AP Psychology Practice Test

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Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

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Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the independent variable in an experiment?

  1. The variable that is measured

  2. The most frequently occurring score

  3. The experimental factor that is manipulated

  4. The average outcome of the experiment

The correct answer is: The experimental factor that is manipulated

The independent variable in an experiment is indeed the experimental factor that is manipulated. This variable is intentionally changed by the researcher to observe how it affects the dependent variable, which is the outcome being measured. By manipulating the independent variable, researchers can establish cause-and-effect relationships and determine the influence of one factor on another. In contrast, the variable that is measured refers to the dependent variable, which responds to changes in the independent variable. The most frequently occurring score, known as the mode, does not directly relate to the manipulation of variables in an experiment. Lastly, the average outcome of the experiment relates more to summarizing the data gathered, but it does not capture the concept of manipulation that defines the independent variable. Thus, your choice accurately reflects the role of the independent variable in experimental design.

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