Unit 1: The Science of Psychology

Unit Overview:

In this unit we will discuss...

The History of Psychological Science (2 - 4% of the AP Exam)

Research Methods in Psychology (8 - 10%of the AP Exam)

An emphasis will be placed on the ability to conduct research, write reviews, and manipulate and analyze data (descriptive and inferential statistics)

Unit 1, Activity 1: The Neurons that Shaped Civilization

Unit 1, Activity 2: Do you exist?

Read the attached documents below and come to class prepared to A) summarize each reading and B) prove to me that you exist.

Unit 1, Activity 3: Research Methods in Psychology

This activity provides supplementary information on Chapter 2, Research Methods. You can watch the lecture video below for a (not so) brief review.

Unit 1, Activity 4: Statistics in Psychology

This activity provides supplementary information on Chapter 2, Statistics in Psychology. You can watch the lecture videos below for a (not so) brief review.

Unit 1, Activity 5: Research and Writing in Psychology

In this assignment you will find an empirical research paper in the field of psychology and write a literature review in APA format. The assignment consists of three steps:

Step One: Use the online databases available through the High School Library to find an appropriate research paper. We will be in the Library for two days to complete this step.

Step Two: Read the paper carefully and complete the worksheet below. This is to be accomplished on your own as homework.

Step Three: Using your answers to the worksheet questions write your literature review. AFTER you show me your worksheet answers.

General Instructions for the worksheet:

• Your answers should be written in full sentences.

• Please type your answers.

• Include an APA style reference for the article you are reviewing at the top of the page

Here are some helpful documents that you can use to guide you through this process.

The first is a very well written description of how to write an Empirical Social Science Research Paper.

The second is an example of an actual research paper and the third is a literature review that I wrote on that study.

The fourth document is the worksheet that you will use to complete step three of the assignment.

I have also included the PPT presentation from class.

Once you have completed the worksheet and submitted it, you can begin writing your paper. The paper should be at least (but probably more than) two pages, typed, (Times New Roman, 12pt, Double spaced), printed and turned in on the due date.