This unit is foundational for the entire course. Throughout each unit, concepts arise which touch on concepts connected to some aspect of research or another. One assignment that I utilize over the entire course is the development of an experiment within each unit. This helps students learn the parts of an experiment and how to recognize operational definitions, independent & dependent variables, and how to control confounding variables.
Don't skimp on this unit.
Don't skimp on this unit.
Research Methods in Psychology
Learning Targets
Differentiate types of research with regard to purpose, strengths, and weaknesses.
While the heading says "Potential Examples," you should approach this portion of the unit as having all crucial examples. Most of the class will build on these examples, especially experiments, surveys, case studies, and correlational studies. |
Examples
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- Experiment Design Assignment
- I recommend setting this up as a Google Form or a Microsoft Form for students to fill in
Learning Targets
Discuss the value of reliance on operational definitions and measurement in behavioral research.
The key here is operational definitions. Students must know what they are and how to determine what the operational definition is within an example of an experiment. |
Examples
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The Experimental Method
Learning Target
Identify independent, dependent, confounding, and control variables in experimental designs.
Recognizing these variables and the impact of confounding variables on experimental designs is crucial. Students may be asked to identify each of these on the AP Test. |
Examples
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Describe how research design drives the reasonable conclusions that can be drawn.
The key to understanding these concepts is to recognizing what each can provide to a researcher. Students should be able to explain the benefits and weaknesses of each. |
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- Simply Psychology: Experimental Method
- This webpage breaks down the uses of the experimental method in labs, in the field, and in a natural setting. It goes further and discusses strengths & weaknesses of each
- VeryWell Mind: How Correlational Studies Are Used in Psychology
- This webpage breaks down the uses of correlational studies, focusing on the different methods psychologists may use, as well as strengths & weaknesses of each
- TylerVigen.com: Spurious Correlations
- This is just a fun site with a BUNCH of spurious correlations; I highly recommend using it as an example for students in class
- This is just a fun site with a BUNCH of spurious correlations; I highly recommend using it as an example for students in class
Distinguish between random assignment of participants
to conditions in experiments and random selection of participants, primarily in correlational studies and surveys. Understanding this difference will be important on the AP Test as this will likely show up as a multiple choice question or on an FRQ. |
Selecting a Research Method
Learning Targets
Predict the validity of behavioral explanations based on the quality of research design.
This is a classic FRQ example. Expect something like this to come up on the AP Test every few years. It can just as easily be turned into a multiple choice question. |
Examples
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- Formplus: Confounding Variable or Factor - Definitive Guide to Research
- This site gives an extensive background on confounding variables, their impact on experiments, and how to deal with them effectively in experiments
- This site gives an extensive background on confounding variables, their impact on experiments, and how to deal with them effectively in experiments
Statistical Analysis in Psychology
Learning Targets
Apply basic descriptive statistical concepts, including interpreting and constructing graphs and calculating simple descriptive statistics.
All of these concepts are important as they show up in multiple choice and FRQs regularly. Be sure to focus on the difference between positive and negative skews. |
Examples
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Distinguish the purpose of descriptive statistics & inferential statistics.
This is not hardcore stats, but students may have to develop examples of various types of descriptive statistics on an FRQ, but they will also likely have to answer multiple choice questions involving both types of statistical analysis. |
Ethical Guidelines in Psychology
Learning Targets
Identify how ethical issues inform and constrain research practices.
This concept shows up especially on the Experimental Design FRQ prompt. |
Examples
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- St. John's University, College of St. Benedict: Ethical Issues in Psychology
- APA: Common Ethical Issues
- APA: 10 Ways Practitioners Can Avoid Frequent Ethical Pitfalls
Describe how ethical and legal guidelines protect research participants and promote sound ethical practice.
This especially shows up on the Experimental Design FRQ prompt. |