About the AP Psychology Exam

Post date: Aug 15, 2014 7:13:47 PM

About the Course

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Assessment Overview

AP Psychology Exam: 2 hours and will be given on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 12:00 noon.

70 minute multiple choice section for 2/3 of the exam grade

50 minute free response section made up of 2 questions for 1/3 of the exam grade

The AP Psychology Exam measures students’ knowledge of the 14 key topics and fields of study in psychology and tests their ability to define, compare, and apply concepts and research findings. Questions are based on key terminology, scientific methodology, and theories associated with each sub-field. Free-response questions may require students to interrelate different content areas and to analyze and evaluate psychological constructs and, more generally, theoretical perspectives.

1. History and Approaches (2-4%)

2. Research Methods (8-10%)

3. Biological Bases of Behavior (8-10%)

4. Sensation and Perception (6-8%)

5. States of Consciousness (2-4%)

6. Learning (7-9%)

7. Cognition (8-10%)

8. Motivation and Emotion (6-8%)

9. Developmental Psychology (7-9%)

10. Personality (5-7%)

11. Testing and Individual Differences (5-7%)

12. Abnormal Behavior (7-9%)

13. Treatment of Abnormal Behavior (5-7%)

14. Social Psychology (8-10%)

Exam Fees