AICE Psychology Command Words

Analyse

Examine in detail to show meaning, identify elements and the relationship between them.

Compare

Identify/comment on the similarities and differences between two or more factors

Define

Give the exact meaning of

Describe

State the points of a topic / give characteristics and the main features of

Design

Plan and present ideas to show psychological knowledge of a study or experiment

Discuss

Give the important arguments for and against, often requires a conclusion

Evaluate

Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something.

Explain

Set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why and/or how and support with relevant evidence.

Give

Produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory.

Identify

Name/select/recognise.

Name

Identify or make a list

Outline

Describe the key points without detail

Sketch

Make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions.

State

Give a concise answer with little or no supporting argument required

Suggest

Apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals / put forward considerations.

To what extent do you agree

Give reasons for and against, come to a conclusion with a justification of which arguments are strongest and which are weakest

What

State the precise meaning of a term/concept