Course Outline

UNIT I- History and Approaches (2-4% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 1

A. Introduction to Modern Psychology

B. Psychology’s Perspectives or Approaches

C. Types of Psychologists

UNIT II- Research Methods (8-10% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 2

A. Selecting a Research Method

B. The Experimental Method

C. Statistical Analysis in Psychology

D. Ethical Guidelines in Research

UNIT III- Biological Bases of Behavior (8-10% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 3 & 5

A. Tools for Examination of the Brain Structure and Function

B. Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron

C. Neural Transmission/Firing

D. Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing

E. The Endocrine System

F. The Adaptable Brain

G. Sleep and Dreaming

UNIT IV- Sensation and Perception (6-8% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 4

A. Principles of Sensation

B. Principles of Perception

C. Visual Anatomy

D. Auditory Sensation and Perception

E. Chemical Senses

F. Body Senses

UNIT V- Learning (7-9% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 6

A. Classical Conditioning

B. Operant Conditioning

C. Cognitive Processes in Learning

D. Biological Factors

E. Social Learning

UNIT VI- Cognitive Psychology (13-17% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 7 & 11

A. Memory

B. Language

C. Thinking & Problem Solving

D. Intelligence

E. Psychometric Principles in Intelligence Testing

UNIT VII- Motivation, Emotion & Personality (11-15% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 8 & 10

A. Theories of Motivation

B. Topics - Social, Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain

C. Theories of Emotion

E. Stress & Coping

F. Personality Theories and Approaches

Psychoanalytical

Behaviorism

Social Cognitive

Humanistic

Trait

G. Measurement & Assessment Techniques

UNIT VIII- Developmental Psychology (7-9% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 9 & 2

A. Life-Span Approach

B. Research Methods (e.g. longitudinal, cross-sectional) -

C. Cognitive Developmental Theories in Childhood

D. Adolescent Development

E. Adulthood and Aging

F. Moral Development

G. Gender and Sexual Orientation

H. Sex Roles and Sex Differences

UNIT IX- Clinical Psychology (12-16% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapters 12, 13 & 3

A. Theories of Psychopathology

B. Psychological Perspectves and Etiology of Disorders

C. Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders

D. Mood Disorders and Anxiety Based Disorders

E. Trauma and Stress Related Disorders,

Dissociative

Somatic Disorders

F. Eating/ Feeding Disorders

G. Substance Abuse Disorders

H. Personality Disorders

I Perspectives and Treatment of Disorders

J. Evaluating Strengths and Weakness of Treatment

UNIT XIV- Social Psychology (8-10% of the AP exam)

Zimbardo, Chapter 14

A. Attribution Theory and Person Perception

B. Attitude Formation and Attitude Change

C. Compliance, Conformity and Obedience

D. Group Influences on Behavior and Mental Processes

E. Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination

F. Altruism, Aggression and Antisocial Behavior

G. Interpersonal Attraction