AP Psychology May Exam FRQs
AP Psychology May Exam FRQs
AP Psychology May Exam FRQs
Below is a list of all of the Free Response Questions on the May AP Psychology Exam, dating back
to 1993. Note that the topics are a mix of various units.
Recall the hints for addressing the FRQs: Define Example Application
See apcentral.org under Psychology for more information
B. Apply knowledge of psychological research in answering the following questions about intelligence scores.
Explain why norms for standardized intelligence tests are periodically updated.
Describe how to determine weather an intelligence test is biased.
2004
Question #1 Data Collection and Statistics (8pts)
Dr. Franklin investigated the relationship between stress and physical illness. She persuaded a high school principal to require all
female athletes in the school to participate in her study. She explained the purpose of her research to the athletes and asked them to
use a standard form to rate the severity of their stress over the last six months. More than 250 athletes completed the form. Then Dr.
Franklin analyzed the forms returned by the first 100 athletes. She requested the attendance records from the nurses office for each of
those athletes to verify the number of days absent due to illness during the same six-month period. In the debriefing summary that Dr.
Franklin sent to the 100 athletes after she completed the study, she stated that athletes who reported more stress also experienced more
frequent illness. Dr. Franklin concluded that stress causes physical illness.
Identify the research method used by Dr. Franklin.
Describe the operational definitions of the TWO key variables that Dr. Franklin used in the study.
Based on the information provided, describe ONE appropriate and ONE inappropriate ethical feature of the study.
Identify ONE statistical technique that Dr. Franklin could use to represent the relationship between the variables in the study.
Describe TWO aspects of the research design that weakens the valid ity of Dr. Franklins conclusions that stress causes
physical illness.
Question #2 Development, Intelligence, Social Psychology, Emotion, Learning, Body Communication, and Perception (8pts)
Time is an important variable in many psychological concepts. Describe a specific example that clearly demonstrates an understanding
of each of the following concepts and how it relates to or is affected by time. Use a different example for each concept.
Critical period
Fluid Intelligence
Group Polarization
James-Lange theory of emotion
Presentation of the conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in classical conditioning
Refractory period in nerve firing
Sound localization
Spontaneous recovery
2005
Question #1 Perception, Cognition, Social Psychology, Development, Scientific Data Collection, and Memory (8pts)
Describe a specific example that clearly demonstrates an understanding of how each of the following concepts can lead to an
inaccurate perception, cognition, or conclusion. Each example must include an explanation of the relationship between the concept
and the inaccuracy.
Afterimage effect
Available heuristics
Ethnocentrism
Groupthink
Lack of object permanence
Nonrandom assignment of research participants
Optimistic explanatory style
Proactive interference
2006
Question #1 Statistics and research Methods
1. Psychologists use a variety of research methods to study behavior. Three of the main
research methods used are:
Case Study
Correlational Study
Experiment
Pretend you are a psychologist who will use each of the three research methods (case study, Correlational study, and experiment) to
determine the effect of taking vitamin J on improving memory
C. For each method listed above, explain a key characteristic of the basic approach you could use to reach a scientific conclusion
about the relationship between taking vitamin J and improving memory. You need not design a complete study.
1. Ellie, a new student at Skinner High School, is determined to make friends. When she attends the first psychology club
meeting she finds herself in the room with twenty strangers who seem to know each other well. She plans to attend a few
more meetings before deciding whether she will join.
A. Demonstrate how each of the following could HELP play a role in Ellies quest for friendship. You may use a
different example for each concept. Definitions will not score.
HELP
The Mere Exposure Effect
Mnemonic Device
Schachter Two-Factor Theory
Locus of Control
B. Demonstrate how each of the following could HINDER Ellies quest for friendship. You may use a different example
for each concept. Definitions will not score.
HINDER
In-Group Bias
Regression
Operant Conditioning
Circadian Rhythm
2008
Question #1 Learning & Development
The Smith-Garcias are planning for their first baby. Both parents-to-be have had a psychology course and are looking
forward to applying the principles they learned from theories and research that address child development.
