Exam technique

• What do you do when the command word is Outline

  • Describe the topic/research/theory

  • AO1
• What do you do when the command word is Evaluate

  • You need to talk about strengths and limitations - RA ROT RIND

  • AO3
• What do you do when the command word is Identify ?

  • You simply name a concept/research/theory

  •AO1
• What do you do when the command word is Explain ?

  • You must try to give evidence or details on why something was found or why it happens

  • AO2/ AO3
• What do you do when the command word is Discuss

  • This is both outlining a topic and then considering its strengths and weaknesses

  • AO2 and AO3
• What do you do when the command word is Name 


  • you simply name the concept/research/theory

  • AO1
• What do you do when the command word is Describe

  • You must outline the research/theory/concept , describe what it is

  • AO1
• What do you do when the command word is Use your knowledge 


  • You must apply what you know to a new scenario linking to stem throughout

  • AO2
• What does AO1 mean

  • AO1 refers to knowledge and understanding

  • you can show this by describing/explaining/outlining studies or theories in detail using key terms
• What does AO2 mean ?

  • Refers to application

  • you may be given a scenario or stimulus to apply your knowledge to to do this you need to carefully interpret theories concepts and studies and select the most appropriate ones to talk about linking back to the scenario you are given
• What does AO3 mean

  • This refers to Evaluation

  • This is when you need to discuss strengths and limitations of psychological theories and studies you may also make comparisons by considering which are the best theories/ studies

  • using the PEE Burger technique is an excellent way of developing you’re evaluative comments
• What is the structure for longer answers

  PEE