Advanced Placement Psychology
Mrs. Sara Gabehart
Rm. #239
Email: Sara.Andrew@oldham.kyschools.us ***this is the best and fastest way to reach me***updates as the name change process
goes through****
School phone #: 502-222-9461 ext. 239
Book Website: www.bcs.worthpublishers.com/myers8e/
Course Purpose:
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental
processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena
associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in
their science and practice.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will prepare to do acceptable work on the AP Psychology Exam.
2. Students will study the major core concepts and theories of psychology.
3. Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research.
4. Students will be able to apply psychological concepts to their own lives.
5. Students will develop critical thinking skills.
6. Students will build their reading, writing, and discussion skills.
7. Students will learn about psychology as a profession.
Questions to Think About Before We Begin:
1. Why are you taking this class? Do you want to learn about psychology? Are you ready for a “college level” class? Are you
serious about preparing for and taking the AP Exam in May? Would the regular psychology class better suit your goals?
2. What are your priorities? Are academics near the top of the list, or are you more concerned with athletics, social life, a parttime job, television, and so on?
3. How much time will you need to devote to this class? This will depend on your own strengths and weaknesses. A rule of thumb
suggested by many colleges is to spend two to three hours working outside of class for every hour you spend in class. Since most
college courses meet three hours a week, this translates to about six to nine out of class hours per week. Are you willing to make
this commitment?
4. Are you a strong reader? In terms of course assignments, nothing will occupy more of your time than reading and studying the
text. Research has shown that the strongest prediction of success in high school AP classes is reading ability. If you are a good
reader, you have a distinct advantage. If you are not a good reader, know that it is going to require extra time and effort to
compensate for that weakness.
Your level of motivation is much more important than your ability level. If you want to succeed in AP Psychology and you are
willing to put in the necessary effort, you will succeed. Attitude, study skills, determination, and discipline count for more than
intelligence toward your success in this class.
AP Psychology is taught as a college course, the same as Psychology 101 at any major university. Psychology is concerned with
understanding human behavior. We will cover every aspect of human behavior. Some of the topics are of a mature and
sometimes controversial nature such as mental disorders, racism, drug use, and other topics appropriate for an introductory college
course. Feel confident that such topics and assignments will be handled in a professional manner by the instructor but that
discussion on such topics are necessary in the study of human behavior. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact
the instructor.
Students’ full participation and effort is expected. AP Psych will move at a swift pace and require a significant commitment of
time and energy from students outside of the classroom. Daily reading of the text is required.
Note Regarding Advanced Placement Courses: Students and parents should familiarize themselves with the AP Central website.
There are abundant resources concerning all things AP. We will use resources throughout the school year from the AP Psychology
page in class to prepare for the exam in May.
The AP Central website is http://apcentral.collegeboard.com
AP Exam: The exam is given in a two-hour test window. The exam has two parts: a multiple choice section of 100 questions
given in a 70 minute segment that is 2/3 of the score; a free response section of two questions that last 50 minutes that are 1/3 of
the score. These scores will be combined together, giving the student an overall score of 1-5. A passing score is 3 or above.
S. Gabehart
AP Psychology
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Every AP Psych student will work toward and is expected to take the exam in May.
THE AP PSYCHOLOGY EXAM WILL BE GIVEN ON MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016 AT 12 NOON.
Supplies:
Come prepared with the following to class every day:
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Textbook: Myers’ Psychology 8th ed. by Worth
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Binder (1 ½ to 2 inches) with tab dividers (15-16 – one for each unit; sold in 5 & 8 count quantities) – This is to be used
SOLEY for THIS CLASS and not serve as double duty for multiple classes.
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3-5 subject notebook
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Loose-leaf paper – not paper torn from a notebook (White)
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Writing utensils - pens (blue or black ink ONLY for turned in items) or pencil
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AP Psychology Exam Review Guide – 5 steps to a 5 recommended
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Optional (but highly recommended) - flash/thumb/jump drive for computer based assignments
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Colored Pencils or markers – will be used throughout the year for various projects **a class set of materials will be
provided**
Grading Scale:
Grades are earned, not given. You will receive the grade you earn.
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
F = 0 - 69%
Per school policy, grades will be calculated on a yearly “running” percentage.
