AP Psychology Exam Preparation Lecture

Introduction

• Marco Learning offers a free 35-page AP Psychology study guide pack.
• Available in the video description and pinned in the chat.
• Liz Severson, experienced AP Psychology educator, leads the review session.

Exam Format

• Multiple Choice Section: 100 questions, 70 minutes, requires #2 pencils.
• Free Response Section (FRQ): Concept application & research design, use a black or blue pen.

Study Prioritization

• Unit Breakdown for Multiple Choice:
  • Scientific foundations: 10-14% (likely on FRQ).
  • Cognitive psychology: 13-17%.
  • Clinical psychology and motivation & emotion covered if time permits.
• Utilize the study guide for comprehensive coverage.

Exam Strategies

• Multiple Choice Tips:
  • Use a separate test booklet for notes.
  • Answer questions before looking at responses.
  • Make educated guesses, don’t leave blanks.
• Free Response (FRQ) Tips:
  • Use the SODAS format: Space out answers, Order, Define terms, Apply scenario, Synonyms.
  • Ensure clarity and detail in defining and applying terms.

Key Content Areas

Scientific Foundations

• Research Design:
  • Methods: Descriptive (describe info), Correlation (predict), Experimentation (cause & effect).
  • Ethics: Informed consent, minimized harm, confidentiality.
• Operational Definitions: Essential for replication and consistency.

Cognitive Psychology

• Memory:
  • Sensory (iconic, echoic), short-term, long-term memory.
  • Explicit vs. Implicit memory.
• Levels of Processing: Shallow vs. deep processing.
• Interference & Amnesia: Retrograde, anterograde.

Motivation and Emotion

• Theories of Motivation:
  • Biological to cognitive: Instinct, Drive-reduction, Incentive, Optimum Arousal, Maslow's hierarchy.
• Theories of Emotion:
  • James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor Theory).

Clinical Psychology

• Treatment Methods:
  • Psychoanalysis: Free association, resistance, transference.
  • Humanistic: Client-centered, unconditional positive regard.
  • Behavioral & Cognitive: Systematic desensitization, cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Exam Review Strategy

• Focus on high-percentage units first.
• Utilize AP Classroom and free online resources for practice questions.
• Review past FRQs and scoring guidelines for understanding scoring criteria.

Final Tips

• Study efficiently by prioritizing content with higher exam weight.
• Engage with practice questions actively and review explanations thoroughly.

Encouragement

• Stay confident and focus on what has been learned over the course.
• Utilize available resources and manage study time wisely.

Additional Information

• Emphasized the importance of understanding terms thoroughly, particularly for FRQs.
• Provided strategies for effective study sessions with peers or alone.
• Shared links and resources for further practice and review.