AP Psych Unit 1
In an experiment, which of the following variables refers to the outcome that is measured by the experimenter? A Independent B Dependent C Control D Random E Stimulus
B
Which of the following most accurately describes a dependent variable? A Some characteristic of research participants that is constant, such as gender B Some aspect of a participant's response that is measured in an experiment C A factor that is manipulated by the experimenter in order to observe its effects on some other factor D A factor that can be used to predict how people in an experiment will respond E A factor that is equated for the experimental and the control group
B
Which of the following best describes the graph above? A Histogram B Frequency polygon C Normal distribution D Positively skewed distribution E Negatively skewed distribution
E
All of the following are American Psychological Association ethical guidelines for researchers EXCEPT: A Research may not involve deception. B Participation must be voluntary. C Participants must be informed of potential risks. D Participants must be offered alternative activities if research participation is a course requirement. E Participants' right to privacy must be protected.
A
Cognitive psychologists are most likely to study A the acquisition of knowledge, planning, and problem solving B how infants move from basic trust to autonomy C the conflicts of the conscious and the unconscious D the relationship of cephalocaudal and proximodistal development E how attribution processes vary across culture
A
Dr. Grayson is interested in studying the relationship between weight loss and mood. To conduct the study, Dr. Grayson analyzes the results of several previous studies on weight loss and emotional state. Which research strategy is Dr. Grayson using? A Meta-analysis B Naturalistic observation C An experiment D A survey E A case study
A
Drawing a random sample of people from a town for an interview study of social attitudes ensures that A each person in the town has the same probability of being chosen for the study B an equal number of males and females are selected for interviews C the study includes at least some respondents from every social class in town D the study will uncover widely differing social attitudes among the respondents E the sample will be large enough even though some people may refuse to be interviewed
A
In experimental psychology, a significant difference refers to a A difference not likely due to chance B difference not likely due to faulty design C result that indicates a correlation equal to 1.0 D result that departs from previous findings E result that proves a new theory
A
In studying the behavior of five year olds in freeplay situations, a cognitive psychologist would be most interested in the children's A problem-solving strategies B toy preferences C degree of cooperative behavior D prosocial play activities E choice of playmates
A
Introspection as practiced by early structuralists is best illustrated by which of the following behaviors? A Describing one's immediate sensations while looking at a rose B Determining the best way for children to learn in school C Conditioning an infant to fear rabbits D Recalling one's unconscious desires E Creating intelligence tests for use in the military
A
John B. Watson is best known as the founder of A behaviorism B functionalism C rationalism D structuralism E mechanism
A
One major objection to the early Skinnerian approach to psychology is that it A did not take into account internal thoughts and feelings B did not take into account overt physical behaviors C did not take into account accumulated experiences D focused primarily on childhood experiences E focused primarily on the unconscious
A
Operational definitions are used for which of the following reasons? A They enable researchers to replicate studies by precisely describing the variables and how they are used. B They exclude mental processes from being studied, as they are no longer considered part of the scientific study of psychology. C They determine which test of statistical significance will be used to analyze the results of the experiment. D They keep the participants in the control group from knowing they have received the placebo. E They determine whether the experiment is better suited for a laboratory or a field setting.
A
The next question(s) are based on this scenario: A researcher randomly assigned boys and girls to each of two groups. One group watched a violent television program while the other group watched a nonviolent program. The children were then observed during a period of free play, and the incidence of aggressive behavior was recorded for each group. This research method is best characterized as A experimental B correlational C longitudinal D naturalistic observation E case study
A
Which of the following accurately describes a major change in perspective in the field of developmental psychology over the past twenty-five years? A A shift from an emphasis on childhood and adolescence to an interest in development over the life span B A shift from a cognitive to a psychoanalytic interpretation of developmental phenomena C A shift in research focus from cognitive to personality development D A decrease in interest in the physiological factors affecting growth and development E A decrease in
A
Which of the following perspectives argues that every person has the potential to become self-actualized? A Humanistic B Behavioral C Gestalt D Cognitive E Psychodynamic
A
Which of the following research approaches would be best for testing the hypothesis that the presence of certain odors causes people to gamble more? A Experimental B Observational C Correlational D Survey E Case study
A
A disadvantage of longitudinal studies is that A differences observed among participants of different ages are usually due to differences in the environment in which they were reared B participants who drop out during the course of the study may be different in important ways from ones who do not drop out C unfamiliarity with testing situations can put older participants at a disadvantage D personality traits do not remain constant across the life span E men and women confront different developmental crises in the course of their lives because of their different social roles
B
A research group conducted a study investigating the connection between self-reported number of hours slept in a given week and scores on a happiness measure. Based on the scatterplot above, the group can report that there is A no relationship between amount of self-reported sleep and happiness B a positive correlation C a negative correlation D a perfect, negative relationship between amount of self-reported sleep and happiness E a perfect, positive relationship between amount of self-reported sleep and happiness
B
A test has a mean of 80 with a standard deviation of 4. Which of the following scores is within one standard deviation of the mean? A 75 B 77 C 86 D 90 E 99
B