***Final grade is based on the year's course work/total grade (90%) + a cumulative final exam (10%).
Grade Breakdown
Tests/Writing Assessments--------------------------70%
Classwork & Summer Assignment----------------10%
Projects, Quizzes, Vocab, Binder-------20%
TOTAL GRADE===============100%
*****Student’s grades can be accessed online through the parent portal in Infinite Campus. The guidance office can provide you
with the username and password for you/your child’s account.*****
Possible assignments include, but are not limited to:
Tests: Students will be tested after each unit is complete using the AP format (multiple choice with 5 answer choices) shortened to
accommodate the time constraints.
Binder: Notes/Reading: students will keep an organized binder for this class that will become indispensable for their review prior
to the AP exam. Binder organization/reading sheets will be provided & your binder will be assessed throughout the year.
Free Response Questions (FRQs): Students will work through FRQ questions and rubrics to improve FRQ skills. Students will peer
score FRQs using past AP exam FRQs and rubrics to improve their skills.
Vocabulary: Students will compile vocabulary notebook throughout the year. Students will complete for each unit providing an
individualized learning device; definition; application; research use/or extension for each term. This will be collected periodically
throughout the unit and will be collected again on test days.
Projects: Application of course content to real-world scenarios presented for class projects. There will typically be one project per
unit.
Cheating/Plagiarism:
Work that has been copied from others or plagiarized will not be accepted. *****Cheating on assignments will result in a zero for
all involved and parent contact.
After an Absence:
S. Gabehart
AP Psychology
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Missing class should be avoided. Clarification, application and reinforcement of reading assignments will take place in
class. It is imperative that students are present for class. Should an absence be unavoidable, students are responsible for
getting any missed notes from classmates.
It is your responsibility to follow up on what work was missed due to an absence. However, this should ONLY be done
before/after school or before/after class on the first day returning to school. Do not disrupt class to ask what you missed.
You may check our class website for any posted materials. http://sgabehart.weebly.com
In class work will also be placed in your class’s folder located in the student resources area of the classroom.
You have the number of days you missed to complete your assignment(s). Please write “absent work” and the date you
were absent on the top of your paper.
Tests and quizzes must be made up within 3 days of the missed exam. (Different arrangements will be made for
extended or lengthy absences). This is to be done before/after school but not during class. Failure to complete the exam
within 3 days will result in a zero. Please see me to schedule a time –failure to show up to your scheduled exam will
result in a zero.
Turning in Assignments:
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Turn in your assignments ON TIME – Late work is unacceptable at the AP level.
If you do turn in a late assignment, half credit will be given as long as it is turned in during the current unit. Once a unit
has been completed, no assignments from that unit of study will be accepted.
Technology failure excuses (broken printer, internet down, etc.) will not be accepted – EVER. There is a library here at
school available for your use – get to school early to take care of these problems. Extension requests for a project/paper
must be made advance PRIOR to the due date with appropriate reasoning (extensions will not be granted the day before
an assignment is due).
Classroom Goals/Rules:
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Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings and follow all school rules.
Turn off and put away all personal technology during class. School policy will be followed for each offense: Device will
be turned in to the office, OCHS will keep the device for 7 school days and parent will pick up.
No food, drinks, or candy permitted in the classroom. If you have a medical need to have access to food/drink please let
me know.
Assignments turned in on time and completed/printed out prior to class.
Work cooperatively when asked to do group assignments.
Remain quiet and respectful when the teacher or other students address the class.
Raise your hand if you have questions.
Speak in a respectful manner at all times.
Stay on task, be an independent worker, and do not disturb others around you.
Keep your head up; sleeping in class is not permitted.
Remain in your assigned seat until the bell rings and do not pack up until instructed to do so by the teacher.
Guidelines for Success:
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Own Your Actions
Commit to Learning
Honor Self and Others
Serve and Contribute
Leaving Class/Tardies:
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Please do not be late to class. Class time is extremely valuable in preparing for the AP exam.
Restroom passes will not be issued during class unless it is an emergency.
If you are in the hallway when the bell rings without a note, you are tardy. Per OCHS policy, students are allowed one
tardy per class. For each subsequent tardy, students will be assigned detention.
Consequences for Rule Violations:
Depending on the violation, the consequence could be a teacher/student conference, a parent/teacher conference, detention,
and/or a disciplinary referral to the office. Typically the following guidelines will apply:
1st offense - verbal warning
2nd offense - verbal warning, discussion with teacher in the hallway, phone call home to parents
3rd offense – detention and/or referral
Extra Credit/Test Retakes:
S. Gabehart
AP Psychology
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Extra credit opportunities will occasionally be offered throughout the school year. I encourage students to take advantage of these
to help improve their grade as well as to assist them in further understanding class material.
