Ap Psychology

Cultural Norms

Shared rules and guidelines within a community that dictate appropriate and acceptable behaviors in society.

Cultural Expectations

Anticipated behaviors and roles individuals are expected to fulfill based on cultural norms.

Circumstances

Situations in which individuals find themselves, often influenced by socioeconomic factors, historical events, and geographical location.

Cognitive Biases

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, which can impact how we view events and individuals.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out information that aligns with our point of view while dismissing information that contradicts our beliefs.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to think that one could have anticipated the outcome of an event after it has already occurred.

Overconfidence

The tendency to overestimate one's knowledge, the likelihood of being correct, or one's ability to perform certain tasks.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Developed by Sigmund Freud, this perspective focuses on the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences.

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on observable behavior and emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior through reinforcement and punishment.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes human potential for growth, free will, and self-actualization.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on how individuals interpret, process, and remember information, impacting their behaviors.

Biological Perspective

Seeks to understand the links between biological processes and psychological phenomena.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Considers the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in influencing behaviors and mental processes.

Experimental Methodology

A systematic approach carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis and establish causal relationships.

Non-Experimental Methodologies

Methods used when controlled experiments are not possible, focusing on describing behaviors instead of explaining them.

Informed Consent

Participants must understand the necessary information to make an informed decision about their participation in a study.

Peer Review

A process where other experts assess a study's methodology, data, and conclusions before publication.

Null Hypothesis

A claim that there is no effect or difference between variables; serves as a baseline for testing.

Alternative Hypothesis

A claim that there is an effect or difference between variables, often what the study seeks to prove.

Random Sampling

A sampling method where each individual in the population has an equal chance of participating.

Qualitative Measures

Data collection methods that provide descriptive insights into participants' thoughts and feelings.

Quantitative Measures

Data collection methods that yield numerical data, allowing for statistical analysis.