Get Psyched with Tim Steedman: AP Psychology Ultimate Exam Cramathon

Introduction

• Purpose: Final review for AP Psychology Exam 2024
• Target Audience: Students needing a course review
• Disclaimer: Not a full course in one session
• Recommendation: Check full unit review videos for deep learning

Science Practices in Psychology

Doug's Theory: Sweet Beats for Cognitive Feats

• Theories Applied:
  • Behavioral: Conditioned to associate music with studying
  • Cognitive: Music aids information processing
  • Psychodynamic: Music linked to childhood feelings
  • Humanistic: Music unlocking potential
  • Biological: Effects on dopamine levels
  • Evolutionary: Human response to rhythm
  • Sociocultural: Cultural norms of studying with music

Cognitive Biases in Study

• Confirmation Bias: Only noticing when music helps
• Hindsight Bias: Believing outcome was predictable
• Overconfidence Bias: Overestimating study's importance

Research Design

• Study Types: Observation, Case Study, Meta-Analysis
• Correlational Study: Survey on studying habits and GPA
  • Issues: Self-report bias, social desirability bias
• Experimental Design
  • Hypothesis: Music while studying improves quiz performance
  • Variables: Independent (music), Dependent (quiz scores)
  • Sampling Bias: Convenience sampling issues
  • Ethical Concerns: Lack of consent, debriefing, confidentiality

Data Analysis

• Central Tendency & Variation: Mean, median, mode, range
• Graphing Data: Normal curve expectations vs skewed results
• Statistical Significance: Misinterpretation and real meaning

Argumentation and Application

• Claim Support: Using psychology to back arguments
• Science Practice: Understanding and applying psychological concepts

Biological Basis of Behavior

Nature vs Nurture

• Nature: Genetic predispositions
• Nurture: Environmental influences
• Research Methods: Twin, family, adoption studies

Nervous System

• Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral Nervous System: Sematic and autonomic systems
  • Sympathetic: Stress response
  • Parasympathetic: Rest and digest

Neurons and Neurotransmitters

• Neuron Function: Resting potential, action potential, synapse
• Neurotransmitters: Dopamine, serotonin, etc.
• Endocrine System: Hormonal regulation via bloodstream

Psychoactive Drugs

• Types: Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, opioids
• Addiction Terms: Tolerance, withdrawal, dependence

Brain Structure and Function

• Brain Stem: Basic life functions
• Limbic System: Emotion and memory
• Cerebral Cortex: Higher-level processes
• Language Areas: Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas
• Brain Plasticity: Adaptability and recovery
• Brain Imaging: EEG, fMRI, lesion studies

States of Consciousness

• Sleep and Dreams: Circadian rhythm, REM, sleep disorders
• Sensation and Perception: Processing sensory information

Cognition: Thinking, Problem Solving, and Memory

Cognitive Processes

• Concepts and Prototypes: Mental groupings
• Problem Solving: Algorithms and heuristics
• Biases and Errors: Mental set, framing, gambler’s fallacy

Memory

• Memory Models: Multi-store, working memory
• Long-term Memory: Explicit and implicit
• Encoding and Retrieval: Techniques and strategies
• Forgetting and Distortion: Interference, retrieval failure

Intelligence

• Theories: Spearman’s g, Sternberg’s triarchic theory
• Testing: IQ, validity, reliability
• Social Factors: Stereotype threat, Flynn effect

Developmental Psychology

Development Stages

• Physical Development: Infancy, adolescence, adulthood
• Cognitive Development: Piaget and Vygotsky’s theories
• Language Development: Phonemes, morphemes, grammar

Social and Emotional Development

• Parenting Styles: Authoritarian, permissive, authoritative
• Attachment: Secure and insecure
• Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Life-span development

Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning

Classical Conditioning

• Process: UCS, CS, CR, acquisition, extinction
• Applications: Taste aversion, biological preparedness

Operant Conditioning

• Reinforcement and Punishment: Positive and negative
• Schedules: Fixed, variable, ratio, interval
• Social Learning: Modeling and imitation

Advanced Learning Concepts

• Latent Learning: Cognitive maps
• Insight Learning: Problem-solving without trial and error

Social Psychology

Attribution and Perception

• Attribution Theory: Dispositional vs situational
• Biases: Fundamental attribution error, self-serving bias

Attitudes and Influence

• Cognitive Dissonance: Attitude-behavior conflict
• Social Influence: Normative vs informational influence

Group Dynamics

• Conformity and Obedience: Social pressures
• Group Behavior: Polarization, groupthink

Altruism and Helping Behavior

• Bystander Effect: Diffusion of responsibility
• Social Norms: Reciprocity, social traps

Personality

Theories of Personality

• Psychodynamic: Freud’s id, ego, superego
• Humanistic: Self-actualization, unconditional positive regard
• Trait Theories: Big Five dimensions (OCEAN)

Personality Assessment

• Inventories and Tests: Reliability and application

Motivation and Emotion

Theories of Motivation

• Drive Reduction: Biological needs
• Arousal Theory: Yerkes-Dodson Law
• Intrinsic vs Extrinsic: Types of motivation

Emotional Processing

• Emotional Theories: How emotions arise
• Cultural Expression: Display rules and universality

Health Psychology

Stress and Coping

• Types of Stress: Eustress, distress, trauma
• Coping Strategies: Problem-focused, emotion-focused
• General Adaptation Syndrome: Alarm, resistance, exhaustion

Positive Psychology

• Focus: Growth, resilience, post-traumatic growth
• Signature Strengths: Enhancing well-being

Psychological Disorders

Definitions and Criteria

• Disorder Criteria: Dysfunction, distress, deviation
• Diagnosis Tools: DSM, ICD

Types of Disorders

• Neurodevelopmental: ADHD, Autism
• Schizophrenia: Symptoms and causes
• Mood Disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder
• Anxiety Disorders: Phobias, panic disorder
• Dissociative Disorders: DID, amnesia
• Personality Disorders: Clusters A, B, C

Treatment Approaches

Psychotherapy Types

• Psychodynamic: Uncovering unconscious conflicts
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Thought and behavior modification
• Humanistic: Fostering growth and self-discovery

Biomedical Interventions

• Medications: Types and uses
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Use in severe cases

Alternative Treatments

• Group Therapy: Social support benefits
• Integrative Approaches: Eclectic therapy combinations

This guide captures the crucial content from Tim Steedman’s AP Psychology Exam Cramathon, focusing on essential theories, concepts, and applications that are vital for mastering the course.