CLEP Psychology

CLEP Psychology covers the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, preparing students for the CLEP exam.

History and ApproachesResearch MethodsBiological Bases of Behavior
Sensation and PerceptionLearning and ConditioningMemory and Cognition
Applying Psychology to LearningPsychology in Everyday LifeMental Health Awareness
Effective Time ManagementPractice with Sample QuestionsMaster Key TermsUse Mnemonics and Memory AidsStay Calm and Focused
History and Approach...Research MethodsBiological Bases of ...Sensation and Percep...Learning and Conditi...Memory and CognitionApplying Psychology ...Psychology in Everyd...Mental Health Awaren...Effective Time Manag...Practice with Sample...Master Key TermsUse Mnemonics and Me...Stay Calm and Focuse...
Basic Concepts

Research Methods

How Do Psychologists Study the Mind?

Psychology relies on the scientific method to explore questions about behavior and thought.

Types of Research

  • Descriptive: Observes and describes behavior (case studies, naturalistic observation, surveys).
  • Correlational: Examines relationships between variables, but doesn't show cause and effect.
  • Experimental: Manipulates variables to find cause-and-effect.

Key Concepts

  • Independent Variable: What the experimenter changes.
  • Dependent Variable: What is measured.
  • Control Group: Doesn't receive the experimental treatment.
  • Random Assignment: Participants are randomly placed in groups to reduce bias.

Ethics in Research

Psychologists must protect participants’ well-being, get informed consent, and keep data confidential.

Application in Life

These methods are used in everything from testing new medicines to studying how students learn best.

Examples

  • A psychologist surveys students about their study habits.

  • Researchers conduct an experiment to see if more sleep improves memory.

In a Nutshell

Psychologists use scientific methods to investigate behavior and mental processes.

Key Terms

Independent Variable
The factor that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.
Random Assignment
The process of randomly assigning participants to different groups in an experiment.
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Biological Bases of Behavior