AP Psychology Units 1.5 & 1.6 – Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from AP Psychology Units 1.5 & 1.6.

Experimental research design

A study that tests a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing the effect.

Correlational research design

A study that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.

Observational research design

A method where researchers observe and record behavior in a natural setting without interference.

Case study research design

A detailed analysis of a person, group, event, or situation.

Correlation coefficient

A statistical measure that describes the direction and strength of a relationship between two variables.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Sensation

The process of detecting physical energy from the environment.

Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory input.

Transduction

The conversion of physical energy into neural impulses.

Psychophysics

The study of the relationship between physical stimulus energy and psychological experience.

Absolute threshold

The minimum stimulation required to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold (JND)

The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli.

Sensory adaptation

The reduced sensitivity to constant, unchanging stimulation.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that protects the eye and bends light.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that regulates the amount of light entering.

Lens

The transparent structure that focuses light onto the retina.

Retina

The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye containing photoreceptors.

Rods

Photoreceptors that detect black-and-white vision, dim light, and peripheral vision.

Cones

Photoreceptors that detect color vision, fine detail, and work well in daylight.

Bottom-up processing

Perception that begins with the sensory input and builds up to the final perception.

Top-down processing

Perception influenced by expectations and prior knowledge.

Circadian Rhythm

The body's internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder defined by breathing interruptions during sleep.

REM sleep

A sleep stage associated with vivid dreams and increased brain activity.

Blindsight

The ability to respond to visual stimuli without conscious awareness.

Prosopagnosia

A neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize faces.