Ap Psych

What is the focus of the biological perspective in psychology?

The biological perspective examines how brain structures, neurotransmitters, genetics, and hormones influence behavior and mental processes.

What does the behavioral perspective emphasize?

It emphasizes how observable behavior is learned and shaped by the environment through conditioning (e.g., classical and operant conditioning).

How does the cognitive perspective explain human behavior?

It focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, problem-solving, and language.

What is the psychodynamic perspective?

A perspective that emphasizes unconscious drives, childhood experiences, and conflicts influencing behavior (associated with Freud).

How does the humanistic perspective differ from other approaches?

It emphasizes free will, self-actualization, and human potential for growth (Maslow & Rogers).

What does the evolutionary perspective examine?

It explores how natural selection and adaptation influence behavior and mental traits.

What is the sociocultural perspective?

It examines how social and cultural factors (e.g., norms, values, and expectations) shape behavior and thinking.

What is the difference between an independent and a dependent variable?

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to observe the effect.

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

It serves as a baseline for comparison, not exposed to the independent variable.

What is a case study?

An in-depth analysis of a single individual or small group to gain detailed insights into behavior.

What is naturalistic observation?

Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.

What is a survey method?

A research method that collects self-reported data from a large sample through questionnaires or interviews.

What is the main weakness of correlation studies?

Correlation does not imply causation.

What is the placebo effect?

A psychological response where participants experience changes simply because they believe they received a treatment.

What is random assignment?

The process of randomly placing participants into experimental or control groups to reduce bias.

What does a positive correlation indicate?

As one variable increases, the other also increases (or as one decreases, the other decreases).

What does a negative correlation indicate?

As one variable increases, the other decreases.

What does a correlation coefficient (r) measure?

The strength and direction of the relationship between two variables (ranges from -1 to +1).

What does a correlation coefficient of 0 mean?

There is no relationship between the two variables.

Why can’t correlation prove causation?

There may be a third variable influencing both variables, leading to a false association.