This comprehensive practice test covers key concepts from AP Psychology Unit 2, focusing on research methods. It's designed to help you assess your understanding and prepare for the AP exam. Remember to consult your textbook and notes for clarification on any concepts you find challenging. Good luck!
Section 1: Multiple Choice (1 point each)
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Which research method is best suited for exploring cause-and-effect relationships? a) Case study b) Naturalistic observation c) Correlational study d) Experiment
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A researcher wants to study the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance. What is the independent variable? a) Cognitive performance b) Sleep deprivation c) Participants' age d) Time of day
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What is a confounding variable? a) A variable that is held constant b) A variable that is measured c) A variable that unintentionally influences the dependent variable d) The variable that the researcher manipulates
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Random assignment is crucial in experiments because it helps to: a) Ensure a representative sample b) Control for confounding variables c) Establish a cause-and-effect relationship d) Both b and c
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A researcher observes children playing on a playground to study their social interactions. What research method is being used? a) Survey b) Experiment c) Naturalistic observation d) Case study
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What is the purpose of an operational definition? a) To define the independent variable b) To provide a clear and measurable definition of a variable c) To explain the results of a study d) To identify the target population
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A negative correlation between two variables indicates that: a) As one variable increases, the other increases b) As one variable increases, the other decreases c) There is no relationship between the variables d) There is a causal relationship between the variables
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In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the experimental condition? a) Only the participants b) Only the researchers c) Both the participants and the researchers d) Neither the participants nor the researchers
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The placebo effect refers to: a) The impact of a treatment that has no inherent properties b) The tendency for participants to behave as expected c) The bias of researchers in interpreting results d) The inability to replicate a study
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Which ethical guideline emphasizes the importance of informing participants about the study's purpose and procedures? a) Informed consent b) Confidentiality c) Debriefing d) Deception
Section 2: Short Answer (3 points each)
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Explain the difference between a descriptive and inferential statistic. Provide an example of each.
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Describe the three main types of research designs: experimental, correlational, and descriptive. Give a brief example of a research question that could be addressed using each design.
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What are some ethical considerations researchers must address when conducting psychological research with human participants?
Section 3: Essay (5 points)
Discuss the importance of random sampling and random assignment in psychological research. How do these techniques contribute to the validity and generalizability of research findings? Explain the difference between the two concepts.
Answer Key (Provided Separately for Instructor Use)
This practice test provides a solid foundation for reviewing Unit 2 material. Remember to focus on understanding the underlying concepts, not just memorizing definitions. Good luck with your studies!
