AP Psychology Syllabus – Potomac Falls High School
2015-2016 Hoilman-Abrey
Course Objective: 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 sub fields within psychology.
Students will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologist use in their science and practice.
Student Objectives: Students will be able to:
Analyze psychology as a science, including the techniques used and psychological perspectives.
Demonstrate knowledge of the mind-body connection, including sensory processes & development.
Explore thought, including learning, memory, cognition, and intelligence.
Evaluate theories of personality, motivation, and emotion in development of self.
Survey maladaptive behaviors, stress, and adjustment.
Connect the power of situation to individual behavior.
Expectations: Since this class is the equivalent of a collegiate general psychology class, students will be
expected to attend class regularly, prepared to discuss and expand on previously assigned topics. Emphasis will
be placed not only on mastery of the content, but the student’s ability to express their knowledge acquisition
through the written medium. Students should be prepared to invest a significant amount of out of class time
into class preparations.
Grading: Students must understand that in AP class grades are more difficult to earn. There is an anticipated
learning curve while students acclimate to a more rigorous type of class. Please do not expect to “be given” A’s
simply for trying. In an AP Psychology class, A’s are earned through discipline and mastery of the class. Be
patient with yourself and keep at it – you will surprise yourself with the skills you develop. Remember – while it
is important to do well on the AP exam, it is even better to learn how to learn and to find value in the discipline
you are exploring. Time spent on learning activities will be approximately:
Tests/Quizzes:
33%
Projects/Interactive Notebooks:
33%
Homework/Class Participation/Cooperative Learning /Writing Assignments:
33%
Grade Scale Breakdown: Approximately 90% of a student’s quarter grade will reflect their understanding and
mastery of content (summative assessment) and 10% will be based on formative assessments which help students
gauge their progress toward learning content.
Tests: To model the format of the AP Exam, tests will usually be one hundred multiple-choice questions to be
completed in 60 minutes. You can also expect an essay on every test. All tests will be cumulative in nature,
drawing on each previous unit. You should not expect to learn a chapter and forget it until the AP Exam. You will
always be reviewing. Expect two-three tests monthly. If students earn less than a 75% on a test, they may
schedule to take a re-test within one week of a test being returned. This will give each student an opportunity
to identify problem areas of the curriculum and attempt to master a greater understanding of the curriculum.
On occasion, test correction activities will also be optional in order to encourage students to think about the
analytical question content of the test.
Projects: Interactive notebooks will be graded as quarter projects. In addition, there will be a number of
smaller projects throughout each quarter to be completed outside of class.
Quarter 1 – Summer Assignment & Brain Mobile Project
Quarter 2 – Personality Research Paper & Learning Book
Quarter 3 – Famous Psychologist Project, Social Psychology Project, & Famous Psychologists Chart
Quarter 4 – Abnormal Psych Film Studies Project & Presentation
Homework: This curriculum covers an enormous amount of material because it is the equivalent of an
introductory Psychology course at university. Homework is integral to students’ success. Assessment of
homework will vary. Most assignments are to be completed in the interactive notebook unless otherwise stated.
Homework is relevant to class activities, reviews, discussions and assessments. Be prepared! Do not wait until
the last minute to complete an assignment. You will have questions and confusion regarding the college-level
material and in order to gain a rich understanding of the curriculum, you must be willing to spend time outside of
class. Work ethic, organization, and time management skills are crucial for your future success – develop these
skills now!
Participation: Be in class and prepared to contribute. Lectures will be geared toward enriching the content in
the book and may also include current research in the discipline that may not be addressed in your text. You are
responsible for all aspects of a lecture even if they are not included in the text. Asking questions about reading
assignments is essential to a rich understanding of the material. Students will often work cooperatively with
peers in class. In addition, presentations, discussions, and informal assessments such as exit tickets, warm-up
activities, and discussion sparks will allow us to gauge how well we are advancing through the curriculum.
Main Topics: Advanced Placement Psychology uses the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement course
as follows:
Content
History of Psych, Scientific
Method, Nature v. Nurture
Research Methods
Neuroscience & Biological Basis
of Behavior
Developmental Psychology &
Language
Sensation & Perception
States of Consciousness
Learning
Thinking, Cognition, Language &
Memory
Intelligence, Testing &
Individual Differences
Motivation, Emotion, Stress &
Health
Theories of Personality
Abnormal Psych
Treatment of Psychological
Disorders
Social Psychology
% Goals on Exam
(multiple choice section)
2-4%
Block Classes/Days Spent
6-8%
8-10%
3-4
5-6
7-9%
5
7-9%
2-4%
7-9%
8-10%
4-5
3
4
5
5-7%
3
7-9%
4
6-8%
7-9%
5-7%
3
4
3
7-9%
3
2
Review for the AP Exam in May
Review sessions will be held in the mornings before school beginning in April and on one Saturday during 2nd
Semester when students will take a practice test and receive a score. Schedules & dates will be announced in a
timely fashion so that students can make arrangements and accommodations when necessary.
This course provides one of the elective credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma in Virginia. Students
will take the Psychology Advanced Placement Test in May in order to earn the .7 GPA advantage.
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is this class hard?
-
Because this class is predominantly a science class (especially 1st Semester) and based on
material that many students do not have background in, it is safe to say this class is rigorous.
