Download AP Psychology Syllabus

Advanced Placement Psychology
Course Information
Course Goal
Textbook
Recommended Supplies
Special Notes
To learn about and appreciate the field of
psychology through in-depth study, research,
discussion, writing, and hands-on activities.
Zimbardo, Philip et al. (2007). Psychology. {AP*
Edition}. USA: Pearson Higher Education
Publishing.
Three-Ring Binder
Three-Ring Binder Dividers (at least fifteen)
Paper and Writing Utensil(s)
Additional outside reading and/or review books may
be required at the discretion of the instructor
Students are expected to take the AP Psychology
exam in May, 2010. The school will pay for this
course and for a portion of the exam.
Grading Percentages
Description
Tests and Major Projects
Reading and Vocabulary Quizzes
Homework/Classwork
Percentage of Grade
45%
45%
10%
Course Assignments, Activities, and Assessments for the Units of Study:
 Tests (one test per unit) and regular daily and/or weekly quizzes over assigned
reading and vocabulary
 Reading and Lecture Outline Homework Packets
 Projects
 Experiments
 Videos and/or Video Clips (As Time Allows)
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Following is the sequence and units of study for the AP Psychology course including
overview of topics covered, major objectives, correlating textbook chapters, homework
assignments, experiments, projects, and video or video support clips.
Fall Semester
First Quarter – Nine Weeks
I. History and Approaches – Two Weeks
* The History and Approaches Section is woven throughout all units but is formally
covered in this section.
A. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
B. Approaches
1. Biological
2. Behavioral
3. Cognitive
4. Humanistic
5. Psychodynamic
6. Sociocultural
7. Evolutionary
Major Objectives:
 Trace the historical development of the field of psychology
 Identify the various schools of thought
 Describe how psychology has become a modern science
 Identify psychologists who have contributed to the major schools of thought
within the field of psychology
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter One – Introduction and History of Psychology
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Psychology Timeline; Multiple Perspectives of A Celebrity
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Past, Present, and Promise
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
II. Research Methods – Two Weeks
* The Research Methods Section is woven throughout all units but is formally
covered in this section.
A. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research
B. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
C. Ethics in Research
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Major Objectives:
 Compare and contrast different methods of conducting research
 Identify and describe components of an experiment
 Compute the three measures of central tendency
 Evaluate the limitations of the various methods of conducting research
 Synthesize acceptable ethics in research and describe why ethical standards need
to be followed in psychological research
 Identify problems that will occur when ethic standards are not followed in
psychological research
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Two – Research Methods
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Design and Conduct Experimental/Observational Field Research
On Greeting Behaviors and Analyze the Results; Research A Psychology Journal Article
With Research Results and Synthesize the Results in Psychological Terms
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Understanding Research
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
III. Biological Bases of Behavior – Three Weeks
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
Major Objectives:
 Compare and contrast the various techniques and equipment used in brain
imaging
 Describe the structure and working process of a functioning neuron
 Identify the roles of transmitters and describe their processes
 Classify and explain the major divisions of the nervous system
 Describe the functions of the brain structures (e.g., thalamus, cerebellum, limbic
system, hypothalamus, etc.) and relate each structure’s importance to behavior
 Identify and explain the lobes of the brain as well as association areas
 Describe the importance of split brain studies
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Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Three – Biopsychology and the Foundations of
Neuroscience
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Create An Annotated Diagram of the Neuron; Create A TwoDimensional Model of the Brain Using Candy
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: The Behaving Brain; Discovering
Psychology: The Responsive Brain
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Three Reading Quizzes
IV. Sensation and Perception – Two Weeks
A. Thresholds and Signal Detection Theory
B. Sensory Mechanisms
C. Attention
D. Perceptual Processes
Major Objectives:
 Differentiate between sensation and perception
 Describe the concept of thresholds and their measurements
 Diagram the eye and explain the process of receiving and interpreting visual
information
 Diagram the ear and explain the process of receiving and interpreting auditory
information
 Discuss theories of color vision
 Describe theories of pitch perception
 Synthesize various perceptual illusions in regards to how they work
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Four – Sensation and Perception
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Create Annotated Diagrams of the Eye and the Ear; Create and
Decipher Visual Illusions
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Sensation and Perception
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
Second Quarter – Nine Weeks
V. States of Consciousness – Two Weeks
A. Sleep and Dreaming
B. Hypnosis
C. Psychoactive Drug Effects
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Major Objectives:
 Compare and contrast different forms of consciousness
 Identify and describe major sleep disorders
 Describe the stages of sleep
 Compare REM sleep with non-REM sleep
 Discuss current and historical theories pm the function(s) of dreams
 Describe current theories on the function of sleep
 Describe the effects of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens on
consciousness
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Five – States of Consciousness
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Sleep and Dream Journals; Analyze A Dream’s Content (Via
Sigmund Freud and Other Psychologists)
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: The Mind Awakened and Asleep;
Discovering Psychology: The Mind: Hidden and Divided
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
VI. Learning – Two Weeks
A. Classical Conditioning
B. Operant Conditioning
C. Cognitive Processes
D. Biological Processes
E. Social Learning
Major Objectives:
 Compare and contrast classical conditioning with operant conditioning
 Describe the following factors associated with learning: acquisition, extinction,
spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination
 Describe the process and importance of Ivan Pavlov’s classical conditioning
experiments
 Describe the process of operant conditioning and shaping as researched by B.F.
