Command Terms

Question 1

Command Terms Level 1

Answer 1

Knowledge & Comprehension

Question 2

Define

Answer 2

Explanation: Give the precise meaning of a word, concept, and phrase

What it Means: Say what it means in psychology and use precise vocabulary to do that

Example: Define attachment

Question 3

Describe

Answer 3

Explanation: Give a detailed account

What it Means: Write a narrative that outlines the details of something using examples

Example: Describe the role of situational factors in explaining behaviors

Question 4

Outline

Answer 4

Explanation: Give a brief account or summary of something

What it Means: Give a brief summary of whatever is mentioned in the question

Example: Outline one principle that defines biological level of analysis

Question 5

Command Terms Level II

Answer 5

Application and Analysis

Question 6

Analyze

Answer 6

Explanation: Break down in order to bring out the essential elements

What it Means: Analyze means to consider existing evidence in relation to a specific problem; investigate possible explanations of a psychological problem

Example: Analyze why relationships may change or end

Question 7

Apply

Answer 7

Explanation: Use a theory or an idea to a given problem or issue

What it Means: Describe how a theory would explain a given psychological phenomenon or solve a problem

Example: Apply one theory to explain burnout in sport

Question 8

Distinguish

Answer 8

Explanation: Make clear the difference between two or more concepts

What it Means: Indicate differences between two concepts or theories

Example: Distinguish between altruism and pro-social behavior

Question 9

Explain

Answer 9

Explanation: Give a detailed account including reasons and causes

What it Means: Give reasons and causes for a behavior or psychological phenomenon

Example: Explain factors related to the development of addictive behavior

Question 10

Command Terms Level III

Answer 10

Synthesis and Evaluation

Question 11

Compare:

Answer 11

Explanation: Give an account of the similarities between two or more items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout

What it Means: Focus only on similarities and refer to these throughout the response

Example: Compare two theories of cognitive development

Question 12

Compare and Contrast

Answer 12

Explanation: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout

What it Means: Focus on both similarities and differences and refer to these throughout the response

Example: Compare and contrast two theories of cognitive development

Question 13

Contrast

Answer 13

Example: Give an account of the differences between two (or or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout

What it Means: Focus only on differences and refer to these throughout the response

Example: Contrast two theories explaining altruism in humans

Question 14

State

Answer 14

Explanation: Give a specific name or other brief answer without explanation

What it Means: Give a very brief answer but don’t explain anything

Example: State the role of communication in maintaining relationships

Question 15

Discuss

Answer 15

Explanation: Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range or arguments, factors, or hypotheses. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence

What it Means: Address the question in a balanced way (not biased) where you consider available evidence and choose the most appropriate evidence to support your argument

Example: Discuss factors related t overeating and the development of obesity

Question 16

Evaluate

Answer 16

Explanation: Make an appraisal by taking up the strengths and limitations of something

What it Means: Asses the value of something (e.g a theory or study) by looking into the evidence. Explain the strengths or limitations the theory or study

Example: Evaluate one sociocultural explanation of violence

Question 17

Examine

Answer 17

Explanations: Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue

What it Means: Carefully scrutinize an argument (or theory, concept, explanation) to see how it explains something and perhaps why. An examination should also include finding similarities and differences..

Example: Examine models of health promotion

Question 18

To what extent

Answer 18

Explanations: Consider the merits of otherwise an argument or concept. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate and sound argument

What it Means: Asses the value of a theory or concept in explaining a psychological phenomenon (e.g depression). The conclusion must be clear and supported with relevant evidence (i.e empirical studies and evaluation of theories) throughout the argument

Example: To what extent do biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influence abnormal behavior?