AP Psychology 2.2 Thinking Problem Solving Judgments and Decision Making Questions

Apply concepts and schemas, compare problem-solving strategies, identify judgment biases, and explain how fixed or flexible thinking affects decisions.

Exam points

apply prototypes or assimilation to explain concept formation and interpretation of new examples
distinguish step-by-step algorithms from heuristic shortcuts used to solve contextual problems
identify availability, confirmation, framing, hindsight, or sunk-cost effects on judgments
apply mental set or functional fixedness to explain persistence with an ineffective solution
distinguish divergent from convergent thinking by the number or novelty of generated solutions

Covered syllabus points

2.2.A—Explain how psychological concepts and theories account for thinking, problem-solving, judgment, and…

[Maximum number: 1]

Annabelle is planning to apply to college but has not yet decided where she will apply. Describe how the following psychological concepts and terms relate to her choice.

- Availability heuristic

- Compliance

- Prefrontal cortex

Availability heuristic

Point 1: Availability heuristic

Students must establish that Annabelle's decision-making processes or her choices about college, or

both, are influenced by information that comes most readily to mind (e.g., "pops into her mind," "first

thing she thinks of," "automatically," "immediately").

Notes

- The example must include a cognitive component.

- The emphasis must be on the "immediacy" of the solution, not why it comes to mind. Recency,

vividness, or distinctiveness, without a reference to "immediacy," does not score.

Examples

Score

"Annabelle hears an ad for State U. When it's time to decide on a college, State U will be the first

one she thinks of."

Do not score

"She went there because her brother went there."

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1