AP Psychology Course and Exam Description (Effective Fall 2024)

Introduction

• The AP Psychology Course and Exam Description includes the course framework, instructional section, and sample exam questions.
• The course emphasizes clarity, transparency, evidence-based learning, and opposes censorship and indoctrination.

Core Principles of AP Psychology

1. Clarity and Transparency: Clear expectations through public course frameworks and sample assessments.
2. Evidence-Based Learning: Courses designed to develop independent thinking and scientific reasoning.
3. Intellectual Freedom: Respect for intellectual freedom; courses must include all required topics.
4. Open-Mindedness: Courses foster diverse perspectives and questioning.
5. Respect for Diversity: Ground studies in primary sources for authentic evaluation.
6. Equity and Access: Encourage equitable preparation and access for all students.

Course Framework Overview

• Components: Science Practices and Course Content
  • Science Practices: Concept Application, Research Methods and Design, Data Interpretation, Argumentation.
  • Course Content: Organized into five units, each contributing to college-level competency.

Units of Study

1. Biological Bases of Behavior (15-25% of Exam)

• Topics include heredity vs. environment, neuron functioning, brain structure, and sleep cycles.

2. Cognition (15-25% of Exam)

• Covers perception, memory encoding and retrieval, intelligence, and problem-solving.

3. Development and Learning (15-25% of Exam)

• Focuses on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development across the lifespan.

4. Social Psychology and Personality (15-25% of Exam)

• Examines social influences on behavior, personality theories, motivation, and emotion.

5. Mental and Physical Health (15-25% of Exam)

• Addresses health psychology, positive psychology, psychological disorders, and treatments.

Instructional Approaches

• Selecting and Using Materials: Importance of textbooks, peer-reviewed sources.
• Science Practices: Concept Application, Research Methods, Data Interpretation, Argumentation.

Exam Information

• Structure: 2 hours and 40 minutes, includes 75 multiple-choice questions, 2 free-response questions.
• Free-Response Questions: Article Analysis Question and Evidence-Based Question.
• Task Verbs: Describe, Explain, Identify/State, Propose, Support or Refute, Use Evidence.

Sample Exam Questions

• Questions assess understanding of course content and science practices.
• Free-response questions require application of psychological principles and evidence-based argumentation.

Key Takeaways

• The AP Psychology course equips students with critical thinking, evidence evaluation, and scientific inquiry skills.
• Emphasizes open-mindedness, ethical understanding, and the ability to analyze diverse perspectives.