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Command Terms

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  • Psychology textbook/
  • 11. External assessment/
  • Command Terms

In the IB psychology course, there are two types of command terms.  First, there are the command terms that may be used for short-answer questions (SAQs).  These are limited to describe, explain and outline.  These command terms test your knowledge and ability to apply theories and concepts.

Secondly, there are the command terms that may be used for extended response questions (ERQs) - what most people refer to as essays.  These are limited to: contrast, discuss, evaluate and to what extent.  These command terms assess your ability to think critically and to synthesize the big ideas of psychology.

It is essential to master the meaning of the command terms so that you don't just provide memorized information on the exam, but actually address the demands of the question.  This section of the text will look at the role of command terms in assessment.

Command terms for SAQs

Command term

Explanation in the guide

What it means

Example

Describe

Give a detailed account

Tell what you know about the topic in as much detail as possible, using examples.Describe how one hormone may influence one human behaviour.

Explain

Give a detailed account including reasons and causes.

Explain why something works. Show understanding of cause and effect relationships.Explain one study of how culture may affect cognition.
OutlineGive a brief account or summary.

Give a brief summary to demonstrate understanding.  Examples are not required unless specified.

Outline one study investigating schema.

Command terms for essays

Command termExplanation in the guideWhat it meansExample
Contrast

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

Focus only on differences and refer to these throughout the response.

Contrast two explanations of one disorder.

Discuss

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

Present an argument using evidence. Thinking globally! Do not just evaluate research. 

Discuss how the use of digital technology may affect one cognitive process.

Evaluate

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of something

Strengths and limitations of the research and/or theory must be identified and explained in some detail.

Evaluate one theory related to prosocial behaviour.

To what extent

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence and sound argument.

Present more than one side of an argument; explain why one side of the argument is stronger than the other.

To what extent do biological factors influence cognitive development?