Understanding the meaning of command terms is crucial in psychology. Many students don't perform as well as they could have in exams due to misinterpretation of command terms. You might be wondering how this is relevant, isn't it just about memorising case studies and regurgitating them back out during exams? Whilst case studies and content knowledge is important, it's the articulation of these two things in your written responses that will differentiate a 4 from a 5 and a 6 from a 7.
It is important to respond to the command term. There are marks designated specifically for this because it shows your ability to articulate what you know into a relevant response that answers the question. For example, if the question requires you to compare two theories of emotion, a mere discussion of two theories will not allow you to maximise your marks. Yes you do need to explore two theories but the key point is to compare these theories, to show that you are able to identify similarities that exist between them. This will demonstrate to the examiner that you have understood what the question is asking of you and have exercised critical thinking in your response.
So, now that we have established the importance of command terms in psychology, it's time we defined them:
Analyse: Break
down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue.
Compare: Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare and contrast: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Contrast: Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Describe: Give a detailed account.
Discuss: Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Distinguish: Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue.
Compare: Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare and contrast: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Contrast: Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Describe: Give a detailed account.
Discuss: Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Distinguish: Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Evaluate: Make an
appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Examine: Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain: Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
To what extent: Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate
evidence and sound argument.
Examine: Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain: Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
To what extent: Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate
evidence and sound argument.
It's really worth spending some time familiarising yourself with each term and its corresponding definition. We would highly recommend that you highlight/underline the command terms in your exam paper before planning/writing your essay. That way you'll ensure that you've satisfied the requirements of the question.
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