Unit 1 AP Psychology Practice Quiz

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, distinguishing it from non-scientific approaches. It uses systematic methods to explore how and why individuals behave the way they do.

Psychologists rely on the scientific method to ensure observations are systematic and reliable. This process involves forming hypotheses, gathering data, and analyzing results.

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth analysis of a single instance or a small group. It provides rich detail and insights, although its findings may not generalize to larger populations.

Mental processes include internal activities such as thinking, feeling, and perceiving, which are not directly observable. Psychologists infer these processes through behavioral cues and experimental designs.

The psychoanalytic perspective focuses on unconscious forces and internal conflicts that shape behavior and personality. Initiated by Freud, this approach explores childhood experiences and hidden motivations.

Experiments allow researchers to manipulate independent variables and observe effects on dependent variables, providing evidence of cause and effect. This method is central to establishing causal relationships in psychology.

Informed consent ensures participants are fully aware of study procedures and potential risks before they participate. This ethical guideline safeguards participants' rights and promotes trust in research.

The biological level of analysis examines how genetics, brain structures, and physiological processes affect behavior. It bridges psychology with biology and neuroscience.

Gestalt principles suggest that people naturally perceive objects and events as organized patterns or wholes rather than as separate parts. This holistic approach is key to understanding visual perception.

The humanistic perspective highlights individual experience, personal growth, and self-actualization. It emphasizes free will and the inherent potential within every person.

Operant conditioning is a type of learning where behaviors are increased or decreased based on their consequences. Rewards and punishments are used to shape future behaviors.

Correlation research examines the relationship between two or more variables without any intervention. While it can indicate an association, it does not establish causality.

The mean is calculated by summing all values in a dataset and dividing by the number of values, representing the average score. It is a fundamental measure of central tendency in statistics.

An operational definition specifies exactly how a concept or variable is measured within a study. This clarity fosters replicability and consistency across research studies.

Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement over time or across different observers. Consistent results suggest that the method of measurement is stable and dependable.

Implementing standardized observation protocols and training multiple observers helps reduce bias by ensuring consistency in data collection. This approach minimizes subjective interpretations and enhances data reliability.

Random assignment helps distribute potential confounding variables evenly across experimental groups. This process increases the internal validity of an experiment by reducing systematic biases.

Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving. This perspective studies how people acquire, process, and store information.

A true experiment involves both the manipulation of an independent variable and the random assignment of participants. This design allows researchers to draw strong causal inferences.

Replication is essential because it confirms whether research findings are consistent and generalizable across different studies. Repeated studies strengthen the credibility and validity of psychological theories.