AP Psych article analysis FRQ
This study set covers key concepts and terminology related to the AP Psychology article analysis FRQ, focusing on research methods, psychological theories, and critical analysis skills necessary for exam success.
Quiz(40 questions)
1. What is a case study primarily used for in psychological research?
Terms in this Study Set(40)
Research Methods(16)
What is a case study?
An in-depth examination of a single individual or group. - Useful for rare phenomena - Detailed data collection.
True or false: Correlation implies causation.
False. Correlation indicates a relationship, but not causation.
Define operational definition.
A specific explanation of abstract concepts in measurable terms. - Essential for clarity - Facilitates replication.
What is random assignment?
The process of assigning participants to groups by chance. - Minimizes bias - Enhances validity.
Comparing longitudinal vs. cross-sectional studies.
Longitudinal: same subjects over time. Cross-sectional: different subjects at one time.
What is a control group?
A group not exposed to the treatment, used for comparison. - Helps isolate effects of the independent variable.
Fill in the blank: The _____ variable is manipulated in an experiment.
Independent. - Changes affect the dependent variable.
What does a double-blind study reduce?
Experimenter and participant bias. - Neither knows who receives treatment.
Describe survey methods.
Collects data through questionnaires. - Quick, large samples - Risks: response bias, leading questions.
True or false: Observational studies allow for manipulation of variables.
False. Observational studies do not manipulate variables; they merely observe.
What is the main purpose of meta-analysis?
To combine results from multiple studies. - Increases statistical power - Provides more comprehensive insights.
Identify the purpose of deception in research.
To prevent bias in participant responses. - Must debrief afterward - Ethical considerations apply.
What are the benefits of a longitudinal study?
Tracks changes over time. - Provides developmental insights - Identifies long-term effects.
Fill in the blank: The _____ variable is measured.
Dependent. - Its changes depend on the independent variable.
What is sampling bias?
A flaw in sampling where certain groups are overrepresented. - Can skew results - Reduces generalizability.
Explain the role of ethics in research.
Ensures participant safety and informed consent. - Protects privacy - Minimizes harm.
Psychological Theories(12)
Behaviorism → Key theorists?
John Watson, B.F. Skinner - Emphasizes observable behavior over mental processes.
Cognitive dissonance theory → What is it?
Psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs; leads to attitude change.
True or False: Psychoanalysis focuses on observable behaviors.
False - Psychoanalysis emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences.
Fill in the blank: ___ theory focuses on the hierarchy of needs.
Maslow's - Emphasizes self-actualization and fulfilling basic needs.
Compare: Humanistic vs. Psychodynamic theories.
Humanistic: Focus on personal growth. Psychodynamic: Focus on unconscious influence.
Cognitive theory → Key concept?
Mental processes influence behavior; includes perception, memory, and problem-solving.
What is the major focus of Social Learning Theory?
Learning through observation and imitation; emphasizes the role of modeling.
Cause → Effect: Positive reinforcement leads to?
Increased likelihood of behavior repetition - Rewards strengthen behavior.
True or False: The Gestalt theory emphasizes the whole over individual parts.
True - Perception is based on holistic impressions rather than isolated components.
Operant Conditioning → Key concept?
Behavior is shaped through rewards (reinforcements) and punishments.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy → Main goal?
To change dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors through cognitive restructuring.
What is the role of schemas in cognitive theory?
Schemas organize knowledge and influence how we interpret new information.
Critical Analysis Skills(12)
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
Define operational definition.
An operational definition specifies how variables are measured or defined in a study.
True or False: Correlation implies causation.
False. Correlation does not imply causation; it merely indicates a relationship.
Compare qualitative and quantitative research.
Qualitative: descriptive, exploratory data. Quantitative: numerical data, statistical analysis.
Fill in the blank: Peer review ensures _____ before publication.
that research meets scientific standards.
What is the purpose of a literature review?
A literature review summarizes previous research, identifying gaps and setting context for new studies.
Cause → Effect: Experimental manipulation leads to _____ changes in the dependent variable.
measurable.
What is a control group?
A control group is a baseline group that does not receive the experimental treatment.
True or False: Random sampling eliminates all biases.
False. It reduces bias but does not eliminate all possible biases.
Identify two types of observational methods.
Naturalistic observation, structured observation.
What are confounding variables?
Confounding variables are extraneous factors that can affect the outcome of a study, leading to inaccurate results.
What is the significance of statistical significance?
Statistical significance indicates that results are unlikely due to chance, typically at p < 0.05.
Questions in this Study Set(40)
1. What is a case study primarily used for in psychological research?
2. Which theorist is most associated with behaviorism?
3. What does an operational definition provide in research?
4. Which of the following statements about correlation is true?
5. What is cognitive dissonance?
6. In an experiment, if researchers manipulate the independent variable to study its effect on the dependent variable, what is this process called?
7. What does an operational definition provide in research?
8. True or False: Behaviorism primarily studies internal mental processes.
9. Which type of research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis?
10. What is the purpose of random assignment in experiments?
11. Fill in the blank: __________ theory emphasizes the importance of self-actualization.
12. True or False: A literature review serves to identify gaps in existing research.
13. Which of the following best describes a longitudinal study?
14. Compare: Which of the following best distinguishes humanistic theories from psychodynamic theories?
15. What is the primary function of a control group in an experiment?
16. What is the role of a control group in an experiment?
17. What is a key concept of cognitive theory?
18. Which of the following is NOT a type of observational method?
19. Fill in the blank: The _____ variable is manipulated in an experiment.
20. What is the major premise of Social Learning Theory?
21. If researchers find a p-value of 0.03 in their study, what does this indicate?
22. What does a double-blind study help to reduce?
23. Positive reinforcement is likely to result in which of the following?
24. What is a major limitation of correlation studies?
25. Which method collects data through questionnaires or interviews?
26. True or False: Gestalt theory focuses on analyzing individual parts rather than the whole.
27. Which of the following best describes confounding variables?
28. True or false: Observational studies involve manipulation of variables.
29. What is the central concept of operant conditioning?
30. Which statement is true about random sampling?
31. What is the main goal of a meta-analysis?
32. What is the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
33. What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in research?
34. What is the purpose of deception in psychological research?
35. How do schemas function in cognitive theory?
36. When researchers conduct a study to analyze behaviors in a natural setting without manipulation, which method are they using?
37. What advantage does a longitudinal study have over a cross-sectional study?
38. Fill in the blank: The _____ variable is measured and is affected by the independent variable.
39. What is sampling bias?
40. Why are ethics important in psychological research?
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