All students will be allowed to make corrections to tests for 1/3 points back by following the proper correction format (format will
be provided the 1st week of school). Since tests do not leave the classroom, corrections must be completed before or after school
or during the student’s study hall (I will provide for the study hall teacher). Corrections must be completed within 5 school days
of receiving your original score back – test corrections will not be accepted late.
S. Gabehart
AP Psychology
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Unit Overview & Tentative Assessment Dates
Percentages represent the number of multiple-choice questions on AP exam from each topic.
I. History and Approaches 2–4%
A. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
B. Approaches
1. Biological
2. Behavioral
3. Cognitive
4. Humanistic
5. Psychodynamic
6. Sociocultural
7. Evolutionary
 Test -- September 1
II. Research Methods 8–10%
A. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research
B. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
C. Ethics in Research
 Test—September 15
III. Biological Bases of Behavior 8–10%
A. Physiological Techniques (e.g., imaging, surgical)
B. Neuroanatomy
C. Functional Organization of Nervous System
D. Neural Transmission
E. Endocrine System
F. Genetics
G. Evolutionary Psychology
 Test—October 2
IV. Sensation and Perception 6–8%
A. Thresholds and Signal Detection Theory
B. Sensory Mechanisms
C. Attention
D. Perceptual Processes
 Test—October 16
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IX. Developmental Psychology 7–9%
A. Life-Span Approach
B. Research Methods (e.g., longitudinal, cross-sectional)
C. Heredity–Environment Issues
D. Developmental Theories
E. Dimensions of Development
1. Physical
2. Cognitive
3. Social
4. Moral
F. Sex Roles and Gender Roles
 Test—February 2
X. Personality 5–7%
A. Personality Theories and Approaches
B. Assessment Techniques
C. Growth and Adjustment
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XII.
Test—November 4
VI. Learning 7–9%
A. Classical Conditioning
B. Operant Conditioning
C. Cognitive Processes
D. Biological Factors
E. Social Learning
 Test—November 19
VII. Cognition 8–10%
A. Memory
B. Language
C. Thinking
D. Problem Solving and Creativity
 Test—December 11
Test—February 18
XI. Testing and Individual Differences 5–7%
A. Standardization and Norms
B. Reliability and Validity
C. Types of Tests
D. Ethics and Standards in Testing
E. Intelligence
 Test— March 1
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Abnormal Behavior 7–9%
A. Definitions of Abnormality
B. Theories of Psychopathology
C. Diagnosis of Psychopathology
D. Types of Disorders
1. Anxiety
2. Somatoform
3. Mood
4. Schizophrenic
5. Organic
6. Personality
7. Dissociative
Test—March 15
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Treatment of Abnormal Behavior 5–7%
A. Treatment Approaches
1. Psychodynamic
2. Humanistic
3. Behavioral
4. Cognitive
5. Biological
B. Modes of Therapy (i.e., individual, group)
C. Community and Preventive Approaches
Test— April 1
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Social Psychology
8–10%
A. Group Dynamics
B. Attribution Processes
C. Interpersonal Perception
D. Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
E. Attitudes and Attitude Change
F. Organizational Behavior
G. Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
H. Cultural Influences
Test—April 22
V. States of Consciousness 2–4%
A. Sleep and Dreaming
B. Hypnosis
C. Psychoactive Drug Effects
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Test—January 15
XIII.
XIV
VIII. Motivation and Emotion 6–8%
A. Biological Bases
B. Theories of Motivation
C. Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
D. Social Motives
E. Theories of Emotion
F. Stress
***Exam dates are estimated and will be subject to change to fit the demands of the course*** AP EXAM Monday May 4, 2015 at 12 noon.
S. Gabehart
AP Psychology
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Parent/Guardian Communication
Should you EVER feel a need to contact me, please feel free to email or phone. (Contact information can be found on first page
of the syllabus. Email is the fastest and most effective.) Please check your student’s agenda for assignments and test dates. These
dates will be clearly posted in the room on the weekly/daily assignment board.
Please sign below to indicate that you and your student have read and understand the information on the syllabus. Please
provide parent/guardian contact information as indicated.
**Detach from the syllabus and turn in – this will be your 2nd assignment (after your Summer Assignment)**
STUDENT NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________
PERIOD: ________________
DATE: __________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME: ______________________________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN EMAIL: _______________________________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN PHONE #: ____________________________________________________________________
Please list and questions or concerns you may have below:
THANK YOU AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A SUCCESSFUL AND PRODUCTIVE YEAR!!!!
Sincerely,
Sara M. Gabehart
S. Gabehart
AP Psychology
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