An important difference between humanistic and psychoanalytic approaches is that humanistic psychologists believe in the importance of A learning B free will C determinism D biological instincts E unconscious processes
B
Cognitive theorists emphasize the A powerful unconscious impulses that motivate behavior B formation and modification of schemas C impact of rewards and punishments D individual's desire to become self-actualized E social norms that determine expected behavior
B
Experimental research differs from correlational research in that experimental research A allows for prediction B may reveal a causal relation C establishes a mathematical relation D defines the strength of the relation E uses a dependent variable
B
In a research study, informed consent is a concern of A replicability B ethics C statistical significance D practical applicability E cross-cultural representativeness
B
The next question(s) are based on this scenario: A researcher randomly assigned boys and girls to each of two groups. One group watched a violent television program while the other group watched a nonviolent program. The children were then observed during a period of free play, and the incidence of aggressive behavior was recorded for each group. What is the independent variable in this study? A Incidence of aggressive behavior B Type of television program viewed C Sex of the children D Number of groups E Duration of free play
B
The next questions are based on the following. A researcher is trying to determine whether a new painkilling medicine is effective in reducing headaches. Twenty adult participants sit in a noisy environment for 30 minutes and then rate the severity of their headaches on a scale from 0 (none) to 5 (intense). Group M (the medicine group) receives a normal dose of the medicine. Group C (the control group) rests quietly. After 20 minutes, all participants again complete the headache rating scale. The statistically significant differences in headache severity on the posttest appear in the graph below. Which of the following is the independent variable in this experiment? A The rating of headache severity B The medicine C The age of the participants D The 30 minutes of noise E The 20-minute interval
B
Which of the following is true of the frequency distributions shown in the graphs above? A Distribution A has more variation than distributions B or C. B Distribution B has more variation than distributions A or C. C Distribution B and distribution C have the same variation. D The standard deviation of distribution A is infinite. E The standard deviation of distribution B is zero.
B
10, 3, 5, 7, 10, 3, 10, 5, 2 The numbers above represent the quiz results for a psychology class. What is the median score for the class? A 2 B 3 C 5 D 7 E 10
C
A basic assumption underlying the evolutionary approach to sexual attraction is that men seek potential mates who A display financial resources B have high social status C appear fertile D are taller than average E are highly educated
C
A person displays a set of rare behaviors that psychologists had not known about previously, because nobody had ever shown them before. The best strategy to investigate the nature of those behaviors is A an experiment B a survey C a case study D cross-sectional research E correlational research
C
According to the ethical guidelines set by the American Psychological Association (APA), which of the following is true of psychological research in which animals are used as subjects? A It must not involve the use of surgical procedures. B It is no longer permitted by the APA without special authorization. C It should conform to all APA ethical guidelines for animal research. D It must be limited to investigations that use correlational procedures. E It may not be conducted by psychologists who do not have a license.
C
Although Paul seems bright and capable to his parents and friends, he has been failing in school. Paul agrees to speak with a psychologist, who suggests that his problems stem from internal processes such as unrealistic expectations and negative thinking. The psychologist's view is typical of which of the following models of behavior? A Psychoanalytic B Humanistic C Cognitive D Sociobiological E Behavioral
C
An industrial-organizational psychologist would be most likely to study the A cognitive development of adults B recreational activities in a community center C effectiveness of management training D industrialization of the United States E career development of high school students
C
Ethical principles developed by the American Psychological Association help ensure that human participants in psychological research A get paid for their time and trouble B have not participated in similar research in the past C are protected from physical and psychological harm D understand the hypotheses of the researcher before they take part E keep the purposes of the research project confidential
C
In psychology, Gestalt principles are used to explain A statistical probabilities B somatic behavioral disorders C perceptual organization D stimulus-detection thresholds E altered states of consciousness
C
In their discussions of the process of development, the advocates of nature in the nature-nurture controversy emphasize which of the following? A Socialization B Cognition C Maturation D Experience E Information processing
C
Of the following, an evolutionary psychologist will most likely investigate the A age of children when they speak their first words B speed of an action potential C reason why many people have an innate fear of the dark D factors that make a person feel accepted by others E features of a car that make it easier for a person to operate
C
The mean will be higher than the median in any distribution that A is symmetrical B is not normal C is positively skewed D represents measures for a random sample E represents measures for a biased sample
C
The next questions are based on the following. A researcher is trying to determine whether a new painkilling medicine is effective in reducing headaches. Twenty adult participants sit in a noisy environment for 30 minutes and then rate the severity of their headaches on a scale from 0 (none) to 5 (intense). Group M (the medicine group) receives a normal dose of the medicine. Group C (the control group) rests quietly. After 20 minutes, all participants again complete the headache rating scale. The statistically significant differences in headache severity on the posttest appear in the graph below. Which of the following statements is supported by the results of this experiment? A The severity of headaches diminished among the group that received the medicine, whereas the severity of headaches in the control group was unchanged. B The groups showed equivalent decreases in the severity of their headaches from pretest to posttest. C The medicine was more effective in reducing the severity of the headaches than was quiet rest. D The medicine eliminated the headaches of participants to whom it was administered. E Quiet rest is not effective in reducing headaches.
