What is the AAQ in AP Psychology?

The AAQ (Article Analysis Question) is the first free-response question on the redesigned AP Psychology exam. You read a summary of one research study and answer parts about its method, variables, statistics, ethics, generalizability, and how the results connect to a hypothesis. It is worth 7 points and you have about 25 minutes, including a 10-minute reading period.

How is the AAQ scored?

The AAQ is worth 7 points across six parts: identifying the research method (1), giving an operational definition of a variable (1), interpreting a statistic or result (1), identifying an ethical guideline (1), explaining generalizability (1), and argumentation that uses specific results to support or refute a hypothesis (2 points).

How long should I spend on the AAQ?

About 25 minutes total. Use roughly the first 10 minutes to read the study carefully and underline the method, variables, and results, then about 15 minutes to write concise, labeled responses to each part.

What's the difference between the AAQ and the EBQ?

The AAQ is based on one study and focuses on research methods and analysis. The EBQ gives you three sources and asks you to build an evidence-based argument, citing sources and applying psychological concepts. The AAQ is shorter (about 25 minutes); the EBQ is longer (about 45 minutes).

AAQ AP Psychology: Article Analysis Question Guide

The AAQ (Article Analysis Question) is the first of two free-response questions on the redesigned AP Psychology exam. It hands you one research study and asks you to analyze it from six angles. Here's the full 7-point rubric, a part-by-part strategy, and the mistakes that cost easy points.

points

~25

minutes

study to analyze

What Is the AAQ?

The AAQ replaced the old open-ended FRQs in the 2025 redesign. Instead of writing from memory, you're given a short summary of a single psychological study — its design, variables, and findings — and you answer a set of focused parts about it. It tests whether you can think like a researcher: identify the method, define variables operationally, read a result, weigh ethics, and judge how far the findings generalize. It's worth 7 points, one-sixth of your total exam score.

The AAQ Rubric, Part by Part (7 Points)

The six parts are usually labeled A through F. Each asks for something specific, so answer them in order and label them clearly.

Part	What it asks	Pts
A · Method	Identify the research method (experiment, correlation, case study, etc.).	1
B · Operational definition	State how a variable was measured or quantified in the study.	1
C · Interpret a statistic	Explain what a reported result or statistic actually means.	1
D · Ethics	Identify an ethical guideline relevant to the study.	1
E · Generalizability	Explain whether/why the findings can generalize to a wider population.	1
F · Argumentation	Use specific results to explain how they support or refute the hypothesis.	2

Part F is the heavy one — worth 2 of the 7 points — because it requires you to tie specific results back to the hypothesis. The other five parts are single points you should be able to bank quickly if you read carefully.

How to Answer the AAQ: Step by Step

Read actively (first ~10 min). Underline the research method, the independent and dependent variables, the sample, and any numbers or results. Most parts map directly onto these.
Label every part. Write "A.", "B.", "C." and so on. Graders look for each part; labeling guarantees they find your answer.
Be precise on the method. If groups were manipulated and randomly assigned, it's an experiment; if two variables were just measured for a relationship, it's correlational. Don't hedge.
Make the operational definition measurable. "Stress" isn't an operational definition; "stress measured by cortisol level in saliva" is.
Say what the statistic means, not just restate it. Translate the number into plain language about the variables.
For Part F, quote a specific result. Name the actual finding and explain how it supports or refutes the stated hypothesis. Vague "the results agree" answers lose the point.

Common AAQ Mistakes

Not labeling parts — your point is there but the grader can't match it.
Operational definitions that aren't measurable — the most commonly missed single point.
Restating a statistic instead of interpreting it.
Argumentation without specific evidence — Part F needs an actual result, not a summary.
Writing essays. The AAQ rewards short, direct, labeled answers — not paragraphs.

The AAQ leans heavily on research methods, which is its own AP topic — review variables, sampling, and study designs in the units guide, and drill the format alongside multiple choice on the practice test.

AAQ — FAQ

Is the AAQ hard?

It's very learnable because it's formulaic — the same six parts appear every time. Once you've practiced the structure a few times, the AAQ becomes one of the more predictable parts of the exam.

How many points is the AAQ worth on the AP exam?

7 raw points. Together with the EBQ's 7 points, the free-response section is 14 raw points and one-third (33.3%) of your score.

What comes after the AAQ?

The EBQ (Evidence-Based Question) — the longer, source-based FRQ. See the exam timing guide for how to budget both.

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Reflects the College Board's 2025 AP Psychology free-response format and scoring guidelines. AppsychLab is not affiliated with the College Board.