AP Psych evidence-based FRQ study guide
This study guide covers essential evidence-based concepts and terms in AP Psychology that are crucial for multiple-choice questions and free-response questions (FRQs). It includes key theories, experiments, and applications relevant to the AP exam.
Quiz(52 questions)
1. What is the independent variable in an experiment?
Terms in this Study Set(52)
Research Methods(16)
Independent variable → Definition
Variable manipulated in an experiment to test its effect.
Dependent variable → Definition
Variable measured in an experiment; it changes due to the independent variable.
True or False: Correlation implies causation.
False. Correlation indicates a relationship, not direct cause.
What is a control group?
A group not exposed to the independent variable; used for comparison.
Describe a case study.
In-depth analysis of an individual or group; advantages include detailed data.
Random sampling → Importance
Ensures each individual has an equal chance of being selected, enhancing generalizability.
Fill in the blank: A __________ provides a detailed description of a specific case.
case study.
Difference between qualitative and quantitative research
Qualitative: descriptive, subjective; Quantitative: numerical, objective.
What is an operational definition?
Specific explanation of abstract concepts in measurable terms.
Longitudinal study → Definition
Research method that studies the same group over an extended period.
Example of a survey method.
Use questionnaires to gather data from a large population.
True or False: A double-blind study protects against bias.
True. Both participants and researchers are unaware of conditions.
What is a random assignment?
Participants are randomly placed in groups to ensure equal representation.
Difference between field and laboratory experiments
Field: real-world setting; Laboratory: controlled environment.
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
Cause → Effect: Stress on health
Increased stress can lead to various health issues, such as hypertension.
Biological Bases of Behavior(12)
Neuron → What is its function?
Neurons transmit electrical signals throughout the body, facilitating communication within the nervous system.
True or False: Dendrites send signals away from the neuron.
False. Dendrites receive signals and transmit them toward the cell body.
Compare axon and dendrite.
Axon: carries impulses away; Dendrite: receives impulses. - Functionally distinct parts of a neuron.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons. Examples: dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the brain's control center.
Cerebrum. - Responsible for higher brain functions like thought and action.
Cause → Effect: Damage to the amygdala.
Can lead to impaired emotional processing and difficulty recognizing fear in others.
What role does the myelin sheath play?
It insulates axons, increasing the speed of electrical impulses through saltatory conduction.
True or False: The peripheral nervous system includes the brain.
False. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Identify: Hindbrain → Major components.
Includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum. - Critical for basic life functions and motor control.
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Regulates homeostasis, including temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.
Fill in the blank: __________ neurons carry signals from the brain to muscles.
Motor neurons. - Essential for voluntary movement.
Compare sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Sympathetic: 'fight or flight'; Parasympathetic: 'rest and digest'. - Balance body’s responses.
Developmental Psychology(12)
What is attachment theory?
A psychological model describing the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans, primarily focusing on the bond between children and their caregivers.
Erikson's psychosocial stages: first stage?
Trust vs. Mistrust - Infants learn to trust their caregivers for safety and nourishment.
True or False: Piaget's theory includes four stages.
True - The four stages are Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational.
Fill in the blank: Vygotsky emphasized the role of __________ in cognitive development.
social interaction.
Compare Freud's and Erikson's theories of development.
Freud: Psychosexual stages focused on internal drives. Erikson: Psychosocial stages focused on social relationships.
Question: What is the main focus of Kohlberg's moral development theory?
Moral reasoning and the progression through stages of ethical understanding.
What are the stages of prenatal development?
Germinal, Embryonic, Fetal - Each stage has unique characteristics and developments.
Cause → Effect: Early childhood education affects __________.
cognitive and social development positively.
What is a critical period in development?
A specific time frame during which certain skills or abilities must be developed, such as language acquisition.
True or False: Nature vs. nurture refers to genetic vs. environmental influences.
True - It debates the relative contributions of genetics and environment to human development.
Question: What does the term 'emerging adulthood' refer to?
A developmental stage from approximately 18 to 25 years, marking transition to adulthood.
What is the main idea of the life course perspective?
Human development is lifelong and shaped by historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Social Psychology(12)
What is the fundamental attribution error?
The tendency to overemphasize dispositional factors and underestimate situational influences when explaining others' behaviors.
Describe the Stanford prison experiment.
Conducted by Philip Zimbardo, it studied the psychological effects of perceived power. Participants became guards and prisoners, leading to abusive behavior and ethical concerns.
