AP Psychology 2026 FRQ Set 1 Prediction

Topic Prediction: Operant Conditioning and Behavior Modification

Rationale: Learning theories (Unit 3) have not been the primary focus of AAQ format questions. Operant conditioning is foundational to AP Psychology and allows for rich research design analysis. This topic connects to multiple units and real-world applications.

Predicted Research Study Summary

Predicted Question Parts

Part A: Identify the research method used in the study.

Expected Answer: Experimental method (includes manipulation of independent variable and random assignment)

Part B: State the operational definition of the dependent variable in this study.

Expected Answer: Homework completion rate measured as the percentage of assigned homework completed correctly over the 8-week period

Part C: Describe what the standard deviation indicates about the variability of completion rates across the three groups.

Expected Answer: The control group had the highest standard deviation (15.8), indicating greater variability in completion rates among students, while the variable-ratio group had the lowest (9.7), suggesting more consistent performance

Part D: Identify at least one ethical guideline applied by the researchers.

Expected Answer: Informed consent (parental consent) and assent (student assent), or use of debriefing procedures

Part E: Explain the extent to which the research findings may or may not be generalizable using specific and relevant evidence from the study.

Expected Answer: The findings have moderate generalizability because the sample included students from multiple schools with diverse demographics. However, generalizability is limited to middle school students (ages 11-14) and may not apply to other age groups or different academic subjects

Part F: Explain how the research findings support operant conditioning principles.

Expected Answer: The findings support operant conditioning because positive reinforcement (rewards) increased the target behavior (homework completion). The variable-ratio schedule produced the highest and most persistent response rate, consistent with B.F. Skinner's research showing that variable-ratio schedules create strong resistance to extinction

Topic Prediction: Treatment Effectiveness for Anxiety Disorders

Rationale: Mental health treatment (Unit 5) is increasingly relevant and hasn't been the primary EBQ focus. This topic allows students to evaluate multiple therapeutic approaches, demonstrate understanding of psychological perspectives, and analyze research across different methodologies.

Question Prompt

Using the sources provided, develop and justify an argument about whether cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders.

Part A

Propose a specific and defensible claim based in psychological science that responds to the question.

Sample Claim: Cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrates superior long-term effectiveness compared to medication alone in treating anxiety disorders, particularly when measuring relapse rates and sustained symptom reduction.

Source 1 Summary

Part B(i)

Support your claim using at least one piece of specific and relevant evidence from one of the sources.

Sample Answer: According to Source 1, at the 12-month follow-up assessment, CBT demonstrated an effect size of 0.71 for sustained improvement, while medication alone showed an effect size of only 0.48. This indicates that CBT produces more lasting therapeutic benefits.

Part B(ii)

Explain how the evidence from Part B(i) supports your claim using a psychological perspective, theory, concept, or research finding learned in AP Psychology.

Sample Answer: This evidence supports the cognitive perspective in psychology, which emphasizes that maladaptive thought patterns contribute to anxiety disorders. CBT directly addresses these cognitive distortions through cognitive restructuring techniques, teaching patients to identify and challenge irrational thoughts. Because patients learn these skills, they can continue applying them independently after therapy ends, explaining the superior long-term outcomes. In contrast, medication only addresses neurochemical imbalances temporarily and symptoms often return when medication is discontinued.

Source 2 Summary

Source 3 Summary

Part C(i)

Support your claim using an additional piece of specific and relevant evidence from a different source than the one used in Part B(i).

Sample Answer: According to Source 2, at the 6-month follow-up, patients who received CBT maintained a 23% reduction in amygdala activation from baseline, while the medication group showed only an 8% reduction maintained. This demonstrates that CBT produces more lasting neurological changes.

Part C(ii)

Explain how the evidence from Part C(i) supports your claim using a different psychological perspective, theory, concept, or research finding learned in AP Psychology than the one used in Part B(ii).

Sample Answer: This evidence relates to the biological perspective and brain plasticity. The sustained reduction in amygdala hyperactivation and increased prefrontal cortex activity in CBT patients demonstrates neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to create new neural pathways through learning and experience. CBT techniques like exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring actively engage neural circuits, strengthening inhibitory connections from the prefrontal cortex to the amygdala. This neurological rewiring persists after treatment ends, whereas medication only temporarily alters neurotransmitter levels without promoting lasting structural brain changes.