AP Psychology Vocab

Peer Reviewers

Scientific experts who critique a study's design, accuracy, and methods before it gets officially published to ensure quality control.

Theory

A broad, big-picture explanation that organizes facts and predicts behaviors or events.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction often derived from a theory (usually written as an "If... then..." statement).

Falsifiable

The requirement that a scientific idea or hypothesis must be capable of being proven wrong by data or evidence.

Operational Definition

A highly specific statement of the exact procedures and measurable criteria used to define a variable in a study (crucial for replication).

Replication

Repeating the essence of a research study with different participants and situations to see if the original findings happen again.

Case Study

An intense, deeply detailed look at one single individual or unique small group.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical "super-study" that mathematically combines and analyzes the results of many different independent studies on the same topic to find an overall conclusion.

Naturalistic Observation

Watching and recording behaviors in real-world, natural settings without interfering or manipulating the environment.

Social Desirability Bias

A tendency for survey participants to answer questions in a way that makes them look "better" or more socially acceptable, rather than telling the absolute truth.

Self-Report Bias

A general inaccuracy that happens when participants report on their own behaviors, thoughts, or memories (often due to poor memory or wanting to look good).

Experimenter Bias

When a researcher’s expectations, hopes, or hypotheses unintentionally influence how they conduct the study or interpret the data.

Population

The entire large target group that a researcher wants to study and draw conclusions about.

Sample

The smaller, manageable subset of individuals actually selected out of the population to participate in the research.

Sampling Bias

A flaw in the selection process that accidentally leaves out certain groups, making the sample unrepresentative of the population.

Random Sample

A fair selection process where every single person in the target population has an exact, equal chance of being chosen.

Convenience Sampling

Picking participants simply because they are the easiest, closest, or most convenient to reach.

Representative Sample

A sample that accurately mirrors the key demographic characteristics (like age, gender, race) of the entire population.

Survey

A research method that collects self-reported attitudes or behaviors from a large group, typically by using questionnaires or interviews.