, or types of data to investigate the same question, so that findings confirmed across approaches are more credible and free from the weaknesses of any single method.

What is the key difference between a 'research question' and a 'hypothesis'?

A research question is an open inquiry guiding investigation ('Does X affect Y?'); a hypothesis is a specific, testable, predictive statement about the expected relationship ('X increases Y') that the research aims to support or refute.

In the Independent Research Report, what does it mean to take a 'global perspective' on a local issue?

It means showing how a chosen issue connects to wider global trends, causes or consequences, and analysing it through personal, national and global perspectives rather than treating it in isolation.

List the main structural sections of an Independent Research Report.

Title/research question, introduction (context and aims), methodology, analysis/discussion of perspectives and evidence, conclusion, personal reflection, and a referenced bibliography. Sources must be cited throughout.

What is the difference between 'plagiarism' and proper 'referencing'?

Plagiarism is presenting another's words or ideas as your own without acknowledgement; proper referencing credits the original source through in-text citations and a bibliography, preserving academic integrity.

What is the purpose of 'reflection' in Global Perspectives, and what should it include?

Reflection evaluates the research process and personal learning: how your perspective changed, the strengths/weaknesses of your methods and sources, difficulties faced, and what you would do differently—demonstrating self-awareness, not just summarising findings.

When communicating an argument, distinguish 'substantiated' from 'unsubstantiated' claims.

A substantiated claim is backed by credible, cited evidence and reasoning; an unsubstantiated claim is mere assertion or opinion offered without supporting evidence and should carry little persuasive weight.

What makes a conclusion 'well-reasoned' in a Global Perspectives essay?

It follows logically from the evidence and analysis presented, weighs competing perspectives fairly, acknowledges limitations and counter-arguments, and reaches a justified judgement rather than restating opinion or introducing new unsupported claims.