AP Psychology

Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

AP Psychology Syllabus
Addendum A: Course Outline

I. History and Approaches
A. September 3
rd
-September 12
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Prologue: pages 1-18
C. Topics
1. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
2. Approaches/Perspectives
D. Objectives
1. Define psychology and trace its historical development.
2. Compare and contrast the psychological perspectives.
3. Identify basic and applied research subfields of psychology.
II. Research Methods
A. September 15
th
-September 26
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 1: pages 19-52
C. Topics
1. Experimental, Correlation, and Clinical Research
2. Statistics
D. Objectives
1. Identify basic elements of an experiment (variables, groups, sampling,
population, etc.).
2. Compare and contrast research methods (case, survey, naturalistic observation,
etc.).
3. Explain correlational studies.
4. Describe the three measures of central tendency and measures of variation.
5. Discuss the ethics of animal and human research.
III. Intelligence Testing and Individual Differences
A. September 29
th
-October 10
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 11: pages 431-467
C. Topics
1. Standardization and Norms
2. Reliability and Validity
3. Types of Tests
4. Ethics and Standards in Testing
5. Intelligence
6. Heredity/Environment and Intelligence
7. Human Diversity
D. Objectives
1. Trace the origins of intelligence testing.
2. Describe the nature of intelligence.
Identify the factors associated with creativity.
3. Distinguish between aptitude and achievement tests.
4. Describe test standardization.
5. Distinguish between the reliability and validity of intelligence tests.
6. Describe the two extremes of the normal distribution of intelligence.
7. Discuss evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on intelligence.
8. Discuss whether intelligence tests are culturally biased.
AP Psychology
Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

IV. Biology and Behavior
A. October 13
th
-October 24
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 2: pages 53-91
C. Topics
1. Physiological Techniques (e.g., imagining, surgical)
2. Neuroanatomy
3. Functional Organization of Nervous System
4. Neural Transmission
5. Endocrine System
6. Genetics
D. Objectives
1. Describe the structure of a neuron and explain neural impulses.
2. Describe neuron communication and discuss the impact of neurotransmitters.
3. Classify and explain major divisions of the nervous system.
4. Describe the functions of the brain structures (thalamus, cerebellum, limbic
system, etc.).
5. Identify the four lobes of the cerebral cortex and their functions.
6. Discuss the association areas.
7. Explain the split-brain studies.
8. Describe the nature of the endocrine system and its interaction with the
nervous system.
V. Sensation and Perception
A. October 27
th
-November 7
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 5: pages 197-236
2. Chapter 6: pages 237-270
C. Topics
1. Thresholds
2. Sensory Mechanisms
3. Sensory Adaptation
4. Attention
5. Perceptual Processes
D. Objectives
1. Contrast the processes of sensation and perception.
2. Distinguish between absolute and difference thresholds.
3. Label a diagram of the parts of the eye and ear.
4. Describe the operation of the sensory systems (five senses).
5. Explain the Young-Helmholtz and opponent-process theories of color vision.
6. Explain the place and frequency theories of pitch perception.
7. Discuss Gestalt psychologys contribution to our understanding of perception.
8. Discuss research on depth perception and cues.
VI. States of Consciousness
A. November 10
th
-November 20
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 7: pages 271-313
C. Topics
1. Sleep and Dreaming
2. Hypnosis
3. Psychoactive Drug Effects
D. Objectives
AP Psychology
Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

1. Describe the cyclical nature and possible functions of sleep.
2. Identify the major sleep disorders.
3. Discuss the content and possible functions of dreams.
4. Discuss hypnosis, noting the behavior of hypnotized people and claims
regarding its uses.
5. Discuss the nature of drug dependence.
6. Chart names and effects of depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogenic drugs.
7. Compare differences between NREM and REM.
8. Describe the physiological and psychological effects of depressants, stimulants,
and hallucinogens.
VII. Development
A. November 21
st
-December 5
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 4: pages 138-195
C. Topic
1. Life-Span Approach
2. Research Methods
3. Heredity-Environment Issues
4. Developmental Theories
5. Dimensions of Development
6. Sex Roles, Sex Differences
D. Objectives
1. Discuss the course of prenatal development.
2. Illustrate development changes in physical, social, and cognitive areas.
3. Discuss the effect of body contact, familiarity, and responsive parenting on
attachments.
4. Describe the benefits of a secure attachment and the impact of parental neglect
and separation as well as day care on childhood development.
5. Describe the theories of Piaget, Erikson, and Kohlberg.
6. Describe the early development of a self-concept.
7. Distinguish between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies.
VIII. Cognition and Language
A. December 8
th
-December 19
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 10: pages 395-429
C. Topics
1. Language
2. Thinking
3. Problem Solving and Creativity
D. Objectives
1. Describe the nature of concepts and the role of prototypes in concept
formation.
2. Discuss how we use trial and error, algorithms, heuristics, and insight to solve
problems.
3. Explain how the representativeness and availability of heuristics influence our
judgments.
4. Describe the structure of language (phonemes, morphemes, gramMarch).
5. Identify language developmental stages (babbling, one word, etc.).
6. Explain how the nature-nurture debate is illustrated in the theories of language
development.
7. Discuss Whorfs linguistic relativity hypothesis.
AP Psychology
Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

