Download AP Psychology Syllabus

Mrs. Starnes
F202
AP Psychology
Course Purpose:
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior
and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts,
principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about
the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a
willingness to devote time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and
evaluative thinking skills and essay writing.
Course Description:
Students will be introduced to the various sub-fields of psychology and learn how they explain the behavior and
mental processes of humans and other animals. Students will gain an understanding of how the sub-fields of
psychology are linked together and how they are supported by empirical evidence.
Overall Course Goals:
Students will be able to...
1.
2.
3.
4.
Students will learn the history, concepts, methodology, and vocabulary of contemporary psychology.
Students will learn to read and evaluate psychological research papers and critically apply their content to
broad psychological theories and everyday life.
Students will develop advanced critical thinking skills.
Students will prepare for success on the AP Psychology exam.
AP Psychology Exam Format
The AP Psychology Exam has two sections. In the first section, students have a 70-minute multiple-choice section
that accounts for two-thirds of the exam grade, and a 50-minute free-response section made up of two questions
that accounts for one-third of the exam grade. Multiple-choice scores are based on the number of questions
answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers, and no points are awarded for unanswered
questions. Because points are not deducted for incorrect answers, students are encouraged to answer all multiplechoice questions.
Multiple-Choice Section
Multiple-choice scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly.
Points are not deducted for incorrect answers, and no points are awarded for
unanswered questions. Because points are not deducted for incorrect answers,
students are encouraged to answer all multiple-choice questions. The multiple choice section contains 100
multiple choice questions that must be answered in 70 minutes.
Free-Response Section
Free-response questions are a tool used to evaluate a student’s mastery
of scientific research principles and ability to make connections among constructs from different psychological
domains (e.g., development, personality, learning). Students may be asked to analyze a general problem in
psychology (e.g., depression,adaptation) using concepts from different theoretical frameworks or subdomains in
the field, or to design, analyze, or critique a research study.
THE AP EXAM FOR PSYCHOLOGY IS ON MONDAY, MAY 2nd AT 12:00 PM
Course Outline:
Content Area
I.
History and Approaches (Prologue)
A. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
B. Approaches (Biological, Behavioral, Cognitive,
Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Sociocultural, and
Evolutionary).
II.
Research Methods (Chapter 1)
A. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research
B. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
C. Ethics in Research
III.Neuroscience and Behavior (Chapter2)
A.
Physiological Techniques (e.g., imaging,
surgical)
B.
Neuroanatomy
C.
Functional Organization of Nervous System
D.
Neural Transmission
E.
Endocrine System
F.
Genetics
G.
Evolutionary Psychology
IV. Sensation and Perception(Chapters 5&6)
A.
Thresholds and Signal Detection Theory
B.
Sensory Mechanisms
C.
Attention
D.
Perceptual Processes
V. States of Consciousness(Chapter 7)
A.
Sleep and Dreaming
B.
Hypnosis
C.
Psychoactive Drug Effects
VI. Learning (Chapter 8).
A.
Classical Conditioning
B.
Operant Conditioning
C.
Cognitive Processes
D.
Biological Factors
E.
Social Learning
VII. Cognition (Chapter 9)
A.
Memory
B.
Language
C.
Thinking
D.
Problem Solving and Creativity
VIII.Motivation and Emotion( Chapter 12 ,13,&14)
A.
Biological Bases
B.
Theories of Motivation
C.
Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
D.
Social Motives
E.
Theories of Emotion
F.
Stress
IX.Developmental Psychology (Chapter 4)
Percent of Content on MC Section
2-4%
1-2 Blocks
8-10%
4 Blocks
8-10%
6 Blocks
6-8%
5 Blocks
2-4%
4 Blocks
7-9%
4 Blocks
8–10%
4 Blocks
6–8%
4 Blocks
7–9%
A.
Life-Span Approach
B.
Research Methods (e.g., longitudinal, crosssectional)
C.
Heredity–Environment Issues
D.
Developmental Theories
E.
Dimensions of Development (physical,
cognitive, social, and moral)
F.
Sex Roles and Gender Roles
X.Personality (Chapter 15)
A.
Personality Theories and Approaches
B.
Assessment Techniques
C.
Growth and Adjustment
XI.Testing and Individual Differences (Chapter 11)
A.
Standardization and Norms
B.
Reliability and Validity
C.
Types of Tests
D.
Ethics and Standards in Testing
E.
