AP Psych Exam Unit 1

the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals

The idea that knowledge is the result of experience and that scientific knowledge is developed through observation and experimentation

Early school focused on identifying the elements of thought and mind (structures) the way early chemists developed the periodic table to classify elements.

The idea that structures of consciousness must serve a function

psychology should be an objective science-observable behavior is important to study (not the unseen mental processes)

a longstanding argument about whether human behavior is determined by genetics (nature) or the environment (nurture). It explores the influence of inherited traits versus external factors on individual development.

a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This leads to the increase of favorable traits in a population over time.

focuses on observable behaviors and how they are influenced by the environment, learning, and reinforcement. It emphasizes the role of conditioning in shaping behavior and understanding psychological processes.

a branch of psychology that focuses on how biological factors influence behavior and mental processes. It examines the relationship between the brain, nervous system, genetics, and behavior.

The study of mental processes: thinking, perceiving, learning, remembering, communicating and solving problems.

How the natural selection of traits has promoted the survival of genes

a theory that emphasizes the role of unconscious processes in shaping human behavior. It focuses on how early childhood experiences and internal conflicts influence personality development and mental health.

how behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures

the study of potential and personal growth

a field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits.

the study of how our behavior changes as we age

the study of how we learn in different environments and in different ways

a branch of psychology that focuses on studying individual differences in behavior patterns, thoughts, and emotions that make up a person's unique personality.

the study of how we interact with others and how groups impact us individually

Scientific inquiry that aims to use psychology to solve practical problems (real-world application)

the study of the relationship between people and our work environments

the study that helps people cope with adjustments and crises-Challenges related to work, school, family, and relationships

a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. It involves assessment, therapy, and research to help individuals improve their well-being.

a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

a branch of psychology that focuses on human strengths, well-being, and optimal functioning, rather than just treating mental illness. It aims to enhance happiness, fulfillment, and overall quality of life.

a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding and addressing social issues within communities. It emphasizes prevention, empowerment, and social change to improve well-being and mental health at a community level.

the tendency for people to perceive events as having been more predictable after they have already occurred.

a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method that explains a phenomenon and predicts future outcomes.

a proposed explanation for a phenomenon based on observations and prior knowledge. It is a testable statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment.

defines a concept by specifying the procedures or operations used to measure or manipulate it in a research study.

the process of repeating a study to determine if the findings can be reproduced. It helps ensure the reliability and validity of research results.

a research method that involves an in-depth analysis of a particular individual, group, or situation to understand its complexities and unique characteristics. It is commonly used in various fields such as psychology, business, and education to provide detailed insights and solutions to real-world problems.

A descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate or control the situation

observational studies that analyze data from a population at a single point in time

employ continuous or repeated measures to follow particular individuals over prolonged periods of time—often years or decades.

A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes of behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

occurs when some members of a population are systematically more likely to be selected in a sample than others

All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and how well either factor predicts the other.

a statistical measure of the strength of a linear relationship between two variables.

A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables.

Perceiving a relationship where none exists. Or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship

a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.

Subjects receive the treatment

Subjects do not receive the treatment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.

The participants and the researcher are uninformed about which group receives the treatment and which does not.

causes experimental results simply from expectations or assumptions that medication is being taken.

In an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study’s results.

In an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.

The extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to.

Numerical data used to measure and describe characteristics of groups.

A mathematical average of a set of numbers. Add the scores and divide by the number of scores.

The middle score in a distribution. Arrange scores from the highest to lowest with half of the data above and half below the number.

The most frequently occurring data point in a distribution.

neither symmetric nor normal because the data values trail off more sharply on one side than on the other

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

Symmetrical, bell shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean and fewer and fewer near the extremes.

Numerical data that allow one to generalize-- to infer from sample data the probability of something being true of a population.

How likely it is that a result occurred by chance

the values, beliefs, language, rituals, traditions, and other behaviors that are passed from one generation to another within any social group

Permission granted in the knowledge of the possible consequences, typically that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with full knowledge of the possible risks and benefits.

When temporary deception is necessary to the research, it must be fully explained at the conclusion of the experiment.

The subjects' personal information shall not be disclosed in the findings

Subjects will not be subjected to harm and will be given protection against harm