AP Psychology Free Response Questions 1992-20 09 Essays - Psychology

AP Psychology Free Response Questions 1992-20 09 1992 Question 1 Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are different learning methods. Their differences lie in the extent to which reinforcement depends on the behavior of the learner; the type of behavior to which each method applies Their similarities are that they both produce the following basic phenomena. Acquisition Extinction Spontaneous recovery Generalization Discrimination Describe these differences and similarities, giving examples to illustrate your answer. 1992 Question 2 Briefly discuss the causes(s) and treatment(s) of depression from the perspective of each of the following psychological approaches. Psychodynamic/psychoanalytical Biological/medical Cognitive 1993 Question 1 Design and describe an experiment to measure the relationship between rehearsal/repetition of a list of words and later recall of that same list of words. In your answer you should formulate a hypothesis and include a description of each of the following. Population Subject selection Independent variable Dependent variable Experimental group Control group Potential confounding variable A method of reducing experimenter bias 1993 Question 2 Describe the therapeutic procedure called systematic desensitization. Select a specific disorder for which this therapy is effective and explain how the basic phenomena listed below play a part in successful treatment. Anxiety hierarchy Relaxation Generalization Extinction 1994 Question 1 Design an experiment to determine whether a new drug that is supposed to reduce hyperactivity in children actually does. Your essay should include an identification and description of all of the components of your experimental design, including sampling, independent and dependent variables, controls, and the method that you would employ to evaluate the outcome. 1994 Question 2 One of the most useful generalizations in psychology is that "behavior is adaptive." Explain this generalization and then identify each of the following and describe how each could be adaptive. Repression Conformity Imprinting Displaced aggression Loss of information from short-term memory 1995 Question 1 Compare and contrast the experimental method and the survey method in terms of their suitability for investigating the hypothesis that frustration leads to aggressive behavior. In comparing and contrasting the two methods, be sure to identify and discuss each of the following. Independent variable Dependent variable Control Experimenter and response bias Ethical issues 1995 Question 2 Define each of the following concepts and explain how each contributes to the phenomenon of prejudice. Stereotyping Self-fulfilling prophecy Fundamental attribution error Projection Schema 1996 Question 1 Discuss how social and biological factors have an impact on each of the following in the individual. Body weight Perception Alcoholism Extraversion Schizophrenia 1996 Question 2 Professor Jackson believes that frustration increases the need for achievement. She decides to test her hypothesis with her introductory psychology class of about 100 students. The first 50 students who arrive for class one day are taken to a separate room and given a series of easy puzzles to complete. Professor Jackson then asks each student about his or her professional goals. She rates the statement of each on a 7-point scale for strength of achievement motivation. When they arrive, the remaining students are taken to another room and given a series of difficult puzzles by Professor Jackson's teaching assistant, Jim. Jim also asks each student about his or her professional goals and, like Professor Jackson, then rates the statement of each on a 7-point scale. The group given the difficult puzzles has, on the average, higher achievement motivation scores than the group given the easy puzzles. Professor Jackson concludes that her hypothesis is supported. Show how each of the following aspects of Professor Jackson's experimental design is flawed. Indicate how you would correct each problem. Sampling Assignment of participants Dependent variable Control for experimenter bias Control of confounding variables (You need cite only one.) 1997 Question 1 Many people are concerned about the effects of the use of physical punishment to modify the undesirable behavior of children. Basing your answer on psychological knowledge, apply each of the following in an argument against the physical use of physical punishment. Modeling or Observational learning Learned helplessness How would psychologists use the following processes to modify children's undesirable behavior? Negative reinforcement Extinction Partial or Intermittent Reinforcement\ 1997 Question 2 Although personality is generally consistent throughout the life span, some people exhibit major personality changes. How do each of the following help to explain BOTH continuity and change in personality? Biological factors Learning factors Situational factors Cognitive factors How would any TWO of the above interact to produce change in the trait of shyness? 1998 Question 1 Read the following abstract of a student research project on bystander intervention and then answer the questions that follow. The ten participants in the