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AP Psychology Crash Course Overview

May 8, 2025

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.