True or False: Groupthink enhances decision-making quality.
False. Groupthink leads to poor decisions because it discourages dissent and critical thinking.
Fill in the blank: The __________ theory explains how people use social information to form impressions.
Impression formation theory.
Compare normative social influence and informational social influence.
- Normative: Conformity for acceptance - Informational: Conformity for correct information
What is cognitive dissonance?
The psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, leading to attitude change to reduce dissonance.
Describe the bystander effect.
The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.
Cause → Effect: Social facilitation
Increased performance on tasks in the presence of others; typically enhances performance on simple or well-practiced tasks.
What was the Milgram experiment about?
Studied obedience to authority, demonstrating that people are willing to administer harmful shocks when instructed by an authority figure.
What is the social identity theory?
A theory suggesting that a person's self-concept is based on their group memberships, leading to in-group favoritism.
True or False: Stereotypes are always accurate representations of individuals.
False. Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs that may not be true for all members of a group.
Define the term 'cognitive bias'.
A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, leading to illogical conclusions.
Questions in this Study Set(52)
1. What is the independent variable in an experiment?
2. What is the primary function of a neuron?
3. What is the primary focus of attachment theory?
4. What is the fundamental attribution error?
5. What type of study involves an in-depth analysis of a single individual or group?
6. True or False: Dendrites send signals away from the neuron.
7. In Erikson's psychosocial stages, what is the first stage?
8. Which experiment is known for studying the effects of perceived authority on obedience?
9. Which of the following is true about correlation?
10. Which statement best compares the functions of axons and dendrites?
11. True or False: Piaget's cognitive development theory includes five stages.
12. Which of the following describes groupthink?
13. What is a control group in an experiment?
14. What are neurotransmitters primarily responsible for?
15. Fill in the blank: Vygotsky believed that __________ is crucial for cognitive development.
16. Fill in the blank: The __________ theory explains how individuals derive self-esteem from their group affiliations.
17. Which research method studies the same group over an extended period?
18. Fill in the blank: The __________ is associated with higher brain functions such as thought and action.
19. Which of the following statements best compares Freud's and Erikson's theories?
20. What is the bystander effect?
21. What is the purpose of random sampling?
22. What impact does damage to the amygdala likely have?
23. What is the main focus of Kohlberg's theory of moral development?
24. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cognitive dissonance?
25. What is meant by random assignment in an experiment?
26. What is the role of the myelin sheath?
27. What are the stages of prenatal development in the correct order?
28. Normative social influence is best defined as:
29. Which of the following is NOT an example of qualitative research?
30. Which statement is true about the peripheral nervous system?
31. Cause → Effect: Exposure to responsive caregiving in early childhood leads to __________.
32. True or False: Stereotypes can sometimes be accurate representations of individuals.
33. Which term describes a specific explanation of abstract concepts in measurable terms?
34. Identify the major components of the hindbrain.
35. What does the term 'critical period' refer to in developmental psychology?
36. What does social facilitation refer to?
37. What is a potential advantage of using a double-blind study?
38. What is the function of the hypothalamus?
39. True or False: The nature vs. nurture debate focuses on the effects of genetics and environment.
40. Which of the following best compares informational and normative social influence?
41. In a field experiment, where does the research take place?
42. Fill in the blank: __________ neurons are responsible for carrying signals from the brain to muscles.
43. What is 'emerging adulthood'?
44. Which cognitive bias involves favoring information that confirms existing beliefs?
45. What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
46. Which statement best differentiates between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
47. What is the main idea of the life course perspective in developmental psychology?
48. What is the primary outcome of the Stanford prison experiment conducted by Philip Zimbardo?
49. Which of the following best describes an experiment?
50. Which of the following statements is true about a hypothesis?
51. In terms of cause and effect, what is the relationship between stress and health?
52. What is the primary purpose of operational definitions in research methods?
Related Study Sets
Gestaltgesetze Wahrnehmung Definitionen
Biologische Psychologie Neurotransmitter Definitionen
Schlaf und Schlafstadien Zusammenfassung
Stress und HPA-Achse Zusammenfassung
Klausur: Intelligenzmodelle Spearman Cattell
Testgütekriterien Objektivität Reliabilität Validität Prüfungsfragen
Klausur: Big Five Persönlichkeit
Emotionstheorien James-Lange und Schachter
Create Your Own Study Set
Upload a PDF, paste your notes, or describe a topic – AI generates flashcards, quizzes and more in seconds.
