AP Psychology Crash Course Lecture Notes

Introduction to AP Psychology Crash Course

• Purpose: Aimed at last-minute studiers or students needing a refresher.
• Author: Larry Krieger, experienced in teaching AP subjects.

Structure of the Book

• Part I: Introduction
  • Keys for success on the AP Psychology Exam
  • Key Terms
• Part II: Key Content Review
  • Covers 14 chapters including History and Approaches, Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, and more.
• Part III: Key Themes and Facts
  • Key Psychologists and Historic Figures
  • Key Trouble Spots
• Part IV: Test-Taking Strategies
  • Strategies for Multiple-Choice and Free-Response Questions

Key Concepts and Strategies

Eight Keys for Success

1. Understanding the AP Psychology Scale: Score ranges and percentages for grading.
2. Curriculum Outline: Covers 14 topics with multiple-choice question distribution percentages.
3. Released Exams and Free-Response Questions: Importance of using these for preparation.
4. Key Terms, Psychologists, and Theories: Dominant in multiple-choice questions.
5. Research Methodology: Crucial for both multiple-choice and free-response questions.
6. Overlap in Question Types: Studying overlaps to predict free-response questions.
7. Crash Course Strategy: Building a study and test-taking strategy.
8. Supplementary Materials: Using College Board and other resources.

Key Terms (Chapter 2)

• Behavioral Perspective: Observable behavior focus.
• Humanistic Perspective: Emphasizes self-esteem and free will.
• Research Methods: Experimental method, variables, and types of studies.
• Biological Bases of Behavior: Neurons, neurotransmitters, and nervous systems.

Research Methods

• Experimental Method: Includes variables, hypothesis, and controls.
• Descriptive Research: Surveys, naturalistic observation, case studies.
• Correlation Studies: Correlation coefficients and analysis.
• Ethical Guidelines: For both human and animal research.

Sensation and Perception

• Basic Principles: Transduction and thresholds.
• The Human Visual System: Structure and processes involved in visual perception.
• Cognitive Processes: Feature detectors, Gestalt principles.

States of Consciousness

• Consciousness Levels: Controlled processes to no awareness.
• Sleep Patterns: REM and NREM sleep, sleep cycles.
• Sleep Theories and Disorders: Restoration, adaptive theories, insomnia, sleep apnea.

Learning Theories

• Classical Conditioning: Pavlov's principles and components.
• Operant Conditioning: Positive/negative reinforcement, schedules.
• Observational Learning: Studies and applications.

Test-Taking Strategies

Multiple-Choice Strategies

• Structure: 100 questions, 70 minutes, with penalties for incorrect answers.
• Focus Areas: Social psychology, learning, research methods.
• Strategy: Build a coalition of points, focus on strong areas, minimize weak areas.

Free-Response Strategies

• Structure: Two questions, 50 minutes total.
• Key Tips: Define and illustrate concepts, avoid lengthy introductions, focus on clarity.
• Research Methods: High probability topic for free-response questions.

General Tips

• Study Efficiently: Use key terms and concepts.
• Practice Regularly: Engage with practice questions and past exams.
• Use Resources: Utilize online practice exams and College Board materials.