Skinner
 Describe various reinforcement schedules and the advantages of each schedule
 Differentiate between the impact of reinforcement and punishment on behavior(s)
 Describe the process and importance of John Watson’s “Baby Albert”
experiments and relate their significance to modern research ethics
 Discuss the importance of cognitive processes and biological predispositions in
conditioning and learning
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Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Six – Learning
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Recreation/Replication of Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning
Experiments; Observational Research About Reinforcing Behaviors With Consequences
and/or Negative and Positive Reinforcements
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Learning
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
VII. Cognition – Two Weeks
A. Memory
B. Language
C. Thinking
D. Problem Solving and Creativity
Major Objectives:
 Describe the processes involved in encoding, storage, and retrieval of sensory
input
 Differentiate between procedural knowledge and declarative knowledge
 Differentiate between controlled and automatic processing
 Describe the various forms of memory (i.e., episodic, semantic)
 Describe and apply different heuristics and algorithms use to solve problems
 Describe the development and structure of language
 Describe the role of language in the thought process
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Seven – Cognition
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Recall vs. Recognition Self-Test; Chunking Effects On Memory
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Remembering and Forgetting; Discovering
Psychology: Cognitive Processes; Discovering Psychology: Language Development;
Discovering Psychology: Judgment and Decision Making
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Two Vocabulary Quizzes, and A Minimum of Two Reading
Quizzes
VIII. Motivation and Emotion – Three Weeks
A. Biological Bases
B. Theories of Motivation
C. Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
D. Social Motives
E. Theories of Emotion
F. Stress
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Major Objectives:
 Discuss the various theories of motivation
 Describe the physiological determinants of hunger, thirst, sex, and pain
 Compare and contrast between physiological and cultural motivation for hunger
 Define achievement motivation including intrinsic motivation and extrinsic
motivation
 Contrast and contrast various theories of emotion
 Describe the biological responses to stress and current methods of treating stress
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Eight – Emotion and Motivation
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Self-Test With Analysis of Stress Levels; Paper On How To
Reduce Your Own Stress Levels
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Motivation and Emotion
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Two Vocabulary Quizzes, and A Minimum of Three Reading
Quizzes
Spring Semester
Third Quarter – Nine Weeks
IX. Developmental Psychology – Two Weeks
A. Life-Span Approach
B. Research Methods (e.g., longitudinal, cross-sectional)
C. Heredity – Environment Issues
D. Developmental Theories
E. Dimensions of Development
1. Physical
2. Cognitive
3. Social
4. Moral
F. Sex Roles and Gender Roles
Major Objectives:
 Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the cross-sectional
and longitudinal approaches to the study of development
 Discuss the controversy of the nature vs. nurture debate within the field of
psychology
 Describe how conception occurs as well as the course of prenatal development
 Chart and explain the stages of Jean Piaget’s theory of development
 Chart and explain the stages of Erik Erikson’s theory of development
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Chart and explain the stages of Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral
development
Discuss the rationale behind Carol Gilligan’s criticism of Kohlberg’s research
Examine theories on effective parenting and attachment
Describe problems associated with different stages of life (i.e., childhood,
adolescent, adulthood)
Describe the stages of the acceptance of death and grief
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Nine – Psychological Development
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Observational/Field Research About Child Behavior; SelfAdministered Personality Tests; Create Charts/Graphic Organizers of Jean Piaget’s, Erik
Erikson’s, and Lawrence Kohlberg’s Development Models
Video/Video Clips: Dead Poet’s Society; My Life; Discovering Psychology: The
Developing Child; Discovering Psychology: Sex and Gender; Discovering Psychology:
Maturing and Aging
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
X. Personality – Two Weeks
A. Personality Theories and Approaches
B. Assessment Techniques
C. Growth and Adjustment
Major Objectives:
 Identify and define the major approaches to personality theories
 Identify the major theorists and their theories in the field of personality
 Describe and interpret various inventories used in assessing personality traits
 Describe the Freudian/psychoanalytic view of the structure of personality
 Describe various defense mechanisms and how Sigmund Freud believed they
protect humans from anxiety, stress, and/or shame
 Chart and explain Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs within the humanistic
view of personality
 Compare and contrast internal and external locuses of control and determine
which one you have
 Describe the phenomena associated with learned helplessness
 Use the trait perspective to categorize your won personality
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Ten - Personality
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Nonlinguistic Representations of Sigmund Freud’s Defense
Mechanisms; Create Charts/Graphic Organizers of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs and Analyze Yourself With It
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: The Self
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
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XI. Testing and Individual Differences – Two Weeks
A. Standardization and Norms
B. Reliability and Validity
C. Types of Tests
D. Ethics and Standards in Testing
E. Intelligence
Major Objectives:
 Summarize the history and origins of intelligence testing
 Use and apply the formula to calculate I.Q.
