AP Psychology Course and Exam Description

Overview

• Effective Date: Fall 2024
• Includes: Course framework, instructional section, sample exam questions
• AP Principles: Clarity, evidence-based, anti-censorship, anti-indoctrination, open-mindedness, respect for student voices, and choice for parents and students

AP Psychology Course Framework

• Introduction: Aligns with college-level content and APA’s Introductory Psychology Initiative
• Course Framework Components:
  • Science Practices: Skills students should develop throughout the course
  • Course Content: Organized into units, each representing a sequence found in college textbooks

Science Practices

1. Concept Application: Apply psychological perspectives, theories, concepts, and research findings
2. Research Methods and Design: Evaluate qualitative and quantitative methodologies
3. Data Interpretation: Evaluate representations in research, including visual data
4. Argumentation: Develop and justify arguments using evidence

Course Units and Exam Weighting

1. Biological Bases of Behavior: 15–25%
2. Cognition: 15–25%
3. Development and Learning: 15–25%
4. Social Psychology and Personality: 15–25%
5. Mental and Physical Health: 15–25%

Instructional Approaches

• Selecting and Using Course Materials: Textbooks, peer-reviewed sources
• Developing Science Practices: Scaffolded instruction on applying concepts, research methods, data interpretation, and argumentation

Exam Information

• Overview: 2 hours and 40 minutes; 75 multiple-choice questions, 2 free-response questions, each weighted equally
• Section I: Multiple-choice questions
• Section II: Free-response questions (Article Analysis Question, Evidence-Based Question)
• Task Verbs: Describe, Explain, Identify/State, Propose, Support or Refute, Use evidence

Sample Exam Questions

• Multiple-choice: Addresses various psychological concepts, research methods
• Free-response: Requires analysis of peer-reviewed research articles, application of concepts, and development of evidence-based arguments

Key Course Topics

Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior

• Interaction of heredity and environment
• Overview of the nervous system
• Neuron and neural firing
• The brain, sleep, and sensation

Unit 2: Cognition

• Perception, thinking, problem-solving, and memory
• Intelligence and achievement

Unit 3: Development and Learning

• Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development
• Classical and operant conditioning, social learning

Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality

• Attribution theory, attitude formation, social situations
• Theories of personality

Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health

• Health and positive psychology
• Psychological disorders and treatments

Ethical Considerations

• AP Courses: Must be aligned with proper ethical standards in research and education

Resources and Supports

• AP Classroom: Provides teachers and students with resources for instruction and assessment

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of key points addressed in the AP Psychology Course and Exam Description, effective Fall 2024. It includes course structure, content, instructional approaches, and exam details, ensuring students and educators are well-prepared for the curriculum and assessment.