AP Psychology Research Methods

Aria and Arjun are conducting a study to understand the relationship between study hours and exam scores. The goal of their correlational research is to:

• assess the impact of studying on exam scores

• create a snapshot of what’s happening

• assess the link between studying and exam scores

• investigate an individual in depth

Jackson is conducting an experiment to study the effect of music on memory. In this experiment, the independent variable is:

• music

• memory

• both music and memory

• preexisting memory abilities

In an experiment examining the effect of mood on intelligence, participants are randomly assigned to watch either a funny movie or a sad movie before they complete an IQ test. The funny movie is shown in a classroom, while the sad movie is shown in the student lounge. The most obvious problem with this experiment is:

• the lack of validity

• the lack of operational definitions

• the confounding variable of environment

• IQ tests are not reliable

Jackson noticed that the more exercise he takes, the fewer medical problems he reports. This is an example of:

• Negative correlation

• Positive correlation

• No correlation

• Normal distribution

Emma is analyzing the test scores of her class. In a normal distribution, where are most of the scores located?

• at the high end of the distribution

• at the low end of the distribution

• in the middle of the distribution

• above the mean

Dr. Maki questioned a group of 9th graders, including Evelyn and Samuel, about their career aspirations. This is an example of a(n)

• Experiment

• Survey

• Naturalistic observation

• Correlational study

Ava, a researcher, asks 250 students (from a school with 1000 pupils) to complete a survey about the cafeteria. The 250 students are a:

• Population

• Sample

• Case study

• Variable

In a study to determine the effectiveness of a new teaching method, the only way to eliminate subject-specific confounding variables is to use

• random assignment

• random sampling

• statistical significance

• ethical guidelines

Henry and Anika conducted a correlational study on the relationship between number of friends and happiness. The data from their study is usually shown as a:

• histogram

• normal distribution

• scatterplot

• pie chart

Ava is conducting a science experiment and needs to measure the growth of plants. The specific guidelines she uses for measuring the plant height are called

• theories.

• operational definitions.

• independent variables.

• controls.