AP Psychology Cram Packet

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from AP Psychology to aid in exam preparation.

Correlation

Identifies the relationship between two variables.

Experiments

Purposefully manipulate variables to determine cause/effect.

Naturalistic Observation

Observe people in their natural settings.

Case Study

Studies one person in great detail.

Meta-Analysis

Combines multiple studies to increase sample size and examine effect sizes.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation that must be falsifiable.

Operational Definition

A clear, precise definition of variables allowing replication.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data, such as eye color.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data; ideal for statistics.

Population

Everyone the research could apply to.

Sample

The specific people chosen for the study.

Independent Variable

Purposefully altered by researcher to look for effect.

Dependent Variable

Measured variable that depends on the independent variable.

Placebo Effect

An observed effect on behavior caused by the placebo.

Double-Blind

An experiment where neither participant nor experimenter knows group assignments.

Single-Blind

Only participants are unaware of group assignments.

Confound

An error or flaw introduced accidentally in a study.

Statistical Significance

Results not due to chance; manipulation caused difference in means.

Mean

Average, used in normal distributions.

Standard Deviation

Average amount scores spread from the mean.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released in synapse, influencing neurons.

Agonist

A drug that mimics a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks a neurotransmitter.

Acetylcholine

NT linked to memory and movement; associated with Alzheimer's.

Circadian Rhythms

24-hour biological clock regulating sleep and body temperature.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep with dreaming; paradoxical state.

Sensory Adaptation

Decreased sensitivity as a result of constant stimulation.

Sensation

Receiving stimulus energy from the environment.

Transduction

Conversion of stimulus information into action potentials.

Absolute Threshold

Detection of a signal 50% of the time.

Weber’s Law

Two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum proportion.

Cognitive Bias

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Confirmation Bias

Finding information that supports preexisting beliefs.

Social Desirability Bias

People lie to appear favorable in self-reports.

Cognitive Dissonance

Conflict between two opposing thoughts causing discomfort.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences; includes reinforcement and punishment.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association between a stimulus and a response.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed.

Fundamental Attribution Error

Blaming a person's disposition rather than the situation.

Bystander Effect

More people present leads to a decrease in likelihood to help.

Altruism

Unselfish interest in helping others.

Locus of Control

Perception of the extent that outcomes are determined by oneself or outside factors.

Diathesis-Stress Model

Genetic predisposition triggered by environmental stressors.