IB Docs (2) Team
Describe vs outline
Two of the most difficult to distinguish command terms are "outline" and "describe." According to the IB curriculum guide, outline means to "give a brief account or summary of something." Describe means "give a detailed account." Often outline is used when referring to theories and describe is used when referring to research methods, concepts or studies. That being said, there is no clear rule to distinguish between the two. Rather than worry about what is meant by "brief" vs. "detailed" - it is important to understand what examiners are looking for. As we will see, it is often the case that students automatically describe a study, rather than what the question is really asking you to do.
Remember - these command terms are only used in SAQ's.
Decoding the question
First, it is important to learn how to decode questions. Here are a some of the questions that you could be asked:
- Describe one cultural dimension with reference to one study.
- Describe the use of one research method in one study of the role of genes on behaviour.
- Outline one theory of how emotion may affect one cognitive process, with reference to one study.
- Describe one study of localization of function.
- Outline one model of one cognitive process.
Understanding the questions requires a bit of English grammar. It is important to understand that the question is asking you to describe the "object of the verb." So, describe "the dimension," or describe "the research method," or outline "the model." Although some of the questions ask you to also provide a study, the study is simply an illustration.
When SAQs are marked, if you describe a relevant study, then the maximum score is usually 4 marks out of 9. In order to get full marks, you need to:
- Focus on what the question is asking you to outline or describe.
- Be sure to include adequate detail in your description.
- Choose an appropriate study to illustrate the concept, model or theory.
- Link the study to the description.
The final step is what puts the response in the 7 - 9 mark range.
Outlining and describing
So, now what?
Let's start with the first question above: Describe one cultural dimension with reference to one study.
What do we need to do before we begin?
- Understand that I need to describe - a cultural dimension.
- Choose a cultural dimension - for example, I-C (individualism/collectivism)
- Think about how I can link a study to the description of the dimension.
When thinking about a description of I-C, here are some things to consider:
- Individualistic cultures focus on personal achievement, independence and uniqueness. They also stress self-actualization, privacy and freedom.
- Collectivistic cultures focus on social harmony, interdependence and group membership. They also stress modesty and tradition. Privacy is not a value.
Now that we have the basics down, it is possible to write the SAQ. If you were going to write this one, consider the following:
- Define what is meant by a cultural dimension.
- Describe the dimension, using the traits outlined above.
- Choose a study - such as Berry et al or Chen et al.
- Make the link - that is, which traits of the dimension that you described are also in the study you have chosen?
Task 1
Now it's your turn. Below are the other four questions listed above. For each question, think about what information is necessary to write your "description." After you have done that, it is time to practice writing your SAQs!
1. Describe the use of one research method in one study of the role of genes on behaviour.
What are we going to describe?
What do we need to know about this concept in order to describe it to someone else?
How do we link this description to a study?
Task 2
2. Outline one theory of how emotion may affect one cognitive process, with reference to one study.
What are we going to outline?
What do we need to know about this concept in order to describe it to someone else?
How do we link this description to a study?
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