AP Psychology Terms and Usages Flashcards

Twin Studies (Nature)

Identical twins raised apart have very similar IQs, showing genetics strongly influences intelligence.

Twin Studies Example

The Minnesota Twin Study found identical twins raised separately still had nearly identical IQs.

Adoption Studies (Nurture)

Adopted children show effects of their early environment on intelligence.

Adoption Studies Example

Young adopted children’s IQs resemble their adoptive parents because of shared environment.

Early Environmental Influences

Nutrition, stimulation, and interaction affect brain development and intelligence.

Early Environmental Influences Example

Children raised with little stimulation often show delayed cognitive skills.

Schooling and Intelligence

More education leads to higher intelligence scores.

Schooling and Intelligence Example

Kids who stay in school longer tend to have higher IQs.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that intelligence is unchangeable.

Fixed Mindset Example

A student avoids hard work because they think being smart is fixed.

Growth Mindset

The belief that intelligence grows with effort.

Growth Mindset Example

A student studies more after a bad grade because they believe they can improve.

Gender Similarities and Differences

Males and females score similarly overall, with small differences in specific skills.

Gender Differences Example

Girls perform slightly higher on verbal tasks; boys slightly higher on spatial tasks.

Racial/Ethnic Similarities and Differences

Group IQ differences are mostly due to environment, not genetics.

Racial/Ethnic Differences Example

When groups get equal education, IQ score gaps shrink.

Creativity: Expertise

Deep knowledge in an area supports creativity.

Creativity: Expertise Example

Practicing dance for years helps me choreograph original routines.

Creativity: Imaginative Thinking

Seeing problems in new ways.

Creativity: Imaginative Thinking Example

I reinterpret choreography by imagining different emotional tones.

Creativity: Venturesome Personality

Being willing to take risks and try new things.

Creativity: Venturesome Example

I choose unique solo music even if it’s unusual.

Creativity: Intrinsic Motivation

Being motivated by genuine interest.

Creativity: Intrinsic Example

I choreograph for fun, not for grades or approval.

Creativity: Creative Environment

Surroundings that support inspiration and new ideas.

Creativity: Creative Environment Example

Working in my dance studio inspires new choreography.

Algorithm

A step-by-step method that guarantees a solution.

Algorithm Example

Using a formula in math to solve every time.

Heuristic

A mental shortcut for quick decisions; may be wrong.

Heuristic Example

Choosing the shorter line at the store because it looks faster.

Representative Heuristic

Judging likelihood by how much something matches a prototype.

Representative Heuristic Example

Assuming someone who likes books is more likely a librarian than a salesperson.

Availability Heuristic

Judging likelihood based on how easily examples come to mind.

Availability Heuristic Example

Thinking plane crashes are common because you see them in the news.

Fear Factor: We Fear What’s Vivid

We fear events that stand out in memory.

Fear Factor Example

I worry more about shark attacks because they’re dramatic online even though they’re rare.

Belief Perseverance

Holding onto beliefs even when evidence contradicts them.

Belief Perseverance Example

Still believing a study method works even after it fails.

Belief Bias

Logic is distorted by prior beliefs.

Belief Bias Example

I accept arguments I already agree with even if they’re weak.

Intelligence

The ability to learn, solve problems, and adapt.

Intelligence Example

Using study strategies to improve in school.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method that identifies clusters of related abilities.

Factor Analysis Example

Math skills like algebra and geometry cluster together.

Sternberg: Analytical Intelligence

Problem-solving and academic reasoning.

Analytical Example

Doing well on standardized tests.

Sternberg: Creative Intelligence

Ability to generate new ideas.

Creative Example

Choreographing original dance routines.

Sternberg: Practical Intelligence

Everyday problem-solving (“street smarts”).

Practical Example

Figuring out how to schedule homework around dance practice.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A score comparing mental age to chronological age.

IQ Example

An IQ of 100 is average.

WAIS

An intelligence test for adults measuring verbal and performance skills.

WAIS Example

Adults take WAIS to measure memory and reasoning.

WISC

An intelligence test for children.

WISC Example

Kids take WISC to identify academic support needs.

IQ Test Reliability

The test yields consistent results.

Reliability Example

Your score stays similar each time you take it.

IQ Test Validity

The test measures what it claims to measure.

Validity Example

IQ predicts academic performance.

IQ Test Standardization

The test is given the same way to all people and compared to norms.

Standardization Example

Your score is compared to thousands of same-age test-takers.

Content Validity

How well a test measures the correct material.

Content Example

A driving test measures actual driving skills.

Predictive Validity

How well a test predicts future performance.

Predictive Example

SAT scores predict first-year college grades.

Cross-Sectional Study

Research comparing different age groups at one time.