AP Psychology
“Summer Assignment for 2014-2015”
Each student will be required to read, outline, and annotate the provided introductory unit for
AP Psychology. When outlining the unit, make sure to be thorough and detailed. When
annotating, make sure to focus on major ideas and write down any questions or observations
that you have.
After completing the reading, outlining, and annotation, students will also need to answer the
following FRQ’s on a separate sheet of paper.
Module 1 FRQ’s –
1. The definition of psychology changed as the field evolved during the early years. Why did
John B. Watson object to the definition preferred by Wundt, Titchener, and James? What
group of psychologists did Watson’s ideas influence? How did Watson redefine psychology?
2. Identify the founder of structuralism, and explain structuralism’s four foundational concepts.
Module 2 FRQ’s –
1. George is said to have an “easy-going” personality. How might the biopsychosocial approach
be used to explain an easy-going personality?
2. Six months ago, Carlos emigrated from Spain to the United States. Although fluent in English
and an honor student in Spain, Carlos has had difficulty completing his assignments since
moving to the United States. His parents don’t understand why he is not succeeding like he did
in his last school. Carlos has quit participating in family traditions.
Explain how each of the following psychological perspectives might explain Carlos’
behavior: A) Psychodynamic and B) Cognitive
Module 3 FRQ’s –
1. Anisha, a high school junior, has been struggling recently in many areas of her life. She is
overweight and spends several hours a day watching television. She is having trouble keeping
up in her classes and says she cannot seem to keep her focus. She also is having trouble making
friends and fitting in at school.
Explain how the following applied psychologists might attempt to help Anisha’s current
situation: A) Health psychologists, B) Social psychologists, and C) Counseling psychologists
2. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, causing a staggering loss of life and cultural
heritage and billions of dollars in damage. Ho might each of the following have contributed to
making life better in New Orleans following the hurricane?
A) Clinical psychologists and B) Social Psychologists
UNIT 1 FRQ’s –
1. Arianna is nervous around large crowds, and often leaves social situations like school dances
and parties because she feels like she might have a panic attack. Her father died when she was
a young girl, but she still often has nightmares about his death. Arianna enjoys school, and
because she generally receives good grades, she appreciates the positive feedback from her
teachers that encourages her to improve her academic skills.
Using the seven major modern approaches to psychology, explain how each approach
might explain Arianna’s behavior.
2. In thinking of the question of nature versus nurture, explain how each of the following
schools of psychology would address this debate.
A) Behaviorism
B) Biological perspective
C) Personality psychologists
D) Developmental psychologists