Command Terms

Question 1

L1 Define

Answer 1

Explanation- Give the precise meaning of a word concept or phrase
What it Means- Say what it means in sociology and use precise vocabulary to do that
Example Question- Define Punishment

Question 2

L1 Describe

Answer 2

Explanation- Give a detailed account of something
What it Means- Write a narrative that outlines the details of something using examples
Example Question- Describe the role of institutions in shaping the family

Question 3

L1 Outline

Answer 3

Explanation- Give a brief summary of something
What it Means- Give a brief summary of whatever is mentioned in the question
Example Question- Outline the four aims of punishment

Question 4

L1 State

Answer 4

Explanation- Give a specific name or other brief answer without explanation
What it Means- Give a brief answer but don’t explain anything
Example Question- State one criticism of the theory of Positive Deviance

Question 5

L2 Analyse

Answer 5

Explanation- Break down in order to bring
out the essential elements
What it Means- Analyse means to consider existing
evidence in relation to a specific
problem; investigate possible
explanations of a psychological
problem
Example Question- Analyse how the advice in the
pamphlet draws on
psychological concepts to
reduce the likelihood of a
child experiencing stress or
anxiety and developing a
specific phobia of the dentist.

Question 6

L2 Apply

Answer 6

Explanation- Use a theory or idea to a given problem or issue
What it Means- Describe how the theory would explain a given psychological phenomenon or solve a problem
Example Question- Apple the General Adaption Syndrome to students studying VCE

Question 7

L2 Distinguish

Answer 7

Explanation- make clear the differences between two or more ideas or concepts
What it Means- Indicate differences between two concepts or theories
Example Question- Distinguish between conscious and unconscious responses

Question 8

L2 Explain

Answer 8

Explanation- Give a detailed account including reasons and causes
What it Means- Give reasons and causes for a sociological idea
Example Question- Explain the difference between crime and deviance

Question 9

L3 Compare

Answer 9

Explanation- Give an account of similarities of two or more things
What it Means- Focus on both similarities and differences and refer to these throughout the response. Use terms like ‘similarly’
Example Question- Compare Australia’s current ethnic diversity with that of another developed country

Question 10

L3 Contrast

Answer 10

Explanation- Give an account of the differences between two or more items or situations, referring to both of them throughout
What it Means- Focus only on differences and refer to these throughout the response. Use terms like ‘whereas’
Example Question- Compare Australia’s current ethnic diversity with that of another developed country

Question 11

L3 Discuss

Answer 11

Explanation-
Offer a considered and balanced
review that includes a range or
arguments, factors or hypotheses.Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence
What it Means-
Address the question in a balanced way
(not biased) where you consider available evidence and choose the most appropriate evidence to support your argument
Example Question- Evaluate the ability of a social movement to influence social change.

Question 12

L3 Evaluate

Answer 12

Explanation- 
Make an appraisal by weighing up the
strengths and limitations of something
What it Means- 
Assess the value of something (e.g. a
theory or a study) by looking into the
evidence. Explain the strengths and
limitations of the study or theory.
Example Question- Evaluate the ability of a social movement to influence social change.

Question 13

L3 Examine

Answer 13

Explanation- Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue
What it Means- Carefully scrutinise an argument (or
theory, concept, explanation) to see how it explains something and perhaps why)An examination could also include finding the similarities and differences.
Example Question- Examine the different theories that explain deviance

Question 14

L3 To What Extent

Answer 14

Explanation-
Consider the merits of otherwise of an argument or concept. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
What it Means- Consider the merits of otherwise of an argument or concept. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
Consider the merits of otherwise of an argument or concept. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
Example Question-
To what extent does family influence the experience of youth or deviance?