Intelligence
XII. Abnormal Behavior (Chapter 16)
A.
Definitions of Abnormality
B.
Theories of Psychopathology
C.
Diagnosis of Psychopathology
D.
Types of Disorders (anxiety, somatoform,
mood, schizophrenic, organic, personality, dissociative)
XIII.Treatment of Abnormal Behavior (Chapter 17)
A.
Treatment Approaches
1.
Psychodynamic
2.
Humanistic
3.
Behavioral
4.
Cognitive
5.
Biological
B.
Modes of Therapy (i.e., individual, group)
C.
Community and Preventive Approaches
XIV.Social Psychology (Chapter 18)
A.
Group Dynamics
B.
Attribution Processes
C.
Interpersonal Perception
D.
Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
E.
Attitudes and Attitude Change
F.
Organizational Behavior
G.
Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
H.
Cultural Influences
4 Blocks
5–7%
4 Blocks
5–7%
3 Blocks
7–9%
5 blocks
5–7%
3 Blocks
8–10%
6 Blocks
Classroom Expectations and Procedures:
A. Absences/Tardies/Leaving Class
1. Tardies: All students are expected to be in their classrooms and ready to receive instruction before
the tardy bell rings for each class. Following the tardy bell, students who are not in class for an
unexcused reason must report immediately to the Student Management Center (SMC).
After the bell for class to begin, all classroom doors will close and students will not be allowed to enter
the classroom (report to the SMC).
2. Absences
Students are responsible for obtaining missed assignments after returning from a lawful absence.
Students have two days to make up the work missed for each day absent. When arrangements are
not made to complete the work the student will receive no credit. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
3. Leaving Class
Students are not allowed to leave class during the first and last 10 minutes of class. Trips to the office,
bathroom, etc. need to be approved by the teacher first. After obtaining permission, students need to
make sure they sign out and take a temporary pass. Students need to sign in when they return.
B. Cheating/Plagiarizing
Students who choose to cheat in any form or plagiarize will automatically receive a zero. Parents will also
be notified.
C. Recommended Materials for AP Psychology
Students are expected to be prepared for class on a daily basis. The following materials are recommended:
 Writing Utensil (pen/pencil/marker)
 1-2 inch 3 ring binder with dividers
 Loose leaf paper
 Post-it notes
 Highlighters
 Pocket folder for Psychology only
D. Grading:
This course will be graded similarly to a college course. You will be tested in the same format as the AP
test you will take in May. This will enhance your chance of doing well on that test and prepare you for the
style of testing seen in a college course. You will also receive a reading packet for each unit. The reading
packet needs to come to every class and will be turned in before each test.
Grading Percentages:
Tests (multiple choice and essay): 45%
Quizzes and Mini Projects: 25%
Classwork/Homework/Reading Packet: 25
Participation: 5%
Grades will consist of F.R.Q.'s, quizzes, tests, homework, and classwork (projects, seminars, etc.). In
addition, you will have a mid-semester exam, the AP Exam in May and a final exam at the end of the
school year.
Reading Packet:
Students will be required to read and write extensively for each chapter in the book. In their reading log,
each student will have a list of term they will have to define and a list of objectives they will have to write
about. Students can expect several pages of writing per week.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned every night in AP Psychology. Assignments will always include the reading
packet, which involves reading comprehension and important vocabulary. Additional assignments will
include essay writing, research, and discussion questions. Homework MUST be turned in on the assigned
due date, at the beginning of the class period, in order to receive full credit.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced. Students must be prepared daily for a possible quiz on
material covered in class as well as that assigned for homework the night before. Some writing
assignments also hold the value of quiz grades rather than homework grades.
Testing:
Students will take objective exams covering material from the textbook, supplemental readings,
discussions, and lectures. The design of each exam will be a multiple choice section and a free response
question (FRQ).
Most objective tests consist of 60 multiple choice questions and a 25 minute essay question. The tests are
timed to approximate the time allowed on the AP Exam. Occasionally, due to time constraints, the F.R.Q.
part of a test is given on a different day than the multiple choice part.
Required Text
Myers, David G., Myers’ Psychology for AP, 8th Edition. New York: Worth Publishers/BFW, 2006.
Supplemental Text
Whitford, Fred W. Invitation to Psychology, 4th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc, 2008.
Other Materials
Periodicals such as Scientific American, Scientific American Mind, and Psychology Today
Contact Information and Office Hours
e-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours are on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-4:00.