Overview
For Cambridge syllabus 9990, understanding Cambridge 9990 Psychology command words is the single most important skill for turning your subject knowledge into high marks. These words are direct instructions from the examiner, telling you precisely what to do with the psychological concepts, studies, and theories you have learned. Misinterpreting a command word means you could write a factually perfect answer that scores poorly because it doesn't meet the question's demands.
The Foundation: Recall-Based Command Words
For Cambridge syllabus 9990, at the lower tariff end of questions, you will find command words like State, Identify, Define, and Describe. These are tests of your knowledge recall. For these questions, your goal is precision and conciseness. For example, if asked to 'Identify' two ethical issues in the study by Milgram, you simply need to name them (e.g., deception, lack of protection from harm). 'Describe' asks for more detail, requiring you to elaborate on the features of a study's procedure or its findings, but it does not require any analysis or judgement. Padding these answers with your own opinions or evaluations will not gain you any extra marks.
Building the Argument: Explain and Outline
For Cambridge syllabus 9990, moving up in complexity, you will encounter Explain and Outline. These command words require you to do more than just recall facts. To 'Explain' is to provide the 'why' or 'how' behind a concept, linking cause and effect or providing reasons for a particular finding or methodological choice. For instance, explaining *why* Dement and Kleitman used a controlled environment requires you to discuss the need to minimise extraneous variables. 'Outline' asks for a structured summary of the main points of a theory or the key features of a study, without the level of detail required in a full 'Describe' answer. These words signal a shift from pure memory to demonstrating comprehension.
The Core of A-Level: Analysis and Application
For Cambridge syllabus 9990, many questions in 9990 Psychology, particularly in the applied papers, test your ability to apply knowledge to a novel scenario. While not a single command word, these questions require you to use a named study or theory to make sense of the situation provided. This is a test of flexible understanding, not just rote learning. The command word Analyse takes this a step further, asking you to break down a concept or study into its constituent parts and examine how they are related. For example, analysing the cognitive approach would involve deconstructing its core assumptions (e.g., the mind as a computer, the role of schemas) and showing how they connect to explain behaviour.
Reaching the Top: Evaluative Command Words
For Cambridge syllabus 9990, the highest-tariff essay questions use command words like Evaluate, Discuss, Assess, and phrases like To what extent.... These are your opportunity to demonstrate true mastery and are essential for achieving the highest grades. Answering these questions requires a balanced argument where you consider both sides of an issue. This could mean weighing the strengths and weaknesses of a study's methodology, presenting evidence for and against a psychological debate, or comparing different approaches. Crucially, a top-band answer must end with a supported conclusion or judgement that logically follows from the evidence you have presented. You can learn more about the specifics of [9990 marking criteria](/subjects/9990) on our dedicated subject page.
Crafting a Balanced Argument for Evaluation
For Cambridge syllabus 9990, a strong evaluation in psychology goes beyond generic points like 'it has a small sample'. To score well, you must make your evaluative points specific to the study or theory in question. For example, when evaluating a study, you should consider its validity, reliability, and generalisability, linking your points directly to the procedure or sample. When discussing debates like nature versus nurture, you must use evidence from core studies to support both sides of the argument. A detailed understanding of general [command words explained](/blog/cambridge-command-words-explained) can provide a solid framework, but applying it to psychology is key. Your final judgement must synthesise these points to determine the overall value, effectiveness, or validity of what you are evaluating.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
What's the difference between 'Describe' and 'Explain'?
'Describe' asks for a detailed account of what something is or what happened. For example, you would describe the procedure of the Schachter and Singer study. 'Explain' asks for the why or how. You would explain why they used a placebo group to create a control condition for comparison.
How do I write a good conclusion for an 'Evaluate' question?
A strong conclusion does not just repeat your points. It synthesises them to make a final, substantiated judgement. You should explicitly state which side of the argument is more convincing or what the overall worth of the study is, and briefly justify this decision based on the most important evidence from your essay.
Do I always need to include named studies in my answers?
Almost always, yes. Cambridge 9990 Psychology is an evidence-based subject, and the core studies are your primary source of evidence. Even in application questions, you should explicitly reference the study or theory you are applying. The mark allocation is often a clue; higher marks demand more detailed, evidence-based responses.