AP®PsychologyCollege BoardExam QuestionsResearch MethodsCorrelations

Correlations (College Board AP® Psychology): Exam Questions

2 mins2 questions
1
1 mark

A public health researcher analyses data from 5,000 adults and finds that individuals who report higher levels of social support also report better physical health outcomes. The researcher publishes a report concluding that strengthening social networks should be a public health priority because social support improves physical health.

Which of the following most accurately evaluates the researcher's conclusion?

  • The conclusion is valid because the large sample size confirms that social support causes better health

  • The conclusion overstates the findings because correlation does not establish the direction or cause of the relationship

  • The conclusion is flawed because self-reported health measures are always unreliable

  • The conclusion is valid because the relationship between social support and health has been widely replicated

Choose your answer

2
1 mark

Researchers surveyed 300 adults and found that those who were bilingual scored significantly higher on tests of executive function than those who spoke only one language. The researchers concluded that learning a second language causes improvements in executive function.

Which of the following most accurately identifies a flaw in this conclusion?

  • The sample size is insufficient to detect a meaningful difference between the groups

  • Executive function cannot be measured validly using standardized tests

  • The study does not account for the possibility that individuals with stronger executive function may be more likely to learn a second language

  • The researchers should have used a longitudinal design to track changes in executive function over time

Choose your answer