C
Which of the following studies demonstrates a cross-sectional research design? A Testing the first graders, and testing them again when they are in third grade B Testing first graders at the end of the school year C Testing first, third, and fifth graders at the beginning of the school year D Observing first graders as they test in two different subject areas E Observing first graders as they interact with either third graders or fifth graders
C
A double-blind control is essential for which of the following? A A study comparing the IQ test scores of children from different educational systems B A study of relationships among family members C An experiment to determine the effect of a food reward on the bar-pressing rate of a rat D Assessment of a treatment designed to reduce schizophrenic symptoms E A survey of drug use among teenagers
D
An evolutionary psychologist would explainthat humans desire social interaction, social acceptance, and social affiliation due to a need for A achievement B individualism C behavioral change D survival E self-actualization
D
In a normal distribution, which of the following statements is true about the area that falls between one standard deviation above and one standard deviation below the mean? A It contains the bottom 50% of the distribution. B It contains the middle 50% of the distribution. C It contains the bottom 68% of the distribution. D It contains the middle 68% of the distribution. E It is the same as the square of the average deviation.
D
In an experiment to test the effects of hunger on aggressive behavior, aggressive behavior would be the A placebo B control C hypothesis D dependent variable E independent variable
D
Introspection, a research tool used by early psychologists, is a technique which involves A correlational analyses B machines designed for cognitive analysis C survey methodology D self-examination of mental processes E teaching participants to multitask
D
Research finds that, in general, the higher an incoming college student scores on a given test, the higher the student's college grade point average (GPA). Which of the following best describes this relationship? A A bimodal distribution B A normal distribution C A skewed distribution D A positive correlation E A negative correlation
D
The correlation between two measures obtained on a group of individuals is graphically represented as a A bar graph B normal distribution C histogram D scatterplot E frequency polygon
D
The debate over whether development occurs gradually, without discernible shifts, or through a series of distinct stages is termed A nature vs. nurture B developmental vs. cognitive C cross-sectional vs. longitudinal D continuity vs. discontinuity E maturation vs. learning
D
The most distinctive characteristic of the experimental method is that it A studies a few people in great depth B studies subjects in their natural environment C is an efficient way to discover how people feel D seeks to establish cause-effect relationships E provides a chronological basis for reaching conclusions
D
To determine whether a cause-effect relationship exists between two variables, a researcher must use A descriptive statistics B archival data C naturalistic observation D an experimental approach E a correlational study
D
What is the correct chronological order of the following perspectives of psychology, from past to present? Behaviorism Psychoanalysis Structuralism Humanism A I, II, III, IV B II, III, IV, I C I, IV, III, II D III, II, I, IV E III, II, IV, I
D
Which of the following would an industrial-organizational psychologist be LEAST likely to study? A Managerial skills B Employee motivation C Job satisfaction D Corporate profitability E Pay incentive programs
D
A survey shows that children who have encyclopedias in their homes earn better grades in school than children whose homes lack encyclopedias. The researcher concludes that having encyclopedias at home improves grades. This conclusion is erroneous primarily because the researcher has incorrectly A failed to allow for experimenter bias B identified the independent variable C identified the dependent variable D inferred correlation from causation E inferred causation from correla
E
Gestalt psychology is concerned primarily with understanding which of the following? A Learning B Motivation C Development D Sensation E Perception
E
In developmental psychology, one advantage of cross-sectional over longitudinal studies is that cross-sectional research A controls for cognitive ability B controls for gender C controls for cultural influences D involves subjects of the same age E requires comparatively little time
E
Martha is an undergraduate student who is interested in pursuing a career in psychology. She wants to use her knowledge of psychology to help employees become more productive in the workplace. Which field of psychology should Martha select in graduate school? A Physiological B Cognitive C Educational D Clinical E Industrial-organ
E
Of the following, a behavioral psychologist is most likely to study the A perceived locus of control of adults who experience panic attacks B formation of emotional attachments to significant others C defense mechanisms used by depressed adults and children in stressful situations D genetic basis for schizophrenic disorders E effects of token economies on establishing social skills among children with emotional disturbances
E
Researchers have found a negative correlation between income and dental problems. What conclusion can correctly be drawn from this statement? A Having a higher income causes fewer dental problems. B As income increases, the likelihood of requiring dental care increases. C As income increases, dental procedures become more affordable. D A rise in the incidence of dental problems causes income to be lower. E As income increases, the likelihood of dental problems decreases.
E
The next question(s) are based on this scenario: A researcher randomly assigned boys and girls to each of two groups. One group watched a violent television program while the other group watched a nonviolent program. The children were then observed during a period of free play, and the incidence of aggressive behavior was recorded for each group. What is the dependent variable in this study? A Sex of the children B Duration of free play C Type of television program viewed D Level of televised violence E Incidence of aggressive behavior
E
Which of the following best describes the response of members of the American Psychological Association to ethical issues in research? A They have just begun to address such issues. B They disclaim ethical concerns regarding research. C They have developed codes of ethics for research with human participants only. D They have developed codes of ethics for research with animal subjects only. E They have developed codes of ethics for research with both human participants and animal subjects.
E
