FREE AP Psychology History & Research Methods Exam Question and Answers

Question 1

Chip holds that unresolved conflicts and wants, particularly those that have their roots in childhood experience, are what largely drive human behavior and that it originates in our unconscious minds. Which psychological angle is Chip most likely to advocate for?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic

Answer

The psychoanalytic perspective, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the influence of unconscious drives, unresolved childhood conflicts, and repressed desires on human behavior. Chip's belief that "unresolved conflicts and wants, particularly those that have their roots in childhood experience, are what largely drive human behavior and that it originates in our unconscious minds" directly aligns with the core tenets of psychoanalytic theory. This approach focuses on exploring these hidden psychological forces to understand personality and behavior.

Question 2

Which of the following would not be represented by a normal distribution of children's intellect scores?

Accepted Answer

Variance

Answer

A normal distribution is characterized by its central tendency (mean, median, mode, which are all equal in a perfect normal distribution) and its spread (standard deviation). While variance is a statistical measure of the spread of data, it is the square of the standard deviation and not a direct measure of central tendency or a primary visual representation of the spread on the curve itself, unlike the mean, mode, or standard deviation. Therefore, it is less directly "represented by" the visual characteristics of the distribution compared to the other options.

Question 3

Which of the following sums up the longitudinal research approach the best?

Accepted Answer

Assessing changes in a group of same aged individuals numerous times over many years

Answer

The longitudinal research approach involves studying the same group of individuals over an extended period, often many years. This method allows researchers to observe and track developmental changes, trends, and patterns within the same subjects as they age. By repeatedly collecting data from the same participants, researchers can identify how specific variables evolve over time.

Question 4

What does it mean to consider an assessment "valid" in terms of research?

Accepted Answer

If the assessment accurately measures what it claims to be measuring

Answer

In research, validity refers to the extent to which a test or assessment tool accurately measures what it is intended to measure. If a test is designed to assess intelligence, for example, it is considered valid if it truly measures intelligence and not some other construct. This ensures that the conclusions drawn from the assessment are meaningful and accurate.

Question 5

What kind of study approach observes individuals without engaging them in conversation to ascertain their behavior?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic Observation

Answer

Naturalistic observation is a research method where researchers observe subjects in their natural environment without any intervention or manipulation. The goal is to study behavior as it naturally occurs, without the subjects being aware they are being watched or engaging in conversation with the observer. This approach helps to gather authentic behavioral data.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

FREE AP Psychology History & Research Methods Exam Question and Answers