Study Guide: Operational Definitions for AP Psychology Exams

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔬 Definition: An operational definition specifies how a concept is measured or manipulated in a particular study. It turns abstract ideas into concrete, observable measures.
• 📏 Importance: Ensures clarity, consistency, and replicability in research. Allows other researchers to understand and repeat the study.
• 🤔 Example: Instead of saying "anxiety," define it as "a score on a standardized anxiety questionnaire."
• 🧪 Variables: Clearly define both independent and dependent variables in operational terms.
• ✍️ Avoid Ambiguity: Use precise language to avoid confusion.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the BEST example of an operational definition for 'attraction'?
   1. A feeling of liking another person.
   2. The degree to which one person desires to be near another person.
   3. The number of times a person looks at another person during a conversation.
   4. A strong positive emotional response towards another individual.
2. A researcher is studying the effect of sleep deprivation on test performance. What is the MOST appropriate operational definition of 'sleep deprivation'?
   1. Feeling tired during the day.
   2. Not getting enough sleep.
   3. Having fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night for three consecutive nights, measured by a sleep diary.
   4. A subjective feeling of sleepiness.
3. In an experiment examining the impact of caffeine on reaction time, which of the following is the BEST operational definition of 'reaction time'?
   1. How quickly someone responds to a stimulus.
   2. The interval between the presentation of a visual stimulus on a computer screen and the participant's press of a button, measured in milliseconds.
   3. A general measure of alertness.
   4. The subjective feeling of being alert and responsive.
4. A study aims to investigate the effect of violent video games on aggression. Which of the following is the BEST operational definition of 'aggression'?
   1. Feelings of anger and hostility.
   2. The intent to harm another person.
   3. The number of times a participant hits a punching bag during a 10-minute period after playing a violent video game.
   4. Any behavior that is considered harmful.
5. Which of the following is the BEST operational definition of 'stress'?
   1. A feeling of being overwhelmed.
   2. The body's response to demands.
   3. A score on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
   4. Experiencing negative life events.
6. A researcher wants to study the effect of mindfulness meditation on anxiety. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate operational definition of 'mindfulness meditation'?
   1. A feeling of calmness and relaxation.
   2. A mental practice involving focusing on the present moment.
   3. Following a guided meditation audio for 20 minutes daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks.
   4. Any technique used to reduce stress.
7. In a study examining the relationship between exercise and mood, which of the following is the BEST operational definition of 'exercise'?
   1. Feeling physically active.
   2. Any form of physical activity.
   3. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking) at least 3 times per week, as reported in a physical activity log.
   4. Working out at a gym.