Command Terms for ERQs (DP IB Psychology)

Which command terms are used for ERQs?

• One of the benefits of taking the IB programme for psychology is that there is a limited set of command terms that can be asked on Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Paper 3 is a little different)

• This means that you are at an advantage as you can practise exam responses well in advance of the exam, using each of the prescribed terms

• Paper 1 Section B consists of ERQs (extended response questions) only, each of which is worth 22 marks

• You are required to choose one of the three ERQs in Section B

  • Biological Approach question 

  • Cognitive Approach question

  • Sociocultural Approach question  

• Four command terms could be used in an ERQ:

  • Evaluate

  • Discuss

  • Contrast

  • To what extent

• You may be asked questions which use three of the above command terms, two of them, or only one

Evaluate

• Evaluate’ involves giving an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of a theory, study, explanation or method

• Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence

• You should make sure that the focus of your response is on the strengths and limitations of the theory/study/explanation, explaining why X is a strength/limitation throughout

• An example question is ‘Evaluate research into neuroplasticity’ [22 marks]

Discuss

• ‘Discuss’ involves giving a considered and balanced review that includes a range of reasons relevant to the question

• Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence 

• You should give an overall evaluation of the theory/study/explanation/method, considering a range of alternative explanations or accounts i.e. this is not a straightforward describe-evaluate essay

• An example question is ‘Discuss neuroplasticity in relation to the brain and behaviour, using research to support your answer’ [22 marks]

Contrast

• ‘Contrast’ involves giving an account of the differences between two theories, explanations, techniques or methods, referring to both of them throughout the answer

• You should only focus on the differences between the theories/studies/ explanations/methods, and not include evaluation points

• An example question is ‘Contrast two methods used to study the brain and behaviour’ [22 marks]

To what extent

• ‘To what extent’ involves giving a conclusion: how far does the theory/study/explanation/method go to offer a comprehensive and convincing account? Which other theories/studies/explanations methods might also explain the behaviour?

• You should present arguments which support the theory/study/explanation/method, emphasising the extent to which they offer a valid explanation

• You should also point out what they fail to achieve and consider whether alternative explanations may offer a more convincing account

• An example question is ‘To what extent could memory be said to be reconstructive?’ [22 marks]