AICE Psychology Command Words

Give the exact meaning of

• Explain

• Define

• Identify

• What

Give details of, explain the main features of

• Define

• Describe

• Explain

• Analyze

Give clear reasons or make clear the meaning of, use examples to indicate how or why something happens, such as the reasoning behind a theory; alternatively, for 'explain an application' indicate how a concept or theory can be used to understand the 'how' or 'why' behind a specific situation.

• Describe

• Define

• Explain

• Assess

Determine strengths and weaknesses

• Describe

• Define

• Explain

• Assess

Discuss the importance of, judge the overall worth of, make an attempt to weigh up your opinions.

• Evaluate

• Assess

• Name

• State

Identify or make a list

• Define

• Name

• State

• Explain

Give a concise answer with little or no supporting argument required.

• State

• Name

• Evaulate

• Assess

Apply general knowledge and understanding of psychology to a situation.

• State

• Name

• Suggest

• Define

Pick some key factors and name them.

• Define

• State

• Name

• Give

Describe the key points without detail.

• Describe

• Define

• Identify

• Outline