ALL AP PSYCH TERMS QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS2025/2026
hindsight bias==the tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen
it. (Also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon.) (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 38)
hypothesis==a testable prediction, often implied by a theory. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p.
42)
operational definition==a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used
in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an
intelligence test measures. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 42)
replication==repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in
different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced. (Myers Psychology for
AP 3e p. 43)
case study==a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the
hope of revealing universal principles. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 44)
naturalistic observation==a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in
naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate or control the situation. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 45)
survey==a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a
particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
sampling bias==a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
population==all those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note:
Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country's whole population.) (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
random sample==a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal
chance of inclusion. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
correlation==a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well
either factor predicts the other. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 50)
correlation coefficient==a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from −1.00 to
+1.00). (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 51)
,variable==anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure. (Myers Psychology for
AP 3e p. 50)
scatterplot==a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The
slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The
amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 50)
illusory correlation==perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-
actual relationship. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 53)
regression toward the mean==the tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back
(regress) toward the average. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 53)
experiment==a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors
(independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent
variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant
factors. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 54)
experimental group==in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one
version of the independent variable. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 54)
control group==in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the
experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 54)
random assignment==assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus
minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e
p. 54)
double-blind procedure==an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and
the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the
treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies. (Myers Psychology for AP
3e p. 55)
placebo==effect experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior
caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an
active agent. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 55)
independent variable==in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect
is being studied. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 55)
confounding variable==a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study's
results. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 56)
,dependent variable==in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may
change when the independent variable is manipulated. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 56)
validity==the extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to.
(See also content validity and predictive validity.) (Myers Psychology for AP 3e pp. 56, 636)
informed consent==giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable
them to choose whether they wish to participate. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 62)
debriefing==the postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any
deceptions, to its participants. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 62)
histogram==a bar graph depicting a frequency distribution. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 66)
mode==the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p.
67)
mean==the arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing
by the number of scores. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 67)
median==the middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 67)
skewed distribution==a representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 67)
range==the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 68)
standard deviation==a computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 68)
normal curve (normal distribution)==a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the
distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (about 68 percent fall within
one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes. (Myers Psychology for AP
3e pp. 68, 635)
statistical significance==a statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred
by chance. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 71)
empiricism==the idea that knowledge comes from experience, and that observation and
experimentation enable scientific knowledge. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 7)
humanistic psychology==a historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth
potential. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 11)
, cognitive psychology==the study of mental processes, such as occur when we perceive, learn,
remember, think, communicate, and solve problems. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 13)
psychology==the science of behavior and mental processes. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 13)
psychodynamic psychology==a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and
conflicts influence behavior and uses that information to treat people with psychological
disorders. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 18)
social-cultural psychology==the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and
thinking. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 18)
psychometrics==the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 24)
counseling psychology==a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living
(often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 25)
clinical psychology==a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with
psychological disorders. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 25)
psychiatry==a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians
who are licensed to provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological
therapy. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 25)
Overconfidence==the tendency to be more confident than correct and to overestimate the
accuracy of our beliefs and judgements
Meta-Analysis==a procedure for statistically combining the results of many different research
studies
Falsifiability==the principle that states that a research hypothesis must be able to be disproven.
Sample==refers to a smaller group of individuals that are selected from a larger population in
order to represent and generalize findings
Representative sample==a chosen group of participants that would closely resemble the total
population.
Convenience sampling==a non-random, non-systematic method of selecting a sample of
individuals or cases based on their availability or chance
Generalizability==the process of extending research findings from a sample group to a larger
population. It's a measure of how useful the results of a study are for a broader group of people
or situations.
WITH ANSWERS2025/2026
hindsight bias==the tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen
it. (Also known as the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon.) (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 38)
hypothesis==a testable prediction, often implied by a theory. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p.
42)
operational definition==a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used
in a research study. For example, human intelligence may be operationally defined as what an
intelligence test measures. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 42)
replication==repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in
different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced. (Myers Psychology for
AP 3e p. 43)
case study==a descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the
hope of revealing universal principles. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 44)
naturalistic observation==a descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in
naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate or control the situation. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 45)
survey==a descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a
particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
sampling bias==a flawed sampling process that produces an unrepresentative sample. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
population==all those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn. (Note:
Except for national studies, this does not refer to a country's whole population.) (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
random sample==a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal
chance of inclusion. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 47)
correlation==a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well
either factor predicts the other. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 50)
correlation coefficient==a statistical index of the relationship between two things (from −1.00 to
+1.00). (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 51)
,variable==anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure. (Myers Psychology for
AP 3e p. 50)
scatterplot==a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The
slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The
amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 50)
illusory correlation==perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-
actual relationship. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 53)
regression toward the mean==the tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back
(regress) toward the average. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 53)
experiment==a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors
(independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent
variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant
factors. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 54)
experimental group==in an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one
version of the independent variable. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 54)
control group==in an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the
experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 54)
random assignment==assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus
minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e
p. 54)
double-blind procedure==an experimental procedure in which both the research participants and
the research staff are ignorant (blind) about whether the research participants have received the
treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies. (Myers Psychology for AP
3e p. 55)
placebo==effect experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior
caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an
active agent. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 55)
independent variable==in an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect
is being studied. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 55)
confounding variable==a factor other than the factor being studied that might influence a study's
results. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 56)
,dependent variable==in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may
change when the independent variable is manipulated. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 56)
validity==the extent to which a test or experiment measures or predicts what it is supposed to.
(See also content validity and predictive validity.) (Myers Psychology for AP 3e pp. 56, 636)
informed consent==giving potential participants enough information about a study to enable
them to choose whether they wish to participate. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 62)
debriefing==the postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any
deceptions, to its participants. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 62)
histogram==a bar graph depicting a frequency distribution. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 66)
mode==the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p.
67)
mean==the arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing
by the number of scores. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 67)
median==the middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 67)
skewed distribution==a representation of scores that lack symmetry around their average value.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 67)
range==the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 68)
standard deviation==a computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 68)
normal curve (normal distribution)==a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the
distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (about 68 percent fall within
one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes. (Myers Psychology for AP
3e pp. 68, 635)
statistical significance==a statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred
by chance. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 71)
empiricism==the idea that knowledge comes from experience, and that observation and
experimentation enable scientific knowledge. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 7)
humanistic psychology==a historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth
potential. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 11)
, cognitive psychology==the study of mental processes, such as occur when we perceive, learn,
remember, think, communicate, and solve problems. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 13)
psychology==the science of behavior and mental processes. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 13)
psychodynamic psychology==a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and
conflicts influence behavior and uses that information to treat people with psychological
disorders. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 18)
social-cultural psychology==the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and
thinking. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 18)
psychometrics==the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.
(Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 24)
counseling psychology==a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living
(often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being. (Myers
Psychology for AP 3e p. 25)
clinical psychology==a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with
psychological disorders. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 25)
psychiatry==a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians
who are licensed to provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological
therapy. (Myers Psychology for AP 3e p. 25)
Overconfidence==the tendency to be more confident than correct and to overestimate the
accuracy of our beliefs and judgements
Meta-Analysis==a procedure for statistically combining the results of many different research
studies
Falsifiability==the principle that states that a research hypothesis must be able to be disproven.
Sample==refers to a smaller group of individuals that are selected from a larger population in
order to represent and generalize findings
Representative sample==a chosen group of participants that would closely resemble the total
population.
Convenience sampling==a non-random, non-systematic method of selecting a sample of
individuals or cases based on their availability or chance
Generalizability==the process of extending research findings from a sample group to a larger
population. It's a measure of how useful the results of a study are for a broader group of people
or situations.