 Categorize the early theories of intelligence (general vs. specific)
 Compare and contrast the theories of intelligence proposed by Howard Gardner,
Robert Sternberg, and Daniel Goleman
 Explain the components of a normal distribution (bell-shaped curve)
 Compare and contrast the extremes of intelligence
 Distinguish between reliability and validity
 Discuss the evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on
intelligence
 Evaluate the controversies over the use of intelligence tests
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Eleven – Testing and Individual Differences
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Analyze A Standard Test Report and Journal Article(s)
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Testing and Intelligence
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Two Reading Quizzes
XII. Abnormal Psychology – Three Weeks
A. Definitions of Abnormality
B. Theories of Psychopathology
C. Diagnosis of Psychopathology
D. Types of Disorders
1. Anxiety
2. Somatoform
3. Mood
4. Schizophrenic
5. Organic
6. Personality
7. Dissociative
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Major Objectives:
 Identify the criteria for determining and diagnosing abnormal behavior
 Describe the use of the DSM-IV
 Describe the symptoms and origins of mood disorders
 Describe the symptoms and origins of personality disorders
 Describe the symptoms and origins of dissociative disorders
 Compare and contrast various approaches (i.e., cognitive, behavioral, biological)
on the origins of depression
 Discuss the characteristics of recent research on the origins of schizophrenia
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Twelve – Psychological Disorders
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Self-Administered Anxiety and Depression Tests; Analyze Results
From A Psychological Study Using Psychological Research Methods
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Psychopathology; Discovering Psychology:
Discovering Psychology: Health, Mind, and Behavior; Understanding Psychological
Disorders
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Three Reading Quizzes
Fourth Quarter – Nine Weeks
XIII. Treatment of Psychological Disorders – Three Weeks
A. Treatment Approaches
1. Psychodynamic
2. Humanistic
3. Behavioral
4. Cognitive
5. Biological
B. Modes of Therapy (i.e., individual, group)
C. Community and Preventative Approaches
Major Objectives:
 Describe the various approaches to the treatment of disorders
 Discuss the goals and methods of psychoanalysis
 Discuss the approach to treatment of humanist psychologists
 Synthesize the assumptions and goals of cognitive psychology
 Describe various biological treatments for psychological disorders
 Differentiate among various modes of therapy such as one-on-one, group
counseling, and family therapy
 Generate a treatment plan of a common disorder from each of the various major
approaches or perspectives on treatment
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Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Thirteen – Therapies for Psychological Disorders
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Role-Play of Various Therapies
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Psychotherapy; Discovering Psychology:
Applying Psychology in Life
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Three Reading Quizzes
XIV. Social Psychology – Three Weeks
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
Major Objectives:
 Discuss the study design, findings, controversies, and implications on the research
of Soloman Asch, Stanley Milgram, and Philip Zombardo
 Describe the role of attribution on judgment formation
 Describe the cultural, social, emotional, and cognitive factors that contribute to
the persistence of stereotypes and prejudice
 Discuss the role of the group on group polarization and groupthink
 Discuss the issues related to attraction and aggression
 Describe altruism
Textbook and Lecture: Chapter Fourteen – Social Psychology
Homework: Reading and Lecture Outline
Projects/Experiments: Replicate and Conduct (On A Small Scale) An Experiment From
the Field of Social Psychology
Video/Video Clips: Discovering Psychology: Constructing Social Reality; Discovering
Psychology: Cultural Psychology
Testing: End-of-Unit Test, Vocabulary Quiz, and A Minimum of Three Reading Quizzes
XV. Review for AP Psychology Exam – Three Weeks
Homework: Review Reading and Lecture Outlines
Projects/Experiments: Review of Psychology Theories and Principles
Video/Video Clips: Not Applicable
Testing: Practice Exams (Multiple Choice and Essay)
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