The AAQ: Scaffolds and Strategies for AP® Psychology Students

 AP Psychology is entering its third year of the revised Course and Exam Description (CED). Here’s a breakdown of each part of the Article Analysis Question (AAQ), along with tips for how students can approach their responses, plus key updates from the 2025 exam reading to keep your instruction aligned with current expectations.

In the AAQ, students read a summary of a research study and analyze it using targeted prompts. 

Part A: Research Method

Students are asked to identify the research method used in the study.

Accepted answers include:

• Experiment
• Correlational study
• Naturalistic observation
• Case study
• Meta-analysis

Important note: Surveys, longitudinal studies, and cross-sectional designs are not accepted because they are not classified as research methods in the CED.

This is a straightforward question, but students need repeated practice identifying methods. Introduce this skill early (Unit 1) and reinforce it throughout the course. 

Part B: Operational Definition

Students must state the operational definition of a given variable. 

Key tips:

• Focus on how the variable is measured, not just what it is.
• Look for numerical indicators (scores, levels, frequencies) when possible. 
• Quoting the study's wording is acceptable. 

Most correct responses clearly identify the specific measurement used in the study. 

Part C: Statistical Analysis

Students describe a statistical result and explain its meaning. 

Common statistics include: 

• Mean, median, and mode
• Standard deviation
• Correlation coefficient
• Effect size
• Statistical significance
• Percentile rank

A helpful way to structure this response:

1. Show understanding of the statistic (a brief definition works well). 

2. Cite the relevant data from the study. 
3. Explain what the data means in context. 

Example: If results are statistically significant, students should explain that the findings are unlikely due to chance and may be attributed to the independent variable. 

Part D: Ethics (Updated)

This section changed after the 2025 exam.

Students must now:

• Identify one ethical guideline described in the study.

• Describe how the researchers applied it. 

Key reminders:

• Use precise terminology (e.g., "informed consent," not just "consent"). 

• Only reference ethics explicitly described in the study. 

• Do not critique the study or add missing ethical considerations. 

• Focus on one guideline, even if multiple are present.             

Part E: Generalizability 

Students explain whether the findings can be generalized.

Strong responses include:

• Whom the findings do or do not apply to
• How the sample was selected (e.g., random sampling)
• Specific details about the sample

Example: A study with 83% women and no random sampling may not generalize to men. 

Part F: Supporting or Refuting a Claim 

This section is worth two points.

Students must:

• Cite a specific finding from the study.
• Explain how it supports or refutes a hypothesis or concept.

Example: Seventy percent of the experimental group showed fewer symptoms, supporting the hypothesis that SSRIs reduce depression. 

Clear, direct connections between the evidence and the claim are essential. 

Instructional Tips:

To build student confidence with AAQs:

• Start your class with research methods. This foundation supports both AAQs and multiple-choice questions. 
• Introduce AAQ sections gradually (A, B, D, and E work well after the research unit). 
• Use graphs and data sets for low-stakes practice in interpreting results. 
• Incorporate AP Classroom stimulus questions for additional exposure.
• Progress to full AAQs as students gain confidence.