AP PSYCHOLOGY AP EXAM REVIEW
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS
Absolute threshold - ANS The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus
50% of the time.
accomodation (cognition) - ANS In the context of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive
development, the process of modifying existing cognitive schemas (mental structures) or
creating new ones to incorporate new information or experiences.
accomodation (vision) - ANS In vision, the process by which the lens of the eye shifts to focus
on a particular object.
Acetylcholine - ANS A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation, memory, and learning.
achievement motivation - ANS the desire to excel, succeed, or accomplish challenging goals,
often driven by the pursuit of competence, mastery, or recognition in specific domains or tasks.
achievement test - ANS A test designed to assess what a person has learned or accomplished
in a particular area, such as academic subjects or job-related skills.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
,acquisition - ANS the initial stage of learning when a response is first established and
gradually strengthened through reinforcement
action potential - ANS A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron,
generated by the movement of positively charged atoms in and out of channels in the neuron's
membrane.
Activation-Synthesis Theory - ANS A theory of dreaming that suggests dreams are the brain's
attempt to make sense of random neural activity.
active listening - ANS a communication technique used in therapy and counseling that
involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and empathizing with what the
speaker is saying, through verbal and nonverbal cues, to facilitate deeper understanding and
rapport.
actor-observer bias - ANS the tendency to attribute one's own behavior to external factors
while attributing others' behavior to internal factors, particularly in situations where one is the
actor (participant) versus the observer.
acute schizophrenia - ANS a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by sudden onset of
psychotic symptoms, often accompanied by emotional turmoil, confusion, or behavioral
disturbances, which may require immediate intervention and stabilization.
adaptation-level phenomenon - ANS a cognitive bias in which individuals adapt to and
become accustomed to their current level of environmental stimuli or life circumstances,
thereby recalibrating their expectations and judgments over time.
addiction - ANS A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use or behaviors
despite harmful consequences.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
,adolescence - ANS the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that
generally occurs during the teenage years, marked by puberty, identity exploration, and
increased autonomy.
Adulthood - ANS The stage of life after adolescence, characterized by full development and
maturity, typically defined by milestones such as career establishment and family formation.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - ANS Potentially traumatic events that occur in
childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.
aerobic exercise - ANS physical activity that increases heart rate and oxygen consumption
over an extended period, such as running, swimming, or cycling, which has been shown to
improve physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive function.
agonist - ANS A drug or chemical that enhances the activity of neurotransmitters.
agoraphobia - ANS an anxiety disorder characterized by fear or avoidance of situations or
places where escape or help may be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack or
other anxiety symptoms, such as crowded spaces, public transportation, or open spaces.
Agreeableness - ANS A personality trait that reflects a person's tendency to be
compassionate and cooperative.
Alarm Stage - ANS The initial reaction to stress, activating the fight-or-flight response.
Albert Bandura - ANS a psychologist known for his contributions to social learning theory and
the concept of self-efficacy; conducted the famous Bobo doll experiment, which demonstrated
observational learning and the influence of role models on behavior.
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
, Alcohol - ANS A depressant that slows down the central nervous system, impairing cognitive
and motor functions.
algorithm - ANS A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem, often involving
repetitive operations.
all-or-none response - ANS The principle that a neuron either fires completely or does not
fire at all.
alpha waves - ANS The relatively slow brain waves associated with relaxation and
wakefulness.
altruism - ANS selfless behavior or actions that are motivated by concern for the well-being
or welfare of others, without expecting any personal benefit or reward in return.
Alzheimer's Disease - ANS A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
memory loss, language deterioration, and impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual
information.
Amnesia - ANS A significant memory loss that is too extensive to be due to normal forgetting.
Amplitude - ANS The height of a wave, which determines the loudness of a sound.
amygdala - ANS A limbic system structure involved in processing emotions, particularly fear
and aggression.
Animism - ANS The belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities and are capable of
action, common in young children.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS
Absolute threshold - ANS The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus
50% of the time.
accomodation (cognition) - ANS In the context of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive
development, the process of modifying existing cognitive schemas (mental structures) or
creating new ones to incorporate new information or experiences.
accomodation (vision) - ANS In vision, the process by which the lens of the eye shifts to focus
on a particular object.
Acetylcholine - ANS A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation, memory, and learning.
achievement motivation - ANS the desire to excel, succeed, or accomplish challenging goals,
often driven by the pursuit of competence, mastery, or recognition in specific domains or tasks.
achievement test - ANS A test designed to assess what a person has learned or accomplished
in a particular area, such as academic subjects or job-related skills.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
,acquisition - ANS the initial stage of learning when a response is first established and
gradually strengthened through reinforcement
action potential - ANS A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron,
generated by the movement of positively charged atoms in and out of channels in the neuron's
membrane.
Activation-Synthesis Theory - ANS A theory of dreaming that suggests dreams are the brain's
attempt to make sense of random neural activity.
active listening - ANS a communication technique used in therapy and counseling that
involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and empathizing with what the
speaker is saying, through verbal and nonverbal cues, to facilitate deeper understanding and
rapport.
actor-observer bias - ANS the tendency to attribute one's own behavior to external factors
while attributing others' behavior to internal factors, particularly in situations where one is the
actor (participant) versus the observer.
acute schizophrenia - ANS a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by sudden onset of
psychotic symptoms, often accompanied by emotional turmoil, confusion, or behavioral
disturbances, which may require immediate intervention and stabilization.
adaptation-level phenomenon - ANS a cognitive bias in which individuals adapt to and
become accustomed to their current level of environmental stimuli or life circumstances,
thereby recalibrating their expectations and judgments over time.
addiction - ANS A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use or behaviors
despite harmful consequences.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
,adolescence - ANS the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that
generally occurs during the teenage years, marked by puberty, identity exploration, and
increased autonomy.
Adulthood - ANS The stage of life after adolescence, characterized by full development and
maturity, typically defined by milestones such as career establishment and family formation.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - ANS Potentially traumatic events that occur in
childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.
aerobic exercise - ANS physical activity that increases heart rate and oxygen consumption
over an extended period, such as running, swimming, or cycling, which has been shown to
improve physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive function.
agonist - ANS A drug or chemical that enhances the activity of neurotransmitters.
agoraphobia - ANS an anxiety disorder characterized by fear or avoidance of situations or
places where escape or help may be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack or
other anxiety symptoms, such as crowded spaces, public transportation, or open spaces.
Agreeableness - ANS A personality trait that reflects a person's tendency to be
compassionate and cooperative.
Alarm Stage - ANS The initial reaction to stress, activating the fight-or-flight response.
Albert Bandura - ANS a psychologist known for his contributions to social learning theory and
the concept of self-efficacy; conducted the famous Bobo doll experiment, which demonstrated
observational learning and the influence of role models on behavior.
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
, Alcohol - ANS A depressant that slows down the central nervous system, impairing cognitive
and motor functions.
algorithm - ANS A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem, often involving
repetitive operations.
all-or-none response - ANS The principle that a neuron either fires completely or does not
fire at all.
alpha waves - ANS The relatively slow brain waves associated with relaxation and
wakefulness.
altruism - ANS selfless behavior or actions that are motivated by concern for the well-being
or welfare of others, without expecting any personal benefit or reward in return.
Alzheimer's Disease - ANS A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
memory loss, language deterioration, and impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual
information.
Amnesia - ANS A significant memory loss that is too extensive to be due to normal forgetting.
Amplitude - ANS The height of a wave, which determines the loudness of a sound.
amygdala - ANS A limbic system structure involved in processing emotions, particularly fear
and aggression.
Animism - ANS The belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities and are capable of
action, common in young children.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026.
