AP Psychology Exam Prep Notes

Research Methods

  • Question 13:

    • The study described uses an experiment (A).

  • Question 27:

    • Dr. Salim used an experiment (A) by dividing students into groups and implementing an intervention.

Variables

  • Question 14:

    • The dependent variable is the amplitude at which participants could perceive spoken phrases (C).

  • Question 28:

    • The operational definition of the dependent variable is the reported level of stress on a 10-point scale after the mindfulness intervention or no intervention (C).

Thresholds

  • Question 15:
    • The concept that best explains when participants first detect the sound is the absolute threshold (D).
      • The absolute threshold refers to the minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.

Group Dynamics

  • Question 16:
    • The process accounting for the change in views is group polarization (B).
      • Group polarization: enhancement of a group's prevailing inclinations through discussion within the group.

Genetics and Psychology

  • Question 17:
    • The data in the graph is most consistent with a biological approach (C).
      • Demonstrates genetic influence on major depressive disorder due to higher similarity rates among identical twins.

Psychological Testing

  • Question 18:
    • The best example of an aptitude test is a teenager earning a passing score on a written test to get their driver's license (C).
      • Aptitude tests are designed to predict a person's future performance.

Psychological Disorders

  • Question 19:
    • Marcia is experiencing agoraphobia (D).
      • Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape might be difficult.

Research and Hypotheses

  • Question 20:
    • The most relevant falsifiable hypothesis would be: Pigeons show higher discrimination accuracy when they receive positive reinforcement than when they do not (A).
      • Falsifiable hypothesis: one that can be proven wrong through experimentation.

Theoretical Models of Psychology

  • Question 21:
    • Luca's pattern shows the major components of the biopsychosocial model (D).
      • Biopsychosocial model considers biological, psychological, and social factors.

Ethical Considerations in Research

  • Question 22:
    • Administering known harmful substances for experimentation is unethical (A).
      • Experiments involving teratogens are difficult due to ethical concerns.

Cognitive Biases

  • Question 23:
    • Nafi's statement demonstrates hindsight bias (A).
      • Hindsight bias is the tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.

Neurotransmitters and Pain

  • Question 24:
    • Substance P enhances pain perception, contributing to Tessa's pain when she sprains her ankle (B).
      • Substance P is involved in the transmission of pain signals.

Critical Periods

  • Question 25:
    • Critical periods play a significant role in language development (D).
      • Critical period: an optimal period early in life when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences produces normal development.

Brain Research Methods

  • Question 26:
    • Researchers like Dr. Lanier are using lesioning (B) to explore damaged brain areas with specific behaviors.
      • Lesioning involves damaging or removing parts of the brain to study their function.

Stress and Health

  • Question 29:
    • Ralph might experience an increased risk for hypertension (B) as a long-term result of stressors.