2012 AP Psychology Practice Exam Notes

General Information

• Provided by the College Board for AP exam preparation.
• Not to be posted or redistributed electronically.
• Teachers can use copies in classroom settings only.

Exam Structure

Exam Dates

• Regular Exam: Monday, May 7, 2012, afternoon
• Late Testing: Friday, May 25, 2012, morning

Exam Sections

• Section I: Multiple-Choice
  • Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
  • Questions: 100
  • Score Weight: 66.6%
  • Instrument: Pencil required
• Section II: Free Response
  • Time: 50 minutes
  • Questions: 2
  • Score Weight: 33.3%
  • Instrument: Pen with black/blue ink
  • Questions are weighted equally

Section I: Multiple Choice

Instructions

• Fill in circles 1 to 100 on the answer sheet.
• Use exam booklet for notes or scratch work.
• Focus on accuracy and time management.
• No deductions for incorrect/unanswered questions.
• Example questions provided to illustrate format.

Sample Questions

1. Biomedical view of abnormality (C)
2. Characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (E)
3. Design of experimental study (B)
4. Brain's control of breathing (D)
5. Piaget's stages of development - Preoperational stage (B)
6. Industrial-organizational study focuses (D)
7. Symptoms of panic disorder (A)
8. Definition of a stereotype (D)
9. Treatment for narcolepsy (B)
10. Determinants of tone pitch (E)
11. Influence on balance (E)
12. Humanistic psychology and self-actualization (D)
13. Projection as a defense mechanism (C)
14. Harlow's monkey experiments on attachment (D)
15. Biological clock and circadian rhythm (D)
16. Visual acuity location (D)
17. Learned helplessness (E)
18. Hormone regulation system (B)
19. Brain area linked to amnesia (A)
20. Cognitive therapy in depression (A)

Section II: Free Response

Directions

• Answer both questions within 50 minutes.
• Use psychological terminology and critical analysis.
• Divide time equally between questions.
• Responses must be clear and legible.

Sample Questions

1. Compare research methodologies and statistics:

   • Mean vs. Median
   • Descriptive vs. Inferential Statistics
   • Longitudinal vs. Cross-sectional Studies
   • Single-blind vs. Double-blind Techniques
   • Random Assignment vs. Random Selection
   • Surveys vs. Case Studies
   • Correlational Study vs. Experiment

2. Lauren's commitment to playing the violin:

   • Approach-approach conflict: Conflict between two positive choices.
   • Self-actualization: Desire for mastery and personal fulfillment.
   • Intrinsic motivation: Personal satisfaction from music.
   • Social learning theory: Influence from peers and role models.
   • Acetylcholine: Role in coordination and memory.
   • Difference threshold: Detecting changes in sound.
   • Social facilitation: Performance improvement in presence of others.

Scoring and Results

Scoring Worksheet

• Section I: 1.0 per correct answer
• Section II: 3.5714 per question
• Composite score calculation for AP score

Conversion Chart

• Score range to AP score mapping provided.
• College Board handles scoring and distribution.

Additional Administrative Instructions

• Detailed instructions for proctors and students for exam handling.
• Importance of maintaining exam security and integrity.