AP Psychology - Research Methods Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is Hindsight Bias?

A method of improving memory retention

Tendency to think that one knew the outcome after it has occurred (correct)

An explanation for why an event happened based solely on past events

Tendency to predict the future with absolute certainty

What is Applied Research?

Research conducted to solve practical problems with clear applications.

What is Basic Research?

Research that explores questions of interest to psychologists without immediate practical applications.

What is a Hypothesis?

A statement expressing the relationship between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Theory aim to do?

Explain phenomena and generate testable hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What are Operational Definitions?

Explanations of how variables are measured. Signup and view all the answers

What is Validity in research?

The accuracy of a study; it measures what it is intended to measure. Signup and view all the answers

What is Reliability in research?

The consistency of a research study, allowing it to be replicated. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sampling in research?

The process of selecting participants for a study. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Population in research?

The group from which a sample is selected. Signup and view all the answers

What is Random Selection?

A method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Signup and view all the answers

What is Stratified Sampling?

A method that ensures the sample represents the population on some criteria. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hindsight Bias

Tendency to believe one knew the outcome of an event after it has occurred.
Highlights the challenge in scientific research to predict outcomes in advance.

Applied Research

Conducted to address practical problems with tangible applications.
Distinct from basic research, which focuses on theoretical questions without immediate real-world relevance.

Basic Research

Explores theoretical questions of interest to psychologists.
Aims to expand knowledge without direct application or problem-solving focus.

Hypothesis

Statement proposing a relationship between two variables.
Includes independent variable (manipulated) and dependent variable (measured).
Example: Watching violent TV is the independent variable affecting aggression (dependent variable).

Theory

Framework aimed at explaining phenomena and guiding hypothesis formulation.
Supports generation of testable hypotheses to collect data for validation.

Operational Definitions

Specific explanations detailing how variables in a study will be measured.
Essential for clarity in defining what constitutes violent programming and aggressive behavior.

Validity

Research is valid when it accurately measures what it intends to.
Important for ensuring accurate conclusions and data interpretation.

Reliability

Research reliability refers to the consistency of results across replications.
Reliable research produces similar outcomes under identical conditions.

Sampling

Involves selecting participants for research studies.
Aims to create a sample that accurately reflects the larger population for generalizability.

Population

The complete group from which a sample is drawn.
Represents anyone or anything eligible to be part of the study.

Random Selection

Method ensuring every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
Enhances the representativeness of the sample and generalizability of results.

Stratified Sampling

Technique ensuring specific representation of subgroups in a sample relative to the overall population.
Useful for ensuring diverse demographic groups are proportionately included in research studies.

Description

Test your knowledge of research methods in AP Psychology with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as hindsight bias and applied research, and deepen your understanding of how psychologists conduct research to solve practical problems.