AP Psychology

Advanced Placement Psychology studying behavior and mental processes.

Foundations of PsychologyResearch MethodsBiological Bases of Behavior
Sensation and PerceptionLearning and ConditioningMemory and Cognition
Applying Psychology to Everyday LifeMental Health AwarenessPsychology in the Workplace
Effective Note-Taking for AP PsychologyPractice with Past AP QuestionsMnemonics and Memory Aids
Foundations of Psych...Research MethodsBiological Bases of ...Sensation and Percep...Learning and Conditi...Memory and CognitionApplying Psychology ...Mental Health Awaren...Psychology in the Wo...Effective Note-Takin...Practice with Past A...Mnemonics and Memory...
Basic Concepts

Research Methods

How Do Psychologists Study Behavior?

Psychologists use scientific methods to gather data and test their ideas about behavior and mental processes.

Types of Research

  • Descriptive Research: Observations, case studies, and surveys to describe behavior.
  • Correlational Research: Examines relationships between variables, but does not show cause and effect.
  • Experimental Research: Manipulates variables to determine cause and effect.

Key Terms

  • Hypothesis: A testable prediction.
  • Independent Variable: What the experimenter changes.
  • Dependent Variable: What is measured.

Ethical Guidelines

Research with humans and animals must follow strict ethical rules to protect participants.

Real-World Application

Good research helps us make better decisions, from designing safer cars to creating effective study habits.

Examples

  • A survey asks students about their sleep habits.

  • An experiment tests if listening to music improves memory.

In a Nutshell

Research methods help psychologists gather evidence and test ideas scientifically.

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Biological Bases of Behavior