Students are expected to effectively read their books and come prepared to demonstrate their
understanding through reading quizzes and class discussions. It is also expected that students will
have notes prepared and homework questions answered in order to facilitate discussion and
application of the content. Often, students must seek extra help, especially early in the year, to
understand the content of the material. The creation of study groups within classes is highly
encouraged. Expectations are high and students must be willing to accept the challenges of
a college level psychology class.
2. How much homework is involved?
-
The majority of work is completed in an interactive notebook, including preparatory essays for the
AP Exam.
There is an assignment due every class. It should normally take an hour and a half to complete.
The homework typically consists of reading and analytically answering comprehension questions.
Keeping up with the reading and understanding the text is imperative for success!
Detail-oriented work is necessary for success on assessments, which involve a great deal of critical
thinking.
Approximately 4 hours of active reading, homework completion & studying each week. Some
students may need to exert more energy & time into the completion of homework, especially
studying for exams.
Take-home exams and essays are assigned occasionally.
3. What do the tests look like?
-
Students are tested on every chapter. Each test mimics the AP exam in format. There will almost
always be 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes as well as 1 essay
question to be finished in 25 minutes. All tests will be cumulative in order to continually review
previously learned materials. Occasionally, students will have the option of correcting test
mistakes for points back. Normally, this happens only during 2nd semester when the pacing of the
curriculum accelerates.
4. What is the pacing of material like?
-
This class is very fast paced due to the extensive curriculum designed by the College Board. A
chapter is generally covered in 2-3 class blocks, resulting in a test every 3-4 class blocks.
Attendance is crucial!
5. Are there any projects?
-
Typically there is one major project per quarter in addition to the summer assignment. (Quarter
1 – Brain Mobile, Quarter 2 – Research Essay, Quarter 3 – Famous Personality Essay, Quarter 4 –
Film Studies/Group Presentation & Research Paper – Psychological Illness/Disorder)
6. Is there any opportunity for “extra credit”?
-
Students are given extra opportunities throughout the year, but do not rely on “extra credit” as a
grade-saver because it is inconsistent.
7. How can I improve my grade if I am unhappy with my performance?
-
The interactive notebook is a learning tool that can only help one’s grade if it is completed well. It
is imperative that students focus on this year-long project consistently. The notebook will be
collected every quarter for a project grade. This is not “fluff” or “busy work.” Graphic organizers,
analytical vocabulary webs, psychological research articles and evaluative essays enhance one’s
understanding of the material. These assignments are based on the expectations of the curriculum
designed by the College Board. Additional learning/memory mechanisms such as hi-lighting,
mnemonic devices, color/chunking, and analytical summaries are expected to be included as well.
8. Is there a summer assignment and if so, how many hours should I expect to spend on it?
-
-
Yes. You will be issued a written assignment with a rubric before school ends in June. Pay
attention to announcements and flyers regarding pick-up location & time. If you have questions,
find Mrs. Hoilman.
The assignment involves analytical reading & writing. You will be required to find scholarly /
newsworthy articles that address the each of the nine broad topics of Psychology, write a summary
of each article, and complete a 250 word self-evaluation OR you will purchase and read a book,
write an analytical evaluation of the book, and a short research paper.
8 -16 hours of work is average for completion of the summer assignment.
The assignment is worth one test grade in 1st quarter. DO NOT drop the class simply because you
decided not to complete the assignment. Nobody fails AP Psychology because of a missing
summer assignment!
MANY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO TAKE THIS CLASS BECAUSE THEY HEAR IT IS “FUN.” IT IS FUN!
But, it is a lot of work. You will be expected to be analytical and participatory. Your critical
reading skills are essential. You HAVE TO READ THE TEXTBOOK. You do NOT want to miss
class. Much of the material is science-based, but simple memorization of the material will
not result in success – manipulating ideas and making connections between various units of
study is essential. Often times, students must come in early for extra help and create study
groups during FLEX periods. This is a FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
We are supportive and encouraging because we know any student can be successful in this
class with the right frame of mind and a commitment to work hard.
TOP TEN TIPS FOR WRITING AN AP PSYCHOLOGY ESSAY:
1. Read the question TWO times.
2. Picture the grader’s rubric.
3. Outline your essay in the exam booklet briefly!
4. Avoid writing an introduction or summary.
5. Write in a technical, concise manner.
6. Use specific psychology terms and concepts.
7. Budget your time wisely.
8. Pretend the grader is “stupid.”
9. If in doubt, write it down. If you experience a mental block and you think you have more to say,
but can’t get it together, skip some lines to return later (it’s better than arrows or footnotes
later, but these are better than nothing!).
10. Don’t worry about writing a perfect essay: almost no one does!
TOP FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO:
1. Do not restate the question in your essay
2. Do not suggest anything that might be misconstrued as unethical
3. Do not write everything you know on the topic, stay focused on the question
4. Do not spend a lot of time writing an introduction and a conclusion
5. Do not begin writing until you have a clue of what you are going to write (in other words, take a few
minutes to plan a strategy – preferably in writing so you can refer back to it)
Additional AP Psychology Exam Helpful Hints:
Break-down:
Section I: 100 multiple choice questions (70 minutes)
Section II: 2 essay questions (50 minutes)
Scoring:
Multiple Choice: # correct – (1/4 x # wrong)
Free response: Readers from universities and high schools around the world grade these each June.