8. Describe the research on animal cognition and communication.
IX. Memory
A. January 5
th
-January 16
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 9: pages 319-393
C. Topics
1. Memory
D. Objectives
1. Describe memory in terms of information processing and distinguish among
sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
2. Distinguish between automatic and effortful processing.
3. Explain the encoding process (including imagery, organization, etc.).
4. Describe the capacity and duration of long-term memory.
5. Distinguish between implicit and explicit memory.
6. Describe the importance of retrieval cues.
7. Discuss the effects of interference and motivated forgetting on retrieval.
8. Describe the evidence for the constructive nature of memory.
X. Learning
A. January 27
th
-February 4
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 8: pages 313-347
C. Topics
1. Classical Conditioning
2. Operant Conditioning
3. Cognitive Processes in Learning
4. Biological Factors
5. Social Learning (Observational Learning)
D. Objectives
1. Describe the process of classical conditioning (Pavlovs experiments).
2. Explain the processes of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery,
generalization, and discrimination.
3. Describe the process of operant conditioning, including the procedure of
shaping, as demonstrated by Skinners experiments.
4. Identify the different types of reinforcers and describe the schedules of
reinforcement.
5. Discuss the importance of cognitive processes and biological predispositions in
conditioning.
6. Discuss the effects of punishment on behavior.
7. Describe the process of observational learning (Banduras experiments).
XI. Personality
A. February 5
th
-February 13
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 12: pages 595-638
C. Topics
1. Personality Theories and Approaches
2. Assessment Techniques
3. Self-Concept/Self-Esteem
4. Growth and Adjustment
D. Objectives
1. Describe personality structure in terms of the interactions of the id, ego, and
superego.
AP Psychology
Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

2. Explain how defense mechanisms protect the individual from anxiety.
3. Describe the contributions of the neo-Freudians.
4. Explain how personality inventories are used to assess traits.
5. Describe the humanistic perspective on personality in terms of Maslows focus
on self-actualization and Rogerss emphasis on peoples potential for growth.
6. Describe the impact of individualism and collectivism on self-identity.
7. Describe the social-cognitive perspective on personality.
8. Discuss the consequences of personal control, learned helplessness, and
optimism.
XII. Social Psychology
A. February 23
rd
-March 5
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 18: pages 723-722
C. Topics
1. Group Dynamics
2. Attribution Process
3. Interpersonal Perception
4. Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
5. Attitudes and Attitude Change
6. Organizational Behavior
7. Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
D. Objectives
1. Describe the importance of attribution in social behavior.
2. Explain the effect of role-playing on attitudes in terms of cognitive dissonance
theory.
3. Discuss the results of Aschs experiment on conformity.
4. Describe Milgrams controversial experiments on obedience.
5. Discuss how group interaction can facilitate group polarization and groupthink.
6. Describe the social, emotional, and cognitive factors that contribute to the
persistence of cultural, ethnic, and gender prejudice and discrimination.
7. Discuss the issues related to aggression and attraction.
8. Explain altruistic behavior in terms of social exchange theory and social norms.
XIII. Motivation
A. March 6
th
-March 20
th

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 12: pages 469-511
C. Topics
1. Biological Bases
2. Theories of Motivation
3. Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
4. Social Motives
D. Objectives
1. Define motivation and identify motivational theories.
2. Describe the physiological determinants of hunger.
3. Discuss psychological and cultural influences on hunger.
4. Define achievement motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
XIV. Emotion
A. March 23
rd
-April 3
rd

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 13: pages 512-547
2. Chapter 14: pages 548-593
AP Psychology
Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

C. Topics
1. Theories of Emotion
2. Stress
D. Objectives
1. Identify the three theories of emotion (James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-
Singer).
2. Describe the physiological changes that occur during emotional arousal.
3. Discuss the catharsis hypothesis.
4. Describe the biological response to stress.
XV. Abnormal Psychology
A. April 3
th
-April 22
nd

B. Textbook Reading
1. Chapter 16: pages 639-683
2. Chapter 17: pages 684-721
C. Topics
1. Definitions of Abnormality
2. Theories of Psychopathology
3. Diagnosis of Psychopathology
4. Anxiety Disorders
5. Somatoform Disorders
6. Mood Disorders
7. Schizophrenic Disorders
8. Organic Disorders
9. Personality Disorders
10. Dissociative Disorders
11. Treatment Approaches
12. Modes of Therapy (e.g., individual, group)
13. Community and Preventive Approaches
D. Objectives
1. Identify the criteria for judging whether behavior is psychologically disordered.
2. Describe the medical model of psychological disorders.
3. Describe the aims of the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),
and discuss the potential dangers of diagnostic labels.
4. Describe the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive
compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
5. Describe and explain the development of somatoform and mood disorders.
6. Describe the various symptoms and types of schizophrenia.
7. Describe the nature of organic and personality disorders.
8. Describe the characteristics and possible causes of dissociative disorders.
9. Discuss the aims and methods of psychoanalysis.
10. Identify the basic characteristics of the humanistic therapies.
11. Identify the basic assumptions of behavior therapy.
12. Describe the assumptions and goals of the cognitive therapies.
13. Discuss the benefits of group therapy and family therapy.
14. Discuss the findings regarding the effectiveness of the psychotherapies.
15. Discuss the role of values and cultural differences in the therapeutic process.
16. Identify the common forms of drug therapy and the use of electroconvulsive
therapy.
XVI. Review
A. April 23
rd
-May 1
st

XVII. Exam
AP Psychology
Ms. Giola
Dates are subject to changebut it is highly unlikely

A. May 4
th