Lecture Notes: 2025 AP Psychology Exam Preparation

Overview

• This lecture covers the key topics and concepts that are likely to be included in the 2025 AP Psychology Exam.

Main Topics Covered

1. Research Methods

• Scientific Method: Understanding the steps involved in the scientific inquiry.
• Types of Research: Descriptive, correlational, and experimental.
• Key Terms: Hypothesis, variables, control group, and random assignment.

2. Biological Bases of Behavior

• Neurons and Neurotransmitters: Function and impact on behavior.
• Brain Structures: Major parts of the brain and their functions.
• Endocrine System: Role of hormones in behavior.

3. Sensation and Perception

• Sensory Processes: How sensory information is received and processed.
• Perceptual Processes: Principles of organization and interpretation.

4. Learning

• Classical Conditioning: Key experiments (Pavlov's dogs).
• Operant Conditioning: Reinforcement and punishment.
• Social Learning: Observational learning theories.

5. Cognitive Psychology

• Memory: Processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval.
• Language Development: Theories and stages in language acquisition.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Cognitive strategies and biases.

6. Developmental Psychology

• Major Theories: Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, Erikson's psychosocial stages.
• Nature vs. Nurture: Debate and research findings.

7. Personality

• Major Theories: Freud's psychoanalytic theory, trait theories.
• Assessment of Personality: Tools and methods used.

8. Testing and Individual Differences

• Intelligence Testing: Types of tests and controversies.
• Standardization and Reliability: Importance in psychological testing.

9. Abnormal Psychology

• Psychological Disorders: Criteria and major categories.
• Treatment Approaches: Therapy types and effectiveness.

10. Social Psychology

• Group Behavior: Conformity, compliance, and obedience studies.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Attraction, aggression, and altruism.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Review past exams and practice questions.
• Focus on understanding key concepts rather than memorizing facts.
• Utilize flashcards for vocabulary and important psychologists.

Conclusion

• Success in the AP Psychology exam requires a comprehensive understanding of various psychological principles and the ability to apply them in different scenarios.