A. Summarize one main idea or finding of each of the following four researchers.
Skinners operant conditioning
Banduras social learning theory
Ainsworths attachment research
Baumrinds research on parenting styles
B. Provide a specific example of actions the Smith-Garcias might take to raise their child to produce positive
outcomes using each of the theories below to address the corresponding psychological concept.
Skinners operant conditioning: tantrum management
Banduras social learning theory: sharing behavior
Ainsworths attachment research: self-reliance
Baumrinds research on parenting styles: self-esteem
2009
Question #1 Memory, Learning, Motivation, Biopsychology
Dimitri and Linda are trying to learn a new routine to compete successfully in a dance competition. Give an example of how each of
the following could affect their performance. Definitions without application do not score.
Extrinsic Motivation
Punishment
Proactive Interference
Endorphins
Vestibular System
Divergent Thinking
Introversion
A. Describe how each of the following might influence his ability to drive a car during the road test. Definitions without
application do not score.
Cognitive Map
Cerebellum
Observational Learning
Human Factors
B. Describe how each of the following are related to the results of the written test. Definitions without application do not score.
Reticular Formation
Predictive Validity
Semantic Memory
2010
Question #1 Learning, Research Methods, Brain Biology, Memory, Intelligence
For each of the pairs below, use an example to show how the first term in each pair affects or is related to the second. Definitions
alone without examples will not score.
Explain the behavior and perceptions of the participants in the pep rally using the concepts below. Be sure to apply the concepts to the
scenario in your explanation.
A researcher designs a study to investigate the effect of feedback on perception of incomplete visual figures. Each participant stares at
the center of a screen while the researcher briefly projects incomplete geometric figures one at a time at random positions on the
screen. The participants task is to identify each incomplete figure. One group of participants receives feedback on the accuracy of
their responses. A second group does not. The researcher compares the mean number of figures correctly identified by the two
groups.
A. Describe how each of the following relates to Savannahs successful learning and performance.
Brocas Area
Use of Phonemes
Modeling
Chunking
B. Describe how each of the following may hinder Savannah as she prepares for and takes the exam.
Encoding Failure
Age and Language Acquisition
C. After the exam, Savannah tells her family and friends that she believes that she spoke fluently and did extremely well on the
exam. Describe how each of the following concepts may have influenced her opinion.
Self-Efficacy
Confirmation Bias
2012
Question #1 Intelligence, Social Psychology, Neuroscience, Memory, Disorders
A. Annabelle is planning to apply to college but has not yet decided where she will apply. Describe how the following psychological
concepts and terms relate to her choice.
Availability heuristic
Compliance
Prefrontal cortex
Prospective memory
B. Explain how the following psychological concepts could relate to how well Annabelle adapts when she begins her college career.
Agoraphobia
Crystallized intelligence
Ethnocentrism
For each of the following pairs of terms, explain how the placement or location of the first influences the process indicated by the
second.
Rods . . . peripheral vision
A list of unrelated words . . . word recall
Serotonin . . . reduction of depression
Retinal disparity . . . depth perception
Motor cortex . . . body movement
Presence of others . . . performance
Proximity . . . perception
2013
Question #1 Research Methods, Memory
In response to declining reading scores in local schools, John wrote an editorial suggesting that schools need to increase interest in
reading books by providing students with incentives. Based on research showing a relation between use of incentives and student
reading, he recommended providing a free pizza coupon for every ten books a student reads.
A. Explain how each of the following psychological concepts can be used to refute Johns argument.
Correlational research
Overjustification effect
B. Explain how schedules of reinforcement can be used to strengthen Johns plan.
C. Explain how each of the following psychological phenomena could influence a readers view of Johns argument.
Belief perseverance
Central route to persuasion
Retroactive interference
Source amnesia
Part A
What is the operational definition of the dependent variable?
Explain how the ethical flaw in the study can be corrected.
Explain how the research design flaw in the study can be corrected.
In a well-designed study, what does it mean to say there is a statistically significant difference between groups?
Part B
How might each of the following concepts affect the results of the study?
Fluid intelligence
Circadian rhythm