Research Methods in AP Psychology

Ever wonder why people do what they do? In AP Psych, we don't just

guess. We use scientific research methods to find the actual truth.

First up is descriptive research. This includes case studies where we observe one person

in depth, or surveys where we ask hundreds of people their opinions.

Next is correlation. Just because two things happen together, like ice cream sales and shark

attacks, doesn't mean one causes the other. Correlation is not causation!

To prove cause and effect, we need an experiment. We manipulate an

independent variable, like light for a plant, to see its effect on the