They use a set scale to grade the writings, and they basically check off each element as it occurs.
Most are worth 10 points, but not all.
Strategies:
Multiple Choice: Hold it together. Be cool. Remember, the AP Exam is not like a regular quiz or test
when you have to almost perfectly to get an A. If you get roughly 80% of the multiple choice
questions and do well on the essays, then you can earn a 4 and even a 5. So, if you’re finding every
fourth question to be hard, then you are most likely still doing well.
If you can eliminate two answers, guess.
Try to infer what a term(s) means even if you don’t recognize it.
10-12 questions on the test, you will not have seen anywhere in the text or heard from me at any
point during the year. The rationale behind this is that someone who does exceptionally well on the
test should be able to assimilate information together that they have the background knowledge for,
and they also will have researched beyond the demands of the class (i.e. reading the newspaper,
searching for something on-line, etc.).
Written: Grammar and essay structure are of LITTLE benefit to you here. Remember, this is a free
response, not an essay. Things like introductory paragraphs, conclusion statements, etc. DON’T GET
YOU ANY POINTS (this is different from some AP Exams). Psychological knowledge does.
Even if the question is written in list form, do NOT list your answer
Write with ball-point pen (not felt-tip pen or pencil) - scratching out is acceptable.
If you end up contradicting yourself later on in your writing, you will still get credit for a
correct answer or statement.
Write legibly. Remember, I AM NOT reading your penmanship. Human beings are scoring the
written portion of the exam and if your answers are hard to read, you may not get a correct
reading/scoring.
Read the question twice before attempting to answer it.
Do NOT try to re-state the question. Just answer it. Simply start writing. Creative writing
ability does not add points.
Each response question is weighted equally no matter the different in size between them.
Explain all aspects of your answer. Assume that the reader knows little or nothing about
psychology (even though they will b/c they teach it).
Do NOT use statements such as “Milgram’s study” having not explained it somewhere in your
writing previously. You can go back and mention something in another portion, just to be sure to make
some notation of this (arrow, asterisk, etc.)
Embellishing will NOT get you any points. Because you think you know what color underwear
Watson was wearing the day he did the “Little Albert” experiment will not compensate for points in
any area of the question. Make sure that you address the question at hand, but any extraneous
information will not count for you.
The smart test taker knows she can’t write an effective essay without understanding the question.
She spends her first 1-2 minutes “working the question over”, pulling it apart to make sure she knows
exactly what she is being asked to do (sometimes taking brief notes in the booklet and underlining
important terminology in the question itself). She may even spend 3-4 minutes outlining the points she
will make. She then counts up her points and sketches out the layout of the essay. She has now done
the bulk of her essay without actually writing a work of it. She can then spend the next 15 minutes
writing the essay whose framework she has already created.
According to the College Board’s published materials on the AP Psychology free-response
questions, you are expected to do the following:
Describe an overarching framework
Be SPECIFIC in both your references to and discussion of psychological principles or problems
Cite evidence and examples to illustrate your explanations.
Clearly state the intent of your evidence (to support or contrast a claim)
State your points clearly and DIRECTLY
Write an introductory sentence that is NOT a repeat of the question.
Use psychological terms and proper names of theories, theorists, etc.
Define all terms
Support everything with an example or study, preferably from your coursework (but if you
can only come up with a personal example, try it)
Flag your examples with “For example…”
Be sure examples are actually relevant. If you can’t think of an example, skip a few lines and
return.
Use trigger words (“Most will agree that ‘time-out’ is clearly an improvement over corporal
punishment. However, attachment dysfunction can have far-reaching effects. For example…” – by
using the word “however” you are introducing the change in direction of the paragraph and putting your
example after that sentence makes it clear that your example is in contrast to a previous point)
Use transitional phrases. (“Another important area to examine when considering the possible
repercussions of the ‘time-out’ is the cognitive development of children.” v. “Cognitive development of
children comes in stages.”) Despite the fact that there is nothing inherently wrong with the second
sentence the first sentence creates better flow – it’s easier and more pleasant to read!
Write a final closing sentence only – it should summarize your overriding theme. (“Thus, while
time-out may have some benefits, the potential emotional scars it can leave behind should not be
underestimated.”)
Use as a high a level of vocabulary as is comfortable for you. Don’t use too much slang or
informal language; yet don’t write in a way that will sound awkward and forced. Spell them correctly.
If you can’t spell a word, pick another word!
Be clear, concise, and direct – NO FLUFF!
The free response questions evaluate students’ mastery of scientific research principles and their
ability to make connections among constructs from different psychological domains (i.e. development,
personality. Learning, etc.). Students may be asked to analyze a general problem in psychology (i.e.
depression, adaptation, etc.) using concepts from different theoretical frameworks or sub-domains in
the field, or they may be asked to design, analyze, or critique a research study.
In the free response section of the AP Psychology Examination, students are asked to answer two
essay questions. The question may require students to interrelate different content areas and to
analyze and evaluate psychological constructs and, more generally, theoretical perspectives. Students
are expected to use their analytical and organizational skills to formulate cogent answers in writing
their essays.
-The College Board
AP Psychology END-OF-YEAR Evaluation
1. What did you like most about the class? Explain.
2. What did you like least about the class? Explain
3. What would you recommend as a way to improve this class?
4. What would you tell a friend s/he needed to do to be successful in this class?
5. Name at least one thing we did or one topic we studied in class you enjoyed and explain why.
For the following statements circle the number indicating the strength of your feeling.
6. This was the most difficult class I have ever taken.
Strongly Disagree
-1
0
+1
Strongly Agree
-2
7. My quiz/test grades are appropriate for the amount of work I did to prepare for them.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
-1
0
+1
+2
-2
+2
8. I would take another class from this instructor if the course fit my schedule or was a subject of interest to me.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
-2
-1
0
+1
+2
9. The interactive notebook was generally a strong learning, organizational, and review tool.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
-2
-1
0
+1
+2
10. I felt fairly confident on exam day going into the test.
Strongly Disagree
-1
0
+1
Strongly Agree
+2
-2
11. I felt good about my performance on the test after I finished.
Strongly Disagree
-1
0
+1
+2
Strongly Agree
-2
Please use the space on the back to say anything you would like to say about the course or the instructor that
couldn’t be addressed by the items above.
AP Psychology 1st Semester Exam
Hoilman
1. Professor McClure believes that young children are frequently able to make morally correct decisions because
humans are endowed with an inborn knowledge of basic ethical principles. The professor’s belief is most
consistent with the view of:
a. Aristotle
b. Plato
c. John Locke
d. Francis Bacon
e. Democritus
2. Research participants were asked to monitor and report their own immediate sensory reactions to differently
colored objects. This research involved a technique known as:
a. PRTR
b. Behavior genetics
c. Psychoanalysis
d. Massed practice
e. Introspection
3. The unreliability of introspection contributed to the waning popularity of:
a. Structuralism
b. Pragmatism
c. Empiricism
d. Behaviorism
e. Psychoanalysis
4. In its early years, psychology focused on the study of _____, but from the 1920’s into the 1960’s, American
psychologists emphasized the study of ____.
a. environmental influences; hereditary influences
b. maladaptive behavior; adaptive behavior
c. unconscious motives; conscious thoughts and feelings
d. mental processes; observable behavior
e. mental illness; cognition
5. Contemporary psychology is best defined as the science of:
a. Conscious and unconscious mental activity
b. Observable responses to the environment
c. Behavior and mental processes
d. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions
e. Maladaptive and adaptive behaviors
6. Efforts to discover whether the intelligence of children is more heavily influenced by their genetic dispositions
or by their home environments are most directly relevant to the debate regarding:
a. Structuralism versus functionalism.
b. Rationality versus irrationality.
c. Observation versus introspection.
d. Psychoanalysis versus associationism
e. Nature versus nurture.
7. The neuroscience perspective in psychology would be most likely to emphasize that behavior is influenced by:
a. Environmental circumstances.
b. Blood chemistry.
c. Unconscious conflicts.
d. Subjective interpretations.
e. Rewards and punishments
8. Which perspective would suggest that the facial expressions of emotion associated with lust and rage are
inherited?
a. Cognitive
b. Behavioral
c. Evolutionary
d. Social-cultural
e. Psychodynamic
9. Which perspective is most relevant to understanding the impact of strokes and brain diseases on memory?
a. Evolutionary
b. behavioral
c. psychodynamic
d. neuroscience
e. behavior genetics
10. Professor Crisman believes that most women prefer tall and physically strong partners because this preference
enhanced the reproductive success of our female ancestors. This viewpoint best illustrate the ____ perspective.
a. Social-cultural
b. Behavioral
c. Cognitive
d. Evolutionary
e. Psychodynamic
11. Professor Lopez believes that severe depression results primarily from an unbalanced diet and abnormal brain
chemistry. Professor Lopez favors a ___ perspective on depression.
a. Neuroscience
b. Social-cultural
c. Psychodynamic
d. Behavior genetics
e. Cognitive
12. Mrs. Alfieri believes that her husband’s irritability toward her results from his unconscious feelings of hostility
toward his own mother. Mrs. Alfieri is interpreting her husband’s behavior from a(n) ___ perspective.
a. Evolutionary
b. Behavioral
c. Psychodynamic
d. Behavior genetics
e. Social-cultural
13. Although Paul seems bright and capable to his parents and friends, he has been failing in school. Paul agrees to
speak with a psychologist, who suggests that his problems stem from internal processes such as unrealistic
expectations and negative thinking. The psychologist’s view is typical of which of the following models of
behavior?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Psychoanalytic
Humanistic
Cognitive
Sociobiological
Behavioral
14. Mrs. Thompson believes that her son has become an excellent student because she consistently uses praise and
affection to stimulate his learning efforts. Her belief best illustrates a ___ perspective.
a. Behavior genetics
b. Cognitive
c. Neuroscience
d. Psychodynamic
e. Behavioral
15. In a written report of their research, psychologists specify exactly how anxiety is assessed, thus providing their
readers with a(n):
a. Hypothesis
b. Independent variable
c. Operational definition
d. Standard deviation
e. Confounding variable
16. The most distinctive characteristic of the experimental method is that it
a. Studies a few people in great depth
b. Studies subjects in their natural environment
c. Is an efficient way to discover how people feel
d. Seeks to establish cause-effect relationships
e. Provides a chronological basis for reaching conclusions
17. A double-blind control is essential for which of the following?
a. A study comparing the IQ test scores of children from different educational systems
b. A study of relationships among family members
c. An experiment to determine the effect of a food reward on the bar-pressing rate of a rat
d. Assessment of a treatment designed to reduce schizophrenic symptoms
e. A survey of drug use among teenagers.
18. The case study is a research method in which:
a. A single individual is studied in great depth
b. A representative sample of people are questioned regarding their opinions or behaviors
c. Organisms are carefully observed in a laboratory environment
d. An investigator manipulates one or more variables that might affect behavior
e. A cross-section of the population is compared
19. The process of replication is most likely to be facilitated by:
a. The hindsight bias
b. The false consensus effect
c. Illusory correlation
d. Operational definitions
e. The placebo effect
20. Jeff mistakenly assumes that everybody around him enjoys listening to country music just as much as he does.
Jeff best illustrates:
a. the false consensus effect
b. the hindsight bias
c. an illusion of control
d. the placebo effect
e. stereotyping
21. The function of dendrites is to:
a. Receive incoming signals from other neurons
b. Release neurotransmitters into the spatial junctions between neurons
c. Coordinate the activation of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems
d. Control pain though the release of opiate like chemicals into the brain
e. Determine when additional hormones are required in the bloodstream
22. The speed at which a neural impulse travels is increased when the axon is encased by a(n):
a. Association area
b. Myelin sheath
c. Endocrine gland
d. Glial cell
e. Synaptic vesicle
23. An action potential is generated by the movement of:
a. Glial cells
b. Hormones
c. Vesicles
d. Ions
e. Neurotransmitters
24. Sir Charles Sherrington observed that impulses took more time to travel a neural pathway than he might have
anticipated. His observation provided evidence for the existence of:
a. Association areas
b. Glial cells
c. Synaptic gaps
d. Interneurons
e. Neural networks
25. Neurotransmitters are released from vesicles located in knoblike terminals on the:
a. Dendrites
b. Soma
c. Axon
d. Myelin sheath
e. Nucleus
26. Schizophrenia is most closely linked with excess receptor activity for the neurotransmitter:
a. Dopamine
b. Epinephrine
c. Acetylcholine
d. Serotonin
e. GABA
27. An undersupply of serotonin is most closely linked to:
a. Alzheimer’s disease
b. Schizophrenia
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Depression
e. Multiple Sclerosis
28. Epinephrine is to hormone as acetylcholine is to:
a. Synapse
b. Action potential
c. Endorphin
d. Neurotransmitter
e. Glial cell
29. Botulin poisoning from improperly canned food causes paralysis by blocking the release of:
a. Endorphins
b. Epinephrine
c. Acetylcholine
d. Dopamine
e. GABA
30. Messages are transmitted from your spinal cord to muscles in your hands by the ___ nervous system.
a. Central
b. Peripheral
c. Parasympathetic
d. Sympathetic
e. Autonomic
31. Neural networks refer to:
a. The branching extensions of a neuron
b. Functionally interconnected clusters of neurons in the central nervous system
c. Neural cables containing many axons
d. Junctions between sending and receiving neurons
e. Neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body
32. In order to identify which of Lucy’s brain areas was most active when she talked neuroscientist gave her a
temporarily radioactive form of glucose and a(n):
a. CT scan
b. PET scan
c. EEG
d. MRI
e. FMRI
33. Which of the following is a brain-imaging technique that produces the most detailed picture of brain structure?
a. EEG
b. MRI
c. PET
d. CT
e. EMG
34. The part of the brainstem that controls heartbeat and breathing is called the:
a. Cerebellum
b. Medulla
c. Reticular formation
d. Thalamus
e. Pons
35. The thalamus processes information for all of the following senses EXCEPT
a. Smell
b. Hearing
c. Taste
d. Vision
e. touch
36. A brain tumor that results in obesity would most likely be located in the
a. Left frontal lobe
b. Base of the brain stem
c. Area of the hypothalamus
d. Reticular activating system
e. Somatosensory cortex
37. Severing a cat’s reticular formation from higher brain regions causes the cat to:
a. Become violently aggressive
b. Cower in fear
c. Experience convulsive seizures
d. Lapse into a coma
e. Become sexually preoccupied
38. Phineas Gage showed severe personality changes following an accident that damaged the
a. Cerebellum
b. Temporal cortex
c. Hypothalamus
d. Hippocampus
e. Prefrontal cortex
39. The language disorder in which speech flows smoothly as a nonsensical “word salad” is:
a. Broca’s aphasia
b. Wernicke’s aphasia
c. Apraxia
d. The split-brain syndrome
e. Brain lesion
40. Which of the following areas of the body has the largest number of sensory neurons?
a. Back
b. Foot
c. Ear
d. Lips
e. Wrist
41. The experience of auditory hallucinations by people with schizophrenia is most closely linked with the
activation of areas in their:
a. Motor cortex
b. Wernicke’s area
c. Temporal lobes
d. Hypothalamus
e. Broca’s area
42. After he suffered a stroke, Mr. Santore’s physical coordination skills and responsiveness to sensory stimulation
quickly returned to normal. Unfortunately, however, he began to experience unusual difficulty in scheduling his
daily activities and solving simple problems. It is most likely that Mr. Santore suffered damage to his:
a. Cerebellum
b. Thalamus
c. Hypothalamus
d. Autonomic nervous system
e. Association areas
43. Which of the following parts of the brain is most active in decision-making?
a. Reticular formation
b. Corpus callosum
c. Hypothalamus
d. Cerebral cortex
e. Pituitary gland
44. After a severe hockey injury, Louis lost his ability to read, even though he could see well, speak fluently, and
understand whatever others said. It is likely that his cortex was damaged in:
a. The angular gyrus
b. Wernicke’s area
c. The frontal lobe
d. Broca’s area
e. Somatosensory cortex
45. The benefits of brain plasticity are most clearly demonstrated in:
a. Children who have had a cerebral hemisphere surgically removed
b. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
c. Adults with aphasia
d. Elderly stroke patients
e. People free of any disease or brain damage
46. The human genome is the complete
a. Set of human sexual characteristics regulated by the X and Y chromosomes
b. Range of traits that contribute to reproductive success
c. Sequence of nucleotides organized as coiled chains of DNA
d. Sequence of DNA organized within the chromosomes
e. Cascade of interactions between genetic predispositions and surrounding environments
47. Human genetic diversity consists of the variations in the sequence of our
a. Nucleotides
b. Synapses
c. Memes
d. Gender schemas
e. Hormones
48. Evolutionary psychologists would be most likely to predict that
a. Fathers are more protective of their children than mothers
b. Mothers are more protective of their children than fathers
c. People are the most romantically attracted to those who are the most genetically dissimilar to themselves
d. Genetic predispositions have little effect on our social relationships
e. Children are not likely to be abused by their biological parents
49. Men judge women as especially attractive if they appear __________ and women judge men as especially
attractive if they appear __________.
a. Mature; mature
b. Youthful; youthful
c. Mature;’ youthful
d. Youthful; mature
e. Successful; mature
50. A child’s temperament is likely to be
a. Difficult to observe
b. Stable over time
c. A product of parenting style
d. A reflection of their gender schemas
e. Changing according to stages of development
51. For children from impoverished environments, stimulating educational experiences during early childhood are
most likely to
a. Facilitate the development of nucleotides
b. Decrease their emotional attachment to their own parents
c. Have no discernable effect on subsequent academic performance
d. Prevent the degeneration of activated connections between neurons
e. All of the above
52. It has been suggested that our sensitivity to peer influence is genetically predisposed because it has facilitated
the process of human mating. This suggestion best illustrates
a. Gender schema theory
b. Freudian psychology
c. Molecular genetics
d. An evolutionary perspective
e. Behavior genetics
54. A cluster of behaviors expected of those who occupy a particular social position is a
a. Norm
b. Role
c. Schema
d. Meme
e. Culture
55. Gender identify refers to
a. One’s biological sex
b. The sense of being male or female
c. The set of expected behaviors for males and females
d. How masculine a boy is or how feminine a girl is
e. A person’s identification with the parent of the opposite sex
56. Gender role refers to
a. One’s biological sex
b. The sense of being male or female
c. The set of expected behaviors for males and females
d. The sense of being homosexual or heterosexual
e. How masculine a boy is or how feminine a girl is
57. Children’s English accents are more likely to be influenced by their _________ than by their __________.
a. Teachers; parents
b. Peers; parents
c. Temperament; gender
d. Society; gender
e. Ethnicity; social environment
58. The practice of covering your mouth when you yawn best illustrates the impact of
a. Genetic predispositions
b. Roles
c. Gender schemas
d. Personal space
e. Norms
59. Genetic influences on personality traits are most clearly highlighted by comparing __________ with
__________,
a. Identical twins raised together; identical twins raised apart
b. Fraternal twins raised together; fraternal twins raised apart
c. Identical twins raised together; fraternal twins raised together
d. Identical twins raised apart; fraternal twins raised together
e. Fraternal twins raised apart; fraternal twins raised together
60. Our selective exposure to those life experiences that are best suited to our unique temperaments best illustrates
the interaction of
a. Roles and norms
b. Nature and nurture
c. Schemas and memes
d. Neural connections and maturation
e. Gender and ethnicity
61. The smallest unit of meaning in a language are
a. Phonemes
b. Phenomes
c. Morphemes
d. Morphines
e. Pheromones
62. In the Harlow study of emotional attachment, infant monkeys were placed in a cage and given both a “wire”
mother and a “cloth” mother. Researchers then moved a bottle of milk from one mother to the other while
introducing various stimuli to see if the monkey would form attachment to either of the “mothers.” In this
experiment, the independent variable is
a. The placement of the bottle of milk
b. The “wire” mother versus the “cloth” mother
c. The preference of the infants for the “wire” mother
d. The preference of the infants for the “cloth” mother
e. The preference of the infants for the source of milk
63. In the above example, the dependent variable is
a. The placement of the bottle of milk
b. The “wire” mother versus the “cloth” mother
c. The various stimuli introduced to the infant monkeys
d. The preference of the infants for the “cloth” mother
e. The preference of the infants for the source of milk
64. All of the following are stages in the development of language that children of virtually every culture go
through EXCEPT
a. Babbling
b. Grammatical speech
c. Telegraphic speech
d. One-word sentences
e. Introductive speech
65. The rules that govern the placement of words and phrases in a sentence are called
a. Semantics
b. Grammar
c. Syntax
d. Phonemes
e. Morphemes
66. Piaget proposed that children develop knowledge by
a. Constructing reality out of their own experiences
b. Participating in traditional learning environments
c. Responding to physiological changes
d. Modeling various cultural influences
e. Drawing on genetically predisposed knowledge
67. 14-mont-old toddler is placed in an unfamiliar situation with the child’s mother, who then leaves the room for
a time. When the mother returns, the child squirms and tries to get away from the mother when picked up, but
also seems distressed when placed back on the floor. Mary Ainsworth would consider this evidence of which of
the following?
a. Hyperactivity
b. Narcissistic personality type
c. Resistant or ambivalent attachment style
d. Avoidance
e. Secure attachment style
68. Which Piagetian stage of cognitive development is characterized by mastery of conservation tasks?
a. Sensorimotor
b. Preoperational
c. Concrete operations
d. Formal operations
e. Tertiary circular reactions
69. The rules of grammar are rules of
a. Phonemes
b. Morphemes
c. Semantics
d. Syntax
e. Pragmatics
70. A baby looks under the sofa for a ball that has just rolled underneath it. According to Piaget, the baby’s action
shows development of
a. Conservation of mass
b. Reversibility
c. Object permanence
d. Logical thinking
e. Metacognition
71. Mary Ainswothr’s Strange Situation paradigm is typically used to test young children’s
a. Ego strength
b. Intelligence
c. Reaction time
d. Incidental learning
e. Attachment
72. Noam Chomsky’s view of language proposes that
a. There is an inherent language acquisition device
b. Thinking is merely subvocal language
c. Different levels of language ability are hereditarily determined
d. Language acquisition can be explained by social modeling
e. Language is learned principally through verbal reinforcement
73. The most well-adjusted and socially competent children tend to come from home where parents employ which
of the following parental styles?
a. Minimal supervision
b. Authoritarian
c. Authoritative
d. Indulgent
e. Permissive
74. Our readiness to learn walking at about age 1 represents the development of
a. The cerebellum
b. The cerebral cortex
c. Object permanence
d. Reflexive balance
e. Sensorimotor skills
75. If research suggested that a prenatal mother’s use of an artificial sweetener caused harm to the fetus, the
artificial sweetener would be considered a(n)
a. FAS
b. Forma of DNA
c. Depressant
d. Teratogen
e. Neurotransmitter
76. The rooting reflex refers to a baby’s tendency to
a. Withdraw a limb to escape pain
b. Turn the head away from a cloth placed over the face
c. Look longer at human faces than at inanimate objects
d. Be startled by a loud noise
e. Open the mouth in search of a nipple when touched on the cheek
77. Habituation refers to the
a. Awareness that things continue to exist even when not perceived
b. Decreasing responsiveness to a stimulus to which one is repeatedly exposed
c. Adjustment of current schemas to make sense of new information
d. Interpretation of new information in terms of existing schemas
e. Biological growth processes that are relatively uninfluenced by experience
78. Four-year-old Karen can’t remember anything of the first few months of her life. This is best explained by the
fact that
a. The trauma of birth interfered with the subsequent formation of memories
b. Most brain cells do not yet exist at the time of birth
c. Experiences shortly after birth are a meaningless blur of darkness and light
d. Many neural connection that underlie memories are only beginning to form shortly after birth
e. Early memories are repressed
79. Mr. And Mrs. Batson can’t wait to begin toilet training their one-year-old daughter. The Batson most clearly
need to be informed about the importance of
a. Imprinting
b. Habituation
c. Fluid intelligence
d. Maturation readiness
e. Object permanence
80. The body structures that enable reproduction are the
a. Primary sex characteristics
b. Secondary sex characteristics
c. Teratogens
d. Sex-linked genes
e. Gender schemas
81. According to Erikson, adolescence is to identity as late adulthood is to
a. Integrity
b. Autonomy
c. Generativity
d. Intimacy
e. Trust
82. Sixteen-year-old Brenda questions her parents’ values but does not fully accept her friends’ standard either. Her
confusion about twhat she really wants and values in life suggests that Brenda is struggling with the problem of
a. Autonomy
b. Identity
c. Initiative
d. Integrity
e. Generativity
83. Physical abilities such as muscular strength, reaction time, sensory keenness, and cardiac output reach their
peak during
a. Late adolescence
b. Early adulthood
c. Puberty
d. Late adulthood
e. Middle adulthood
84. Alzheimer’s disease involves a deterioration of neurons that produce
a. Dopamine
b. Estrogen
c. Acetylcholine
d. Serotonin
e. Epinephrine
85. Three-month-old Andrew was obviously startled by the first ring of the telephone, but with each subsequent
ring he seemed to become less reactive. This best illustrates the process of
a. Accommodation
b. Assimilation
c. Conservation
d. Habituation
e. Imprinting
86. Giulio’s bag of marbles is twice as heavy as Jim’s. If it takes 5 extra marbles to make Jim’s bag feel heavier, it
will take 10 extra marbles to make Giulio’s bag feel heavier. This best illustrates:
a. the opponent-process theory
b. accommodation
c. frequency theory
d. sensory adaptation
e. Weber’s law
87. Sensory adaptation refers to:
a. the process by which stimulus energies are changed into neural impulses.
b. Diminishing sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus
c. The process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting sensory information
d. Changes in the shape of the lens as it focuses on objects
e. The heightening of one sense to compensate for a decrease in another one
88. The constant quivering movements of our eyes are necessary in order to:
a. facilitate the process of accommodation
b. illuminate the entire retina
c. minimize sensory adaptation
d. do all of the above
e. enable the ganglion cells to efficiently fire
89. The process by which our sensory systems convert stimulus energies into neural messages is called:
a. Accommodation
b. sensory adaptation
c. transduction
d. parallel processing
e. sensory interaction
90. The feature detectors identified by Hubel and Weisel consist of:
a. nerve cells in the brain
b. rods and cones
c. bipolar cells
d. ganglion cells
e. olfactory receptor cells
91. The ability to simultaneously process the pitch, loudness, melody, and meaning of a song best illustrates:
a. sensory interaction
b. kinesthesis
c. accommodation
d. subliminal perception
e. parallel processing
92. Of the four distinct skin senses, specialized receptor cells have been identified for the sense of:
a. pressure
b. pain
c. warmth
d. cold
e. hot
93. The opponent-process theory is to our sense of color as the gate-control theory is to our sense of:
a. pitch
b. smell
c. equilibrium
d. kinesthesis
e. pain
94. When there is a conflict between bits of information received by two or more senses, which sense tends to
dominate the others?
a. Hearing
b. Vision
c. Smell
d. Touch
e. none of the above; the senses work together as equal partners
95. The cocktail party effect provides an example of:
a. perceptual constancy.
b. Perceptual set.
c. Selective attention.
d. The phi phenomenon.
e. Perceptual adaptation.
96. The principles of connectedness and closure best illustrate that:
a. sensations are organized into meaningful patterns (Gestalt)
b. perception is the direct product of sensation
c. cultural experiences shape perception
d. visual information is especially likely to capture our attention
e. perceptual systems use the Geon theory to build a three dimensional world
97. Holding two index fingers in front of the eyes can create the perception of a floating finger sausage. This best
illustrates the effect of:
a. Convergence
b. relative clarity
c. retinal disparity
d. interposition
e. visual capture
98. The ability of newly hatched chicks to perceive depth best serves to support the views of:
a. Locke
b. Kant
c. Freud
d. Aristotle
e. Watson
99. Which of the following cues do artists use to convey depth on a flat canvas?
a. Convergence
b. Continuity
c. Interposition
d. Closure
e. all of the above
100.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Which of the following cues is most essential to the perception of depth in the visual cliff?
texture gradient
interposition
stroboscopic movement
connectedness
stereopsis
101.
The sequentially flashing Christmas tree lights appeared to generate pulsating waves of motion. This
best illustrates:
a. Stroboscopic movement
b. retinal disparity
c. the phi phenomenon
d. visual capture
e. perceptual adaptation
102.
Although college textbooks frequently cast a trapezoidal image on the retina, students typically perceive
the books as rectangular objects. This illustrates the importance of:
a. Interposition
b. size constancy
c. linear perspective
d. shape constancy
e. binocular cues
103.
Of two identical horizontal bars in the Ponzo illusion, the bar that is ___ in the visual field appears to be
___ because it appears to be farther away.
a. higher; shorter
b. lower; shorter
c. higher; longer
d. lower; longer
e. none of the above; the Ponzo illusion deals with arrows
104.
Consciousness is to subconsciousness as ___ is to ___.
a. monism; dualism
b. serial processing; parallel processing
c. narcolepsy; sleep apnea
d. latent content; manifest content
e. delta wave; alpha wave
105.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Studies of daydreaming indicate that:
for most people, daydreaming is a rare occurrence
older adults spend more time daydreaming than do younger adults
among college students, women’s daydreams have more athletic content than do men’s
individuals who are prone to violence, delinquency, and foul language have fewer vivid fantasies
none of the above, day dreams are insignificant in consciousness
106.
Those who emphasize that mood fluctuations may be indicative of seasonal affective disorder are
highlighting the importance of:
a. the menstrual cycle
b. dissociation
c. REM sleep
d. Biological rhythms
e. Narcolepsy
107.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
False sensory experiences that occur in the absence of appropriate sensory stimulation are called:
night terrors
dreams
psychedelics
dissociations
hallucinations
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The rhythmic burst of brain activity that occur during Stage 2 sleep are called:
alpha waves
paradoxical sleep
sleep spindles
delta waves
K complexes
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Which of the following is a circadian rhythm?
The ebb and flow of an individual’s emotions during a 24 hour period
Jet lag experienced after an airline flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo
A cycle of biological functioning that lasts about 25 hours with no light cues
The series of five stages that people go through during a normal night’s sleep
The systematic alternation between alpha waves and delta waves during the different sleep stages
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Sigmund Freud referred to dreaming as the
key to the kingdom
place where the rubber hits the road
royal road to the unconscious
height of the sublime
ego-defense mechanisms
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
REM sleep is called paradoxical sleep because:
our heart rate is slow and steady, while our breathing is highly irregular
we are deeply asleep but can be awakened easily
our nervous system is highly active, while our voluntary muscles hardly move
it leads to highly imaginative dreams that are perceived as colorless images
internal and external states are in equilibrium
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
113.
sleep.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The human sleep cycle repeats itself about every:
30 minutes
90 minutes
2 ½ hours
4 hours
60 minutes
During a heated argument with his teenage daughter, Mr. Reid suddenly lapsed into a state of REM
Mr. Reid apparently suffers from:
Narcolepsy
Insomnia
sleep apnea
REM rebound
Sