AP Psychology Final Review for AP Exam

Exam Format

• Section I: 75 Multiple Choice Questions (90 min) ~ 66.7%
• Section II: 2 Free Response Questions (70 min) ~ 33.3%

Unit 0: Science Practices

Key Concepts

• Psychology: Scientific study of behavior and mental processes
• Scientific Attitude: Involves curiosity, skepticism, and humility
• Critical Thinking: Evaluates evidence, discerns biases, and assesses conclusions
• Empirical Approach: Knowledge from experience, observation, and experimentation
• Confirmation Bias & Hindsight Bias: Interpret evidence to confirm beliefs; assume outcomes were predictable

Research Methods

• Hypothesis: Testable predictions; null hypothesis assumes no effect
• Experiment: Manipulate variables to observe effects; use independent and dependent variables
• Sampling & Bias: Random, convenience, representative sampling; avoid sampling bias
• Variables & Definitions: Operational definitions crucial for replication
• Statistical Concepts: Descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation, and statistical significance

Psychological Perspectives

• Biological, Evolutionary, Cognitive, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Sociocultural perspectives

Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior

Nature vs. Nurture

• Debate on behavior influenced by genes vs. environment

Nervous System

• Central and Peripheral Systems: CNS (brain and spinal cord); PNS (connects CNS to body)
• Neurons & Functions: Sensory, motor, interneurons; dendrites, axons, synapse
• Neurotransmitters: Dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, acetylcholine

Brain Structure

• Hindbrain, Midbrain, Forebrain: Functions and connections
• Cerebral Cortex & Limbic System: Processing centers and emotional regulation

Endocrine System

• Hormones and functions (e.g., adrenaline, oxytocin)

Psychoactive Drugs

• Types: Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, opioids
• Effects: Tolerance, withdrawal, dependence

Unit 2: Cognition

Perception & Processing

• Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Processing: Influence of expectations vs. sensory input

Attention

• Selective Attention & Blindness: Focus on stimuli; miss changes

Memory

• Encoding, Storage, Retrieval: Processes of memory
• Types of Memory: Sensory, short-term, long-term
• Amnesia: Anterograde and retrograde

Language

• Theories of acquisition: Skinner (environment) vs. Chomsky (innate)

Thinking and Decision-Making

• Heuristics: Mental shortcuts; representative and availability
• Biases: Confirmation, fixation, belief perseverance

Unit 3: Development and Learning

Developmental Psychology

• Physical, Cognitive, Social Development: Changes across lifespan
• Piaget’s Stages: Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational
• Erikson’s Stages: Psychosocial development throughout life

Learning Theories

• Classical & Operant Conditioning: Associative learning, reinforcement, punishment
• Social Learning: Observation and modeling

Unit 4: Social Psychology

Attribution Theory

• Dispositional vs. Situational Attributions: Internal vs. external explanations
• Biases: Self-serving bias, fundamental attribution error

Group Influence

• Conformity, Obedience, Groupthink: Social influences on behavior

Attitudes and Prejudice

• Cognitive Dissonance: Misalignment of attitudes and behaviors
• Stereotypes: Overgeneralized beliefs

Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health

Psychological Disorders

• Types: Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia
• Symptoms & Causes: Biological, psychological, and social factors

Treatment Methods

• Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic
• Medications: Antipsychotics, antidepressants

Stress and Coping

• Types of Stress: Acute, chronic; coping mechanisms

Positive Psychology

• Focus on well-being, resilience, and personal growth

These notes cover the key points and concepts from the AP Psychology review, ranging from fundamental psychological principles to specific disorders and treatment methods. They serve as a comprehensive guide for exam preparation.