Command Terms

Question 1

define

Answer 1

1-2 sentences

• give precise meaning of the term
• can use an example

Question 2

describe

Answer 2

• detailed description with the main features of the concept
• NO analysis or explanation
• answer: “What is this?”

Question 3

outline

Answer 3

• brief description with the main features

- shorter version of ‘describe’

Question 4

state

Answer 4

• write a specific name/technique/etc

- NO description or explanation

Question 5

analyse

Answer 5

• detailed description with the main features of the concept
• break down complex concepts into essential parts and describe how these parts relate
• recognize underlying assumptions
• answer: “How does this work?”

e. g. analyse serotonin as a possible etiology of depression:
- explain neurotransmission
- explain serotonin’s effect on human behaviour
- break the answer down into three parts: what causes it, what it does in the context of the question, what the implications of the effects are

Question 6

apply

Answer 6

• use the knowledge you have about a principle or method and make it clear when and where it is used

Sample question: how is a particular method applied in research at the cognitive level of analysis?

Question 7

distinguish

Answer 7

show that you understand the differences between two or more concepts or terms in psychology

Question 8

explain

Answer 8

• describe + explain
• include background info/reasons for something
• answer: “What is ________ and why does it happen?”

NOTE: ‘explain’ + ‘advantages and disadvantages’ = state and outline any advantages and disadvantages AND explain why they are considered positive/negative

Question 9

discuss

Answer 9

• describe + explain
• include background info/reasons for every point
• give a balanced review offering evaluative comments about the issue you are discussing
• discuss your own opinions and evidence to support your opinions

when discussing a theory/model:
• state strengths and limitations with empirical evidence AND evaluate those empirical studies
• discuss the usefulness of a certain theory by mentioning possible applications and how effective and universal these applications are
• compare to an alternative theory
• discuss the extent to which the theory can be universally applied – are the explanations culturally- or gender-specific?
• evaluate sources: is the theory based on methodologically questionable empirical evidence?

NOTE: ‘discuss’ + ‘advantages and disadvantages’ = provide clear judgment about whether the advantages or disadvantages are most significant, then explain reasons for your opinion

Question 10

evaluate

Answer 10

• describe + explain
• include background info/reasons for every point
• give your own judgment and opinion supported by evidence
• while discussing strengths and limitations, make clear comments about its significance, usefulness (e.g. how applicable it is, its usefulness in explaining sth), accuracy

when evaluating a theory/model:
• discuss the extent to which the theory can be universally applied – are the explanations culturally- or gender-specific?
• evaluate strengths and limitations of methodology
• judge validity and reliability
• discuss sampling method and relate to the issue of generalizability of findings
• assess if the study has cultural, ethical, and gender considerations

Question 11

examine

Answer 11

• hardcore ver of “analysis”
• give detailed information that reveals underlying assumptions or the interaction of various factors
• make judgments supported by evidence
• discuss the relative importance of different factors to the basic term/concept under consideration
• give a detailed description accompanied by a clear, thorough, and organized reflection of the matter

when examining a theory/model:
• distinguish the components of a certain theory and discuss how they relate to one another
- discuss principles underlying the theory and how specific research methods influence data collection

when examining how certain factors influence human behaviour:
• describe these factors
• judge their relative importance
• discuss their interaction

Question 12

to what extent

Answer 12

• discuss the validity of an argument
• give both sides of the argument
• give judgment by emphasizing the strengths of some arguments over others
• give judgment on the relative importance of factors (biological/cognitive/sociocultural), on the theory/behaviour: how important is ____? Why is it ____? Is it culture- or gender-specific?
• present all opinions with evidence

Question 13

compare

Answer 13

• identify, describe, explain and discuss how two or more concepts, research methods or theories are similar to each other
• include reasons why they are similar and discuss the extent of this similarity

Question 14

compare and contrast

Answer 14

• explain + discuss how 2+ concepts are similar to each other
• include reasons why they are similar and a discussion of the extent of this similarity

Question 15

contrast

Answer 15

• identify, describe, explain and discuss how two or more concepts, research methods or theories differ
• include reasons why they are different and discuss the extent of this difference