70 minutes | 100 multiple-choice questions | 66.7% | | 50 minutes | 2 free-response questions | 33.3% |
Multiple-Choice Questions
The AP Psychology multiple-choice questions test the following skills:
- Concept Understanding
- Data Analysis
- Scientific Investigation
Free-Response Questions
The AP Psych FRQs consists of two questions:
- Question 1 is about Concept Application, assessing a student’s ability to explain and apply theories and perspectives in authentic contexts
- Question 2 is about Research Design, assessing a student’s ability to analyze psychological research studies that include quantitative data.
For a comprehensive content review, check out our book, AP Psychology Premium Prep
What’s a good AP Psychology Score?
AP scores are reported from 1 to 5. Colleges are generally looking for a 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam, but some may grant credit for a 3. Here’s how students scored on the May 2020 test:
| | |
5 | Extremely qualified | 22.4% |
4 | Well qualified | 25.4% |
3 | Qualified | 23.5% |
2 | Possibly qualified | 9.6% |
1 | No recommendation | 19.1% |
Source: College Board
How can I prepare?
AP classes are great, but for many students they’re not enough! For a thorough review of AP Psychology content and strategy, pick the AP prep option that works best for your goals and learning style.
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AP Psychology
Click any of the links above for the best AP Psychology practice exams, free response questions, notes, videos, flashcards, and study guides. These online resources include all the information you need to succeed in your AP Psych course.
AP Psychology Exam
This course focuses on the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychological principles, facts, and phenomena are covered for each of the major fields of psychology. The primary topics covered are:
1.) History & Approaches 2.) Research Methods 3.) Biological Bases of Behavior 4.) Sensation & Perception 5.) States of Consciousness 6.) Learning 7.) Cognition 8.) Motivation & Emotion 9.) Developmental Psychology 10.) Personality 11.) Testing & Individual Differences 12.) Abnormal Behavior 13.) Treatment of Abnormal Behavior 14.) Social Psychology
The AP Psychology Exam format is:
Multiple-Choice Section : Two-thirds of exam grade. -100 questions (70 minutes)
Free-Response Section : One-third of exam grade. -2 questions (50 minutes)
When is the AP Psychology Exam?
The exam date for the 2022–2023 school year is Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 12 noon . This test is offered once per year.
AP Psychology | Practice Exams | Free Response | Notes | Flashcards | Study Guides
AP Psychology Unit 1 Notes: Scientific Foundations
February 12, 2024.
Get ready for the AP Psychology exam with our free AP Psychology study notes. We've compiled concise unit summaries and key terms and people to jumpstart your AP test prep. These AP Psychology study notes should be used to supplement what you’re learning in your AP Psych class. More study strategies and expert tips can be found in our latest AP Psychology Test Prep Book .
[ READ NEXT: AP Psychology Unit 2 Notes: Biological Bases of Behavior ]
AP Psychology: Unit 1 Summary
This first unit focuses on the historical origins of the science of psychology, current psychological perspectives, and the research methods psychologists use to gather data about human thinking and behavior.
History of Psychology
One way to think about the history of psychology is to organize the various theorists and theories into “waves,” or schools of thought. Each wave is a way of thinking about human thought and behavior that dominated the field for a certain period of time until a new way of looking at psychology started to dominate the field. There are five ways: Introspection, Gestalt Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Behaviorism, and Multiple Perspectives.
Different contemporary psychologists look at human thought and behavior from different perspectives. Contemporary perspectives can be placed into eight broad categories: Humanistic, Psychoanalytic, Biopsychology (or Neuroscience), Evolutionary (or Darwinian), Behavioral, Cognitive, Social-Cultural (or Sociocultural), and Biopsychosocial.
Research and Methodology
Psychology is a science, and it is therefore based on research. Though people are often guided effectively by their common intuition, sometimes it leads us astray. People have the tendency upon hearing about research findings (and many other things) to think that they knew it all along; this tendency is called hindsight bias. After an event occurs, it is relatively easy to explain why it happened. The goal of scientific research, however, is to predict what will happen in advance.
An understanding of research methods is fundamental to psychology. Because of that, you are more likely to see a free-response (or essay) question on this topic than on any other. Sometimes psychologists conduct research in order to solve practical problems. For instance, psychologists might compare two different methods of teaching children to read in order to determine which method is better or they could design and test the efficacy of a program to help people quit smoking. This type of research is known as applied research because it has clear, practical applications. Other psychologists conduct basic research. Basic research explores questions that are of interest to psychologists but are not intended to have immediate, real-world applications. Examples of basic research would include studying how people form their attitudes about others and how people in different cultures define intelligence.
Get ahead of the AP game! Our flexible, expert-led AP Psychology Review Course will help you build up your score by breaking down the exam.
Ap psychology: unit 1 key terms & people.
Below, we describe some of the Unit 1 key terms and people you should review ahead of the AP Psychology exam.
- Introspection: The examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes.
- Structuralism: The idea that the mind operates by combining subjective emotions and objective sensations, a theory developed by Wilhelm Wundt.
- Gestalt Psychology: Gestalt psychology tried to examine a person’s total experience because the way we experience the world is more than just an accumulation of various perceptual experiences. Gestalt theorists demonstrated that the whole experience is often more than just the sum of the parts of the experience.
- Sigmund Freud: Freud revolutionized psychology with his psychoanalytic theory. While treating patients for various psychosomatic complaints, Freud believed he discovered the unconscious mind—a part of our mind over which we do not have conscious control that determines, in part, how we think and behave
- Repression: Freud believed that this hidden part of ourselves builds up over the years through repression – the pushing down into the unconscious events and feelings that cause so much anxiety and tension that our conscious mind cannot deal with them.
- Behaviorism: Behaviorists maintain that psychologists should look at only behavior and causes of behavior – stimuli (environmental events) and responses (physical reactions) – and not concern themselves with describing elements of consciousness.
- B.F. Skinner: Another behaviorist, B. F. Skinner expanded the basic ideas of behaviorism to include the idea of reinforcement – environmental stimuli that either encourage or discourage certain responses.
- Eclectic: Currently, there is no one way of thinking about human thought and behavior that all or even most psychologists share. Many psychologists describe themselves as eclectic – drawing from multiple perspectives.
- Humanist Perspective: Humanists stressed individual choice and free will. They believe that we choose most of our behaviors and these choices are guided by physiological, emotional, or spiritual needs.
- Psychoanalytic Perspective: Psychologists using this perspective believe that the unconscious mind – a part of our mind that we do not have conscious control over or access to – controls much of our thought and action. Psychoanalysts would look for impulses or memories pushed into the unconscious mind through repression. This perspective thinks that to understand human thought and behavior, we must examine our unconscious mind through dream analysis, word association, and other psychoanalytic therapy techniques.
- Biopsychology (or Neuroscience) Perspective: Biopsychologists explain human thought and behavior strictly in terms of biological processes. Human cognition and reactions might be caused by effects of our genes, hormones, and neurotransmitters in the brain or by a combination of all three.
- Evolutionary (or Darwinian) Perspective: Evolutionary psychologists (also sometimes called sociobiologists) examine human thoughts and actions in terms of natural selection. Some psychological traits might be advantageous for survival, and these traits would be passed down from the parents to the next generation.
- Behavioral Perspective: Behaviorists explain human thought and behavior in terms of conditioning. Behaviorists look strictly at observable behaviors and human and animal responses to different kinds of stimuli.
- Cognitive Perspective: Cognitive psychologists examine human thought and behavior in terms of how we interpret, process, and remember environmental events. In this perspective, the rules that we use to view the world are important to understanding why we think and behave the way we do.
- Social-Cultural (or Sociocultural) Perspective: Social-cultural psychologists look at how our thoughts and behaviors vary between cultures. They emphasize the influence culture has on the way we think and act. A social-cultural psychologist might explain a person’s tendency to be extroverted by examining his or her culture’s rules about social interaction.
- Biopsychosocial Perspective: This modern perspective acknowledges that human thinking and behavior results from combinations of biological (“bio”), psychological (“psycho”), and social (“social”) factors. Psychologists who emphasize the biopsychosocial perspective view other perspectives as too focused on specific influences on thinking and behavior (sometimes called “being reductionistic”).
- Hindsight bias: People have the tendency upon hearing about research findings (and many other things) to think that they knew it all along; this tendency is called hindsight bias.
- Hypothesis: A hypothesis expresses a relationship between two variables. Variables, by definition, are things that can vary among the participants in the research.
- Theory: A theory aims to explain some phenomenon and allows researchers to generate testable hypotheses with the hope of collecting data that support the theory.
- Valid: Good research is both valid and reliable. Research is valid when it measures what the researcher set out to measure; it is accurate.
- Reliable: Research is reliable when it can be replicated; it is consistent. If the researcher conducted the same research in the same way, the researcher would get similar results.
- Sampling: The individuals on which the research will be conducted are called participants (or subjects), and the process by which participants are selected is called sampling.
- Experiment: Psychologists’ preferred method of research is the experiment because only through a carefully controlled experiment can one show a causal relationship. An experiment allows the researcher to manipulate the independent variable and control for confounding variables.
- Correlation: A correlation expresses a relationship between two variables without ascribing cause. Correlations can be either positive or negative. A positive correlation between two things means that the presence of one thing predicts the presence of the other. A negative correlation means that the presence of one thing predicts the absence of the other.
- Naturalistic observation: Sometimes researchers opt to observe their participants in their natural habitats without interacting with them at all. Such unobtrusive observation is called naturalistic observation. The goal of naturalistic observation is to get a realistic and rich picture of the participants’ behavior. To that end, control is sacrificed.
- Case study method: The case study method is used to get a full, detailed picture of one participant or a small group of participants. While case studies allow researchers to get the richest possible picture of what they are studying, the focus on a single individual or small group means that the findings cannot be generalized to a larger population.
- Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics, as the name suggests, simply describe a set of data. For instance, if you were interested in researching what kinds of pets your schoolmates have, you might summarize that data by creating a frequency distribution that would tell you how many students had dogs, cats, zebras, and so on.
- Correlation: A correlation measures the relationship between two variables. Correlations can be either positive or negative.
- Inferential statistics: Whereas descriptive statistics provide a way to summarize information about the sample studied, the purpose of inferential statistics is to determine whether or not findings can be applied to the larger population from which the sample was selected.
Next, test your AP Psychology Unit 1 knowledge using our free Key Terms Worksheets!
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AP Psychology: Research Methods Notes
Key Takeaways: Research Methods
- The study of psychology relies on a diverse array of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including observations, case studies, surveys, and controlled experiments.
- Psychological research is carefully designed so that researchers can be confident about using results to draw conclusions about real-life phenomena. This is done by controlling variables, creating representative samples, controlling for internal and external validity, and operationalizing definitions and measurements.
- Researchers use statistics to analyze and make sense of the data gathered in a research study. This involves the use of descriptive statistics like measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as inferential statistics for making generalizations based on the data.
- Because psychological study often involves the participation of human subjects, researchers must abide by established ethical principles and practices as well as legal guidelines while conducting research.
Research Methods Key Terms
Types of psychological research.
- Quantitative research: Research that uses operational measurements and statistical techniques to reach conclusions on the basis of numerical data, such as correlational studies and experiments.
- Qualitative research: Research that does not rely on numerical representations of data, such as naturalistic observations, unstructured interviews, and case studies.
- Correlation coefficient: A number (symbolized by r ) between −1 and +1, which represents the strength and direction of the correlation between two variables. The closer the coefficient is to −1 or +1, the stronger the correlation between the variables.
- Positive correlation: An r value above 0, which indicates that two variables have a direct relationship: when one variable increases, the other also increases.
- Negative correlation: An r value below 0, which indicates that two variables have an inverse relationship: when one variable increases, the other decreases.
- Naturalistic observation: A research method, typically qualitative in nature and usually covert and undisclosed, that attempts to document behavior as it spontaneously occurs in a real world setting.
- Structured observation: A type of observational research typically conducted in a laboratory setting, where the researcher can control some aspects of the environment.
- Coding: The classification of behaviors into discrete categories, used especially in structured observations to achieve a level of consistency in recording and describing observations.
- Inter-rater reliability: A statistical measure of the degree of agreement between different codings of the same phenomena.
- Participant observation: A mostly qualitative research method in which the researcher becomes a member of a studied group, either overtly or covertly.
- Hawthorne effect: A phenomenon in which research subjects tend to alter their behavior in response to knowledge of being observed.
- Longitudinal study: A research design that examines how individuals develop by studying the same sample over a long period of time.
- Cross-sectional study: A research design conducted at a single point in time, comparing groups of differing ages to arrive at conclusions about development.
- Case study: A research design involving an in-depth and detailed examination of a single subject, or case, usually an individual or a small group.
- Survey: A mostly quantitative research method involving a list of questions filled out by a group of people to assess attitudes or opinions.
- Nonresponse bias: A distortion of data that can occur in surveys with a low response rate.
- Surveyor bias: A distortion of data that can occur when survey questions are written in a way that prompts respondents to answer a certain way.
- Experiments: Deliberately designed procedures used to test research hypotheses.
- Hypothesis: A proposed, testable explanation for a phenomenon, often constructed in the form of a statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
- Controlled experiment: A research design for testing a causal hypothesis, in which all aspects of the study are deliberately controlled and only independent variables are manipulated to isolate their effects on dependent variables.
- Field experiment: Experiments conducted out in the real world, with fewer controls than would be found in a lab.
Check out our full Research Methods Notes!
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AP Psychology Revisions for 2024-25
In 2022, the American Psychological Association (APA) released recommendations for introductory psychology course content and skills. To align with these recommendations and with how college and university instructors in the U.S. teach introductory psychology, we’ve revised the AP Psychology course and exam.
The revisions take effect with the 2024-25 school year (May 2025 exam).
What’s Changing?
Course revisions.
We’ve updated the course framework to simplify the course structure and clarify key terms. Visit Course Revisions for details.
Exam Revisions
We’ve also revised the exam design to assess a wider range of skills in more authentic ways. Visit Exam Revisions for details.
Subject Area Update
To allow for more flexibility and opportunities for college credit, we now list AP Psychology as a science course in addition to a social science course.
Colleges and high schools have long classified psychology as a social science or social studies course, and APA now recommends offering psychology as a science course. Teacher licensure should allow for both subject areas.
Teacher Resources
We recognize this revision was announced relatively close to the start of the fall semester and understand that you may be concerned about preparation time.
To support teacher planning and student learning, we’re adding free resources to AP Classroom on a rolling basis.
- Hundreds of topic questions and progress checks
- Updated AP Daily videos
- Comprehensive question bank
What to Expect
- March 2024 : The AP Course Audit opened for 2024-25. Learn how to reauthorize your course.
- June 2024 : AP Summer Institutes (APSIs) began training teachers on the revised course and exam description (CED).
- July 2024 : We began updating AP Classroom with new progress checks, topic questions, AP Daily videos, and an updated question bank.
- Fall 2024 : AP Psychology teachers start implementing the revised course framework in their classrooms.
- May 2025 : Students take AP Psychology Exams that align with the revised course framework.
Send Us Your Questions
Contact us using this feedback form.
Why did you revise AP Psychology?
The American Psychological Association (APA) recently updated its standards for Introductory Psychology. The revised AP Psychology Course and Exam Description (CED) aligns to the new APA standards.
Will AP Psychology teachers need to resubmit in the AP Course Audit?
Yes. All new and returning AP Psychology teachers need to complete an AP Course Audit form attestation in 2024-25. They can select one of these three submission options:
- Adopt a sample syllabus or unit guide
- Claim an identical syllabus to a colleague who has been authorized for the 2024-25 school year
- Submit a new or revised course document
For teachers selecting the third option: The original course document should only outline how the course fulfills the curricular requirements and does not need to be the full syllabus used in the classroom. Teachers should not submit syllabi that include classroom management policies.
Information about AP Course Audit requirements, updated sample syllabi, and an updated syllabus development guide are available on the AP Psychology Course Audit page on this site.
Will there be new AP Classroom resources for the revised course and exam?
Yes. We’re updating AP Classroom resources, including AP Daily videos, progress checks, topic questions, and an updated question bank.
Most of the updated resources became available in July 2024. We’ll add more throughout the school year.
How will AP Classroom align the existing question bank items with the revised content?
We’ve evaluated and revised question bank items as needed to align them to the revised course and exam. We’ve also developed new question bank items to give students opportunities for formative assessment and retrieval practice for each topic in the course and the types of questions that will appear on the AP Psychology Exam.
What will happen to the questions and quizzes that teachers created in AP Classroom?
Questions and quizzes created by teachers will stay in AP Classroom. We’ll contact teachers with more information about how to retag their questions and quizzes to the new course framework.
What professional development opportunities will be available to help teachers prepare for the new content?
AP Summer Institutes and other opportunities for learning and collaboration will be available to teachers to help prepare them for the revised course.
Will the textbooks we previously used for AP Psychology work with the revised course?
Yes. Existing textbooks adequately address the material needed for the revised course.
Textbook requirements have not changed: students should have access to a college-level introductory psychology textbook that has been published in the last 10 years.
We’ve informed publishers of the changes. They’re working to update their materials to align with the revised course so that schools wishing to purchase textbooks aligned to the changes can do so.
Who was involved in the revisions?
As with all AP courses, a development committee of experienced educators and college faculty was responsible for revising AP Psychology. The AP Psychology Development Committee also worked with high school teachers and higher education faculty reviewers and consultants.
Were universities consulted during the revision process, and will they still have the same credit policies?
Universities were consulted during the revision process, and many faculty members were included on the development committee. Almost 100 college and university faculty participated in a symposium where they shared input on the framework and exam design. We expect these revisions will preserve current credit and placement policies and create opportunities to broaden them.
AP Psychology Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for the course, revised for the 2024-25 school year.
See the Revised Course and Exam Description
Related topics.
AP Psychology Curriculum Guide with Videos
Here you can find a breakdown of all the units and sections of the current (2024) AP Psychology curriculum, with links to relevant tutorial videos for each topic. There isn’t always a one-to-one match with the video content and the AP sections (the AP units don’t match well with most textbooks) but hopefully you can find explanations and examples for any areas you’re struggling with or need to review!
Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology
1.1 Introducing Psychology
- What is Psychology? https://youtu.be/ysda8PHQnGY
- Nature vs. Nurture https://youtu.be/EPIlIdgC0rA
- Dualism & Monism https://youtu.be/hTPcxhOdgk0
- What is Phrenology? https://youtu.be/oIw_I2t4bMs
- Structuralism & Functionalism https://youtu.be/laBOrIIfoXA
1.2 Research Methods in Psychology
- Difficulties of Psychological Research https://youtu.be/7UDBjXnk4yA
- The Scientific Mindset: Skepticism & Humility https://youtu.be/OZpLetQbgk0
- Observer Bias: Clever Horses & Dull Rats https://youtu.be/Hhwj_G7b9M4
- Operational Definitions & Construct Validity https://youtu.be/RUPLYxzRU4s
- Case Studies & The Survey Method https://youtu.be/iILdn1l1Pqg
- Populations & Samples https://youtu.be/llYcmCe1bAc
- Real & Illusory Correlations, Scatterplots, & Causation https://youtu.be/H-lOZy6u1js
- The Third Variable Problem https://youtu.be/ZvHyuJBeCyk
1.3 Defining Psychological Science: The Experimental Method
- The Experimental Method https://youtu.be/1MGTkf5eghQ
1.4 Selecting a Research Method
- Internal Validity https://youtu.be/ai8A59WWgpU
- External Validity https://youtu.be/Dd1IuyWyGrY
1.5 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
- Measures of Central Tendency https://youtu.be/m-bjMi2_9hw
- Difference between a Theory & a Hypothesis https://youtu.be/ymPvx3_dy_Y
- Measures of Variance: Range & Standard Deviation https://youtu.be/MwxRzkAz7mA
- Frequency Distributions, Normal Curves, & Skew https://youtu.be/mpY9_qhpUX8
- Understanding Significance & P-values https://youtu.be/3r6qRlVX-hE
1.6 Ethical Guidelines in Psychology
- Ethical Guidelines for Psychological Research https://youtu.be/8ZxFMTNSL_g
Unit 1 Practice Questions Here: History & Approaches Practice Questions
Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
2.1 Interaction of Heredity and Environment
- Introduction to Genetics & Shared Genes https://youtu.be/ItpG04gugH0
- What is Heritability? https://youtu.be/wkAG4ovamoo
2.2 The Endocrine System
I don’t have a separate video for this topic but glands & hormones are discussed in these videos:
- Parts of the Brain: Forebrain – Subcortical Structures https://youtu.be/4bIthxzHRYY
- The Stress Response & HPA Axis https://youtu.be/7Yu7KYCR9Pk
2.3 Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron
- Organization of the Nervous System https://youtu.be/pvYallhmwLY
- Neuron Structure: Parts of a Neuron https://youtu.be/Ply4X4J1-HI
2.4 Neural Firing
- The Action Potential https://youtu.be/V0_K8JO_nrE
- How Neurons Communicate: The Synapse https://youtu.be/BHi7rAQpyzc
- What Happens to Neurotransmitters After Release? https://youtu.be/pXJXV6Z0NN4
- Introduction to Neurotransmitters https://youtu.be/42LWpiat98Q
2.5 Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing
- Influence on Neurotransmitter: Agonist or Antagonist? https://youtu.be/tkGYP3_euuQ
2.6 The Brain
- Parts of the Brain: Hindbrain Structures https://youtu.be/Bv6PD_Zg628
- Parts of the Brain: Midbrain Structures https://youtu.be/DZlZqWwFSgw
- Parts of the Brain: Forebrain – Cerebral Cortex https://youtu.be/0shsEcC9jzw
- Split Brains: What Happens When You Sever the Corpus Callosum? https://youtu.be/ZdzglXVZeQM
2.7 Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function
- Early Methods of Studying the Brain https://youtu.be/gvEVMT9Q8qg
- Brain Scanning & Imaging Techniques https://youtu.be/Hb8m3NUTrF4
2.8 The Adaptable Brain
- How Do Drugs Influence Neural Communication? https://youtu.be/NPGWfb1hvYQ
- How Are Psychoactive Drugs Classified? https://youtu.be/u8TrlO4mtvQ
- Types of Consciousness https://youtu.be/d0wKP–2Wrc
- Levels of Consciousness https://youtu.be/edDFog2KQC0
2.9 Sleep and Dreaming
- The Circadian Rhythm https://youtu.be/3RUhJP5gG9Q
- Stages of Sleep https://youtu.be/F7x-Q35WYKo
- What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sleep? https://youtu.be/joT-xCQqP2o
- Sleep Disorders https://youtu.be/b4dhPJ3APd0
- Dreaming: Freud, Activation-Synthesis, & Information Processing https://youtu.be/h6zQQ3yJa0Q
Unit 2 Practice Questions Here: Biological Bases of Behavior Practice Questions
Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
3.1 Principles of Sensation
- Introduction to Sensation & Perception https://youtu.be/sP3ThMv8p4s
- Psychophysics! https://youtu.be/QZ3ZkhcBfCA
- Signal Detection Theory https://youtu.be/WUjwk92r-ME
3.2 Principles of Perception
- Gestalt Laws of Perception https://youtu.be/lqque_JJRMo
- Perceptual Constancy https://youtu.be/CvvmJh7X0Uw
- Depth Perception https://youtu.be/Qr_yBDMd1Z8
- Culture & Perception https://youtu.be/yWWSmERmUvk
3.3 Visual Anatomy
- Parts of the Eye: How Vision Works https://youtu.be/dGXHIkn0rLM
- Blood Vessels, Floaters, & Blindspots https://youtu.be/2qOcdI5Eev0
3.4 Visual Perception
- Photoreceptors, Receptive Fields, & Lateral Inhibition https://youtu.be/Y4RHUsLKIM0
- Color Vision: Trichromatic & Opponent Process Theories https://youtu.be/qjJmNJd38CY
- Understanding Colorblindness https://youtu.be/57IgxKGA4pI
- Synesthesia: Mingling of the Senses https://youtu.be/xS-vmV9ZjG0
3.5 Auditory Sensation and Perception
- Parts of the Ear: How Hearing Works https://youtu.be/kwKj4Ri03Kg
3.6 Chemical Senses
- Olfaction: Sense of Smell https://youtu.be/Qf-tpC-24KE
- Gustation: Taste Perception https://youtu.be/J_yf9EeIdaM
3.7 Body Senses
- Vestibular Sense: Balance & Orientation https://youtu.be/a_rwZBQeu14
- Touch, Haptic Perception, & the Somatosensory Cortex https://youtu.be/lXO2FRw0-8s
- Pain Perception https://youtu.be/0_OwY5xXTIU
Unit 3 Practice Questions Here: Sensation & Perception Practice Questions
Unit 4: Learning
4.1 Introduction to Learning
- Learning Theory & Classical Conditioning https://youtu.be/E6Qs0Az2au4
4.2 Classical Conditioning
- Extinction, Discrimination, & Generalization https://youtu.be/OSwH175hMoE
- Scared Infants & Sick Rats: Aversive Conditioning https://youtu.be/Zfm8XcCu5mQ
4.3 Operant Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning: Behavior & Consequences https://youtu.be/uszdpFoALQk
- Operant Boxes & Schedules of Reinforcement https://youtu.be/HOB-jaDk8M8
- Chaining, Shaping, & Instinctive Drift https://youtu.be/B5Jiu7-76dg
4.4 Social and Cognitive Factors in Learning
- The Premack Principle https://youtu.be/LjjGSY_T9ss
- The Rescorla-Wagner Model https://youtu.be/pYyUSh1veoo
- Observational Learning: Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study https://youtu.be/XnnzjAnUae8
- Latent Learning & Cognitive Maps https://youtu.be/CoKusFPAp0c
- Abstract Learning & Insight Learning https://youtu.be/E9Wjz2TIix0
Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology
5.1 Introduction to Memory
- Introduction to Memory https://youtu.be/mwb2sY_N5AI
5.2 Encoding
- Sensory Memory https://youtu.be/ENg7CvgU1Kw
5.3 Storing
- Short-Term & Working Memory https://youtu.be/rvEe4ADrRu8
- Long-Term Memory https://youtu.be/WK4TeETxwdM
5.4 Retrieving
- Memory Improvement Techniques https://youtu.be/sunnGz6QL4Q
- Memory Improvement Techniques 2 https://youtu.be/-dBUw-QYoiA
- Mnemonic Strategies https://youtu.be/IPhKoqxjMRQ
5.5 Forgetting and Memory Distortion
- Memory Failures: Transience, Absentmindedness, & Blocking https://youtu.be/KSWpPvmoGnU
- Memory Failures 2: Misattribution, Suggestibility, Bias, & Persistence https://youtu.be/xKMA2yoz80A
- Emotion & Memory https://youtu.be/TxcyvlSmm68
5.6 Biological Bases of Memory
- Biology of Memory: The Hippocampus https://youtu.be/-CMHMts7kGY
- Long-Term Potentiation https://youtu.be/5hZ0keB0MuA
5.7 Introduction to Thinking and Problem Solving
- Problem Solving https://youtu.be/pL-XpuPbtbY
- Obstacles to Problem Solving https://youtu.be/PGvyIZFKtOM
- Problem Solving: Algorithms vs. Heuristics https://youtu.be/o5lzVg5vGaM
5.8 Biases and Errors in Thinking
- The Availability Heuristic https://youtu.be/1vZDWiK_1t0
- The Representativeness Heuristic https://youtu.be/lhcE5EU-nII
- The Framing Effect https://youtu.be/Ic_0jSPtx_k
- The Sunk-Cost Fallacy https://youtu.be/AkXekud-gu0
- Benefits of Heuristics https://youtu.be/NgkG-NgfKAY
5.9 Introduction to Intelligence
- What is Intelligence? https://youtu.be/niM7P8OdT60
- How Should We Define Intelligence? https://youtu.be/Ta40WaZ-ePo
5.10 Psychometric Principles and Intelligence Testing
- Assessing Intelligence https://youtu.be/ZM6SsbK3eGY
- Assessing Assessments: Types of Validity https://youtu.be/TBYsvOcgL3w
- Reliability of Assessments https://youtu.be/7SYenTExeTE
- History of Intelligence Testing https://youtu.be/zXRvbkUfhIY
- IQ Variation & Distribution https://youtu.be/h8X0hyHFpy4
- What Causes IQ Differences? https://youtu.be/YS_2JTp0KhI
- The Flynn Effect & Environmental Factors on IQ https://youtu.be/HN0fB-bYwGQ
5.11 Components of Language and Language Acquisition
- Language Acquisition: Skinner vs. Chomsky https://youtu.be/QAgdPDvMTGU
- Introduction to Linguistics https://youtu.be/NnQvFXmRd6o
- Universal Grammar https://youtu.be/reYP-kKRhTk
- Language Development https://youtu.be/DMeIv1hSk_k
- The Interactionist Approach to Language Acquisition https://youtu.be/KF-B3-evNJs
- How Does Language Influence Thought? https://youtu.be/iaO2_U5ok9M
- Category Recognition https://youtu.be/5KCeIfKF-YQ
Unit 6: Developmental Psychology
6.1 The Lifespan and Physical Development in Childhood
- Developmental Psychology & Erikson’s 8 Ages of Man https://youtu.be/OgKht4cu1HI
- Prenatal Development https://youtu.be/jmQBIcOBsh4
- Infancy Stage: Motor & Perceptual Development https://youtu.be/T9riKxH2Hh4
- Brain Development https://youtu.be/b9uivRacjMc
6.2 Social Development in Childhood
- Attachment & Bonding https://youtu.be/UxRHQSqAlwA
- Baumrind’s Parenting Styles https://youtu.be/Hljt9xSlYsc
6.3 Cognitive Development in Childhood
- Piaget: Assimilation & Accommodation https://youtu.be/aDDb6wn216E
- Piaget: Sensorimotor Stage https://youtu.be/f1MJ_ojQFpw
- Piaget: Preoperational Stage https://youtu.be/sq1vMELzJZA
- Piaget: Concrete & Formal Operational Stages https://youtu.be/GtGeACXo5ek
- Lev Vygotsky & The Zone of Proximal Development https://youtu.be/kDlkb4UESpE
6.4 Adolescent Development
- Puberty & Adolescence https://youtu.be/A95zvqZLQ_Q
6.5 Adulthood and Aging
- Adulthood & Aging https://youtu.be/66-dixH4Flw
6.6 Moral Development
- Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development https://youtu.be/aTaElbqVKL4
6.7 Gender and Sexual Orientation
- Development of Sexual Orientation https://youtu.be/YX0MQdto23E
Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Personality
7.1 Theories of Motivation
- Theories of Motivation: Instincts & Drives https://youtu.be/uxYaXt9PWbQ
- Drive Reduction Theory https://youtu.be/IwGfSaWZ5u0
- Arousal Theory, Yerkes-Dodson Law, & Flow https://youtu.be/_SiDTZAtVe8
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs https://youtu.be/zRR5Sr-vgVo
- Intrinsic & Extrinsic Motivations https://youtu.be/PVUXbSJdSmc
- Delay of Gratification & Ironic Effects of Punishment https://youtu.be/NeFXit8pygs
- Conscious & Unconscious: Approach & Avoidance Motivations https://youtu.be/fbuHLgMj4Ck
7.2 Specific Topics in Motivation
- Hunger Signaling https://youtu.be/P47xxTYJZn8
- Introduction to Eating Disorders https://youtu.be/tENwRW2w8WM
- Understanding Obesity https://youtu.be/u169kDHH8wc
- Sexual Motivation https://youtu.be/4nyQVKxm9uA
- Masters & Johnson’s Human Sexual Response Cycle https://youtu.be/4q_-D-pifiw
7.3 Theories of Emotion
- What is an Emotion? https://youtu.be/5rkJzgEGfBY
- How Do Emotions Happen? https://youtu.be/sGDVVNDZV70
- Misattribution of Arousal https://youtu.be/ibp81Gj9BMY
- Emotions in the Brain https://youtu.be/9K3UqZ7_9Vs
- Emotion Pathways in the Brain https://youtu.be/NeEfb6ccBrE
- The Frontal Lobotomy https://youtu.be/fXGemkaTllw
- Emotional Regulation https://youtu.be/JIxLJ2DH7FM
- The Expression of Emotions https://youtu.be/qC24iDRC4gs
- Emotional Expression & Social Interaction https://youtu.be/x-LlA4DOWUY
- Why Do We Have Emotions? https://youtu.be/yINaDGPGG0w
7.4 Stress and Coping
- Introduction to Health Psychology https://youtu.be/YsTs36zK32M
- What is Stress? https://youtu.be/CATd9WaQ1co
- General Adaptation Syndrome https://youtu.be/gOWDJf9iguk
- Stress & The Immune System https://youtu.be/LLN7ADt1_jc
- Psychological Stressors & Health https://youtu.be/bO4DGKWzL2w
- Stress, Personality, & Heart Disease https://youtu.be/F5rM2Y2ZmQA
- Perceived Control & Learned Helplessness https://youtu.be/IU3IpxOqNhk
- Stress & Social Hierarchy https://youtu.be/acIBafRwTmE
- Control, Choice, Blame, & Stress https://youtu.be/QO23LaCCXk4
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD https://youtu.be/I-tMBogw6VU
- Coping, Resilience, & Post-Traumatic Growth https://youtu.be/eX86iwfOggw
- Stress Management & Physical Exercise https://youtu.be/ORVWJmdZLpY
- Stress, Social Support, & The Faith Factor https://youtu.be/5gnvGMp_QFg
7.5 Introduction to Personality
- What is Personality? https://youtu.be/gP4DaRMKOAQ
7.6 Psychoanalytic Theories of Personality
- Psychoanalysis & Freudian Personality Structure: Id, Ego, Superego https://youtu.be/tRDUlxc6VDw
- Freud’s Psychosexual Stages https://youtu.be/ubhs-R63I1c
- Freudian Defense Mechanisms https://youtu.be/jfOGC-8KndQ
- Psychodynamic Theorists: Adler, Horney, Jung https://youtu.be/GrjJyvNpQ3I
7.7 Behaviorism and Social Cognitive Theories of Personality
- The Socio-Cognitive Approach to Personality https://youtu.be/nhiny1quzVU
- Existential Psychology https://youtu.be/wrWsUaFo-Xo
- The Self & Reciprocal Determinism https://youtu.be/K3-VC-VH45A
- Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control, & Self-Perception https://youtu.be/lywFMVsZvNE
7.8 Humanistic Theories of Personality
- Humanistic Psychology: Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers https://youtu.be/K3-VC-VH45A
7.9 Trait Theories of Personality
- Which Personality Traits Matter? https://youtu.be/4NoyAXStA9A
- The Five-Factor Model or Big Five https://youtu.be/NAJHRQOmjv8
- Traits & Behavior https://youtu.be/MWs_V7wJafM
- What Causes Trait Differences? https://youtu.be/4P4m5TqH2zs
- Genes & Personality https://youtu.be/Pz59yC5jA2U
7.10 Measuring Personality
- Projective Techniques: The Rorschach Inkblot Test and the TAT https://youtu.be/xok-Wh1awSc
- Trait-Based Assessment of Personality https://youtu.be/GaxUBStXQ9c
- The Forer Effect or Barnum Effect https://youtu.be/NQnUvKZlXVQ
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory MMPI https://youtu.be/4NoyAXStA9A
- The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator MBTI https://youtu.be/Y5VBtdVUBfA
Unit 8: Clinical Psychology
8.1 Introduction to Psychological Disorders
- What is Normal? https://youtu.be/H3mKXpVvW6k
8.2 Psychological Perspectives and Etiology of Disorders
- Deviance, Dysfunction, Distress, & Disorders https://youtu.be/2t-3Ej-7cGg
- On Being Sane in Insane Places: The Rosenhan Study https://youtu.be/4LHOcEXJ8Hc
- The DSM-5 https://youtu.be/AwSBSK7So7s
- The Diathesis-Stress Model https://youtu.be/yuMi50PrwIM
- Culture & Mental Illness https://youtu.be/SR3jI6NK0Jw
- DSM-5 Disorders & Diagnoses https://youtu.be/TF54latlNxo
8.3 Neurodevelopmental and Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders https://youtu.be/gb3wcEtswFg
- Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders https://youtu.be/NQAK2ZcsTdM
8.4 Bipolar, Depressive, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
- Bipolar & Related Disorders https://youtu.be/j3pC5460zMw
- Depressive Disorders https://youtu.be/GL3YuBnpy-4
- Anxiety Disorders https://youtu.be/09lKvKnvV0U
- Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders https://youtu.be/Kw4WiaMWCkQ
8.5 Trauma- and Stressor-Related, Dissociative, and Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
- Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders https://youtu.be/ECku-zTo1_s
- Dissociative Disorders https://youtu.be/xNA8Vf0Kpa8
- Somatic Symptom & Related Disorders https://youtu.be/iYifHEfeHXQ
8.6 Feeding and Eating, Substance and Addictive, and Personality Disorders
- Feeding & Eating Disorders https://youtu.be/jTkRiVkpK_A
- Personality Disorders https://youtu.be/VnUfEeI6PYU
8.7 Introduction to Treatment of Psychological Disorders
- Treatment of Mental Illness https://youtu.be/IxJXIc4FfKQ
8.8 Psychological Perspectives and Treatment of Disorders
- Types of Treatment: Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, & Behavioral https://youtu.be/0n8nyv9Qhc8
- Cognitive Therapy, CBT, & Group Approaches https://youtu.be/A2_NN1Q7Rfg
8.9 Treatment of Disorders from the Biological Perspective
- Biomedical Approaches: Psychopharmacology https://youtu.be/Tkyss-9k3jk
8.10 Evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, and Empirical Support for Treatments of Disorders
- Evaluating Medications & Other Biomedical Interventions https://youtu.be/YeBt0qwBC-c
- Comparing Effectiveness & Lifestyle Factors https://youtu.be/sIlJBDEmRn4
Unit 9: Social Psychology
9.1 Attribution Theory and Person Perception
- Introduction to Social Psychology https://youtu.be/ogShznxyfao
- The Self & Others https://youtu.be/ILzgbNH2GFw
- Situation, Disposition, & The Fundamental Attribution Error https://youtu.be/K3Tq6wvZUwM
- Culture & Cultural Dimensions https://youtu.be/H8xDkn84fYc
9.2 Attitude Formation and Attitude Change
- Impression Formation https://youtu.be/W1j3C4j1oXo
- Attitudes, Behavior, & Cognitive Dissonance https://youtu.be/mAfWvS5idsg
9.3 Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience
- Conformity https://youtu.be/zXWy730NKLw
- Compliance & Persuasion https://youtu.be/y2I8Jy22Q1M
- Obedience & The Milgram Study https://youtu.be/QXMBu28CbIE
9.4 Group Influences on Behavior and Mental Processes
- The Presence of Others: Social Facilitation & Social Loafing https://youtu.be/synOTW6h-9A
- Group Polarization & Groupthink https://youtu.be/Q48cY_R6ER4
- Crowd Behavior & Deindividuation https://youtu.be/f4npPVuujA4
- The Stanford Prison Study https://youtu.be/tCizIqBJ–I
9.5 Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination
- Stereotypes, Prejudice, & Discrimination https://youtu.be/1eMyoktq09c
- The Robbers’ Cave Study: Improving Group Relations https://youtu.be/YOA4j05cTjk
- The Implicit Association Test: IAT https://youtu.be/Qn6YdJpuejg
9.6 Altruism and Aggression
- The Bystander Effect https://youtu.be/2hUkYg4TEHY
- Altruism & Prosocial Behavior https://youtu.be/8qfDET08gaA
9.7 Interpersonal Attraction
- Attraction & Relationship Formation https://youtu.be/pTDZybrrdZ0
- Attractiveness https://youtu.be/gvEleLiSd4U
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2024 AP Psychology Exam Guide
10 min read • june 18, 2024
Your Guide to the 2024 AP Psychology Exam
We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP Psychology exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day. Unlock Cram Mode for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions.
Format of the 2024 AP Psychology Exam
This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2024 exam format will be:
Section 1: Multiple Choice
You will have 70 minutes to answer 100 questions.
This section counts as 66.7% of your total exam score. Section II: Free Response
You will have 50 minutes to answer two FRQs.
- This section counts as the remaining 33.3% of your total exam score.
When is the 2024 AP Psychology Exam and How Do I Take It?
** The exam is on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 12:00 PM your local time—this will be a paper test at your school. **
How Should I Prepare for the Exam?
- First, download the AP Psychology Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
- We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
- Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.
Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment
Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.
🖥 Create a study space.
Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space.
📚 Organize your study materials.
Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!
📅 Plan designated times for studying.
The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.
🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.
How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!
AP Psych 2024 Study plan
🔎unit 1: scientific foundations of psychology.
According to the College Board, Unit 1 is about the basis of psychological theory as the study of human and animal behavior and mental processes and how psychologists design and conduct research.
Topics that are included in this unit are:
- Major historical figures in psychology
- Theoretical approaches to describing the behavior
- Branches of psychology
- A variety of research methods used by psychologists
- The application of research design and statistical analysis in psychology
- Ethical guidelines
Definitely check these out:
📚 Read these study guides:
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- [object Object] If you have more time or want to dig deeper:
💻 Learn about the best resources so you can start studying early:
🧠Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
Unit 2 of the AP Psychology exam covers behaviors and mental processes from a biological perspective and the effects of the interaction between human biology and our environment. This has to do with the large nature vs nurture debate!
- The interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution in shaping behavior
- Structures and functions of biological systems, including the endocrine system and nervous system
- Brain function, neural firing, and the influence of medication
- The study of the brain and research techniques for studying its structure and function
- States of consciousness, including sleeping and dreaming
- Addiction and drug dependence
💻 Here are the best AP Psych Quizlet Decks!
👀Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
Unit three is all about how we perceive and process our environment on a daily basis through our senses. You will learn all about how we convert those observations into perceptions that influence how we think and behave.
- Basic principles of how humans experience and process stimuli
- The role of experience and culture in perception
- The mechanisms of the 5 senses and sensory disorders
💻 Here are some AP Psych Self-Studying and Homeschooling tips to check out:
📚Unit 4: Learning
Unit 4 of AP Psych is all about the field of psychology that studies how humans and other animals learn as well as how learning changes over a lifetime. You will learn all about classical and operant conditioning and how incentives affect our learning! You’ll probably even learn a thing or two that could help you adjust your studying habits!
- Influential researchers and theories of learning
- Results of famous learning experiments
- Types of learning
- Types of conditioning and their effects
- Social and cognitive factors in learning
🤔Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology
According to the College Board, in this unit, you will examine the complex nature of how memory, intelligence, and other mental processes impact human behavior.
- The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory
- Forgetting and typical memory errors
- The biological basis of short- and long-term memory
- Creative thinking and problem-solving strategies
- Biases and errors in thinking
- Defining and measuring intelligence
- The processes of learning and using language
💻 Here are some steps to succeed on the AP Psych Multiple Choice Questions!
👶Unit 6: Developmental Psychology
This unit is all about developmental psychology, which studies how physical and social changes over humans’ lifespans can influence behavior and mental processes. You will learn about several theories in this unit regarding our development in childhood, as teenagers, and as adults.
- Physical and social development in childhood
- Theories of cognitive development in childhood
- Adolescent development and challenges
- Adulthood and aging
- Theories of moral development
- Gender and sexual orientation
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💻 Here are some tips on how to succeed on the AP Psych FRQ Questions!
🤪Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Personality
According to the College Board, in this unit, you will study personality through the lens of behavior and mental processes and how these processes interact to produce an individual’s personality. You will also dive deep into the different theories of motivation and why we, as humans, do certain things. Additionally, you will study stress and emotion in this unit and several theories regarding them as well.
Topics that are in this unit:
- Theories of the motivation behind human and animal behavior
- Major theories of emotion
- The effects of stress
- Conceptions of personality, including behaviorist, social cognitive, humanistic, and trait theories
- Research and assessments to measure personality
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💻 Here are some AP Psych note taking tips!
🤪Unit 8: Clinical Psychology
Unit 8 is all about how psychologists evaluate, study, and treat a range of psychological disorders.
- Standards for diagnosing and approaches to explaining psychological disorders
- Neurodevelopmental and schizophrenic spectrum disorders
- Bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Dissociative, somatic, and trauma- and stress-related disorders
- Substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, and related conditions
- Historical developments in psychological treatment
- Modern treatment options and methods
💻 Here are some common misconceptions in psychology that are good to review for May!
👫Unit 9: Social Psychology
Congrats, you made it to the final AP Psychology unit! In this last unit, you’ll study how humans interact in groups and social situations, as well as how others can affect an individual’s behavior and mental processes. You will probably learn a lot of the psychology behind some historical events in this unit too.
Topics that are in this unit include:
- How social and cultural categories like gender and race can impact self-concept and behavior
- The factors that lead people to form and change attitudes
- Group dynamics, including conformity, compliance, and obedience to authority
- Types of behavior caused by the presence of others
- Bias, prejudice, and discrimination
- Altruism and aggression
- The variables that contribute to attraction
💻 Here are some time management and study tips! [object Object]
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The Best AP Psychology Notes to Study With
Advanced Placement (AP)
Note-taking can be tricky, even for the most conscientious high school students. It's hard to sort through a whole year's worth of material, especially in an AP class that covers a wide range of topics and theories.
This article is intended to serve as a one-stop shop for comprehensive notes on all the major topics covered in AP Psychology. Whether you lost your class notes on cognition or just want an easier way to see everything in one place, the links in this article will help make your study process more focused and less stressful!
How to Use These AP Psychology Notes
You can use these notes as study aids for in-class tests or to review for the final AP exam . Supplement them with resources you've gotten from your teacher in class and other notes you've taken throughout the year. If you know that there's an especially great explanation of a certain concept in your textbook, use that to help you review as well.
You might also consider buying a review book if you're looking for more guidance in planning out your studying.
If you're studying for the AP test as a whole , take a diagnostic practice test before diving into these notes . That way you can see where you're making the most mistakes and focus your studying on the appropriate areas. Taking practice tests at regular intervals throughout the study process will give you a better idea of whether or not you're absorbing the material.
Real-time practice tests will also help you get used to managing your time effectively so that you're prepared for the way the final exam is structured. You'll be answering 100 multiple-choice questions in 70 minutes, so appropriate pacing is critical!
In the next section, I'll go through a list of all the topics that are covered in AP Psychology and provide links to online notes for each .
AP Psychology Notes to Use in Your Prep
These are the easiest-to-follow online notes I could find for the material covered in AP Psychology. For each topic area, I've included three types of links :
- Regular notes (including section-specific overviews and more general topic outlines)
- Notes accompanied by video resources
- PowerPoint presentations that show the information in a slightly different form
The WikiNotes links are the most detailed , so you should go over those first. The PowerPoints and general topic outlines provide more of a brief overview of concepts and can serve as a quick review tool. If you think you'd benefit from videos, take a look at those resources as well.
It's likely that your AP Psychology course will be structured roughly in the same order as the topics presented here , so it should be easy to find the information you need to study for in-class tests throughout the year. (Note that the Psych topics changed slightly in 2020 , so the titles of some of the notes you click on may be different than the unit titles, but they still cover the information you need to know.)
Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology
- General Topic Outline
- Notes With Video Resources
Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
- Neural Processing and the Endocrine System
- Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology, and Behavior
Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
Unit 4: learning, unit 5: cognitive psychology.
- Thinking, Problem Solving, Creativity, and Language
- Notes With Video Resources ( Part 2 )
Unit 6: Developmental Psychology
Unit 7: motivation, emotion, and personality.
- Emotions, Stress, and Health
Unit 8: Clinical Psychology
- WikiNotes 1
- PowerPoint ( Part 1 and Part 2 )
- General Topic Outline 1
- WikiNotes 2
- PowerPoint 2
- General Topic Outline 2
- Notes With Video Resources ( Part 2)
Unit 9: Social Psychology
Overall ap psychology review sheets.
- Full Test Review
- List of Terms and People to Remember
- Interactive Glossary
- AP Psych Cram Sheet
- Psych Review Packet
- AP Psychology Short Review Packet
- AP Psychology Essential Review Sheet
3 Essential AP Psychology Study Strategies
Learning all this information might be tough if you don't have a game plan. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your AP Psychology prep.
#1: Make Friends With Flashcards
To succeed in AP Psychology, you must have excellent recall of a large library of terms. Some of these are constants of human behavior that you didn't know had official names, and others are more obscure terms for the biological components of psychological responses.
It's critical to be fluent in the terminology surrounding every concept if you want to end up with a high score on the AP exam. You should also know the names of prominent psychologists and understand their contributions to the field.
Quizzing yourself with flashcards is the best way to ensure you're prepared. I 'd recommend Quizlet as a starting point (after you read through the notes and refresh your memory) because it offers many sets of online flashcards you can use for practice.
Of course, you can always write out your own physical flashcards if you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way! This might be more effective since writing down definitions helps to reinforce your memory.
#2: Relate Psych Concepts to Everyday Life
The concepts in the AP Psychology course will show up in your daily life when you make decisions, interact socially, get stressed about schoolwork (very meta!), or really do anything.
As you read the notes, try to think of personal examples that relate to what you're learning. Besides helping you memorize the material, doing this can give you some interesting insight into why you've made certain decisions in your life (or why other people you know might have made certain decisions).
Even outside of your active study time, if you notice a particular behavior, try to relate it to something you've learned in AP Psychology. You probably won't forget a term or concept if you anchor it to a real experience.
#3: Give Yourself Regular Checkups
Don't go over a section of AP Psych notes once, quiz yourself, and then decide you're done with it forever. Every few topic areas, circle back and do a holistic review of everything you've learned so far. Make a point of constantly refreshing your memory so that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. You can use the complete AP Psychology review sheets I've linked at the end of the notes section as resources for these review sessions.
Conclusion: Getting the Most Out of AP Psych Notes
These notes and strategies should help you get started on your AP Psychology review. You can even use the notes on a unit-by-unit basis if you're just studying for a short quiz or test. Just remember to take practice tests to keep yourself on track, and continue consulting any resources you've accumulated throughout the year in class.
I recommend also taking advantage of the information in our other AP Psychology guides, such as our ultimate guide and in-depth review , to get more advice on how to structure your studying and to ensure you earn a high score on the final exam!
What's Next?
Are you concerned about the AP Psychology test? Read this article to decide whether it will be especially challenging for you .
What is Stockholm Syndrome, and how is it viewed in psychology circles? Learn more about this condition and its debated legitimacy in this article .
It's not easy to decide which AP classes to take in high school. Depending on how many options you have, you could structure your schedule in vastly different ways. Check out this guide to learn how many AP classes you should take in high school based on your goals and individual circumstances.
If you want to avoid overwhelming yourself with a ridiculous schedule, it's a good idea to be aware of which AP classes test the most challenging material. Read our article on the hardest AP classes here .
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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.
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NEW updated study guide to review 1.1 Interaction of Heredity and Environment for AP Psychology ... Unit 1 - Biological Bases of Behavior. Unit 2 - Cognition. Unit 3 - Development and Learning. All Study Guides; AP Psychology (2025) Unit 1 - Biological Bases of Behavior; Topic: 1.1 ... Research methods for genetic effects.
Trusted content from AP experts! Barron's AP Psychology Premium, 2025 includes in‑depth content review and online practice for the NEW 2025 exam. It's the only book you'll need to be prepared for exam day. Written by Experienced Educators. Learn from Barron's‑‑all content is written and reviewed by AP experts
Peer Review is a process by which scholarly work or research (often articles) are subjected to evaluation by other experts on the topic. Reviewers judge the work by its originality, accuracy of information, importance to the field, research methodology, and other criteria to determine if it is worthy of publication.
Review the abstracts carefully - this will save you time! Many databases will have a search history tab for you to return to for later. Use bibliographies and references of research studies to locate others. Use citation management software such as Zotero to keep track of your research citations. 5. Review the literature.
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1.5 Statistical Analysis in Psychology. 1.6 Ethical Guidelines in Psychology. Unit 2 - Biological Basis of Behavior. Unit 3 - Sensation & Perception. Unit 4 - Learning. Unit 5 - Cognitive Psychology. Unit 6 - Developmental Psychology. Unit 7 - Motivation, Emotion, & Personality. Unit 8 - Clinical Psychology.
The 2024 AP® Psychology exam will cover topics from across all 9 units. Use the following links to Albert's AP® Psychology course to see if you truly understand each of the units! Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology. Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior. Unit 3: Sensation and Perception.
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This post has the best AP® Psychology review guide for 2020's modified online AP® exams. In it, we answer your questions about the revised format, strategies for taking an online open-book exam successfully, and provide hand-picked practice FRQs for you to study with to help you get a 5.
The AP Psych FRQs consists of two questions: Question 1 is about Concept Application, assessing a student's ability to explain and apply theories and perspectives in authentic contexts. Question 2 is about Research Design, assessing a student's ability to analyze psychological research studies that include quantitative data.
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Unit 1 - Scientific Foundations of Psychology. Unit 2 - Biological Basis of Behavior. Unit 3 - Sensation & Perception. Unit 4 - Learning. Unit 5 - Cognitive Psychology. Unit 6 - Developmental Psychology. Unit 7 - Motivation, Emotion, & Personality. Unit 8 - Clinical Psychology. Unit 9 - Social Psychology.
Below, we describe some of the Unit 1 key terms and people you should review ahead of the AP Psychology exam. Introspection: The examination of one's own mental and emotional processes. Structuralism: The idea that the mind operates by combining subjective emotions and objective sensations, a theory developed by Wilhelm Wundt.
🧠 AP Psychology Unit 1 - Scientific Foundations of Psychology. 1.0. Unit 1 Overview: Scientific Foundations of Psychology. 4 min read. 1.1. Introducing Psychology. 4 min read. 1.2. Research Methods in Psychology. 4 min read. 1.3. Defining Psychological Science: The Experimental Method. 5 min read. 1.4. Selecting a Research Method. 4 min ...
AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality ...
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Download free-response questions from past exams along with scoring guidelines, sample responses from exam takers, and scoring distributions. If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected].
All new and returning AP Psychology teachers need to complete an AP Course Audit form attestation in 2024-25. They can select one of these three submission options: Adopt a sample syllabus or unit guide. Claim an identical syllabus to a colleague who has been authorized for the 2024-25 school year. Submit a new or revised course document.
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AP Psychology Notes to Use in Your Prep. These are the easiest-to-follow online notes I could find for the material covered in AP Psychology. For each topic area, I've included three types of links: Regular notes (including section-specific overviews and more general topic outlines) Notes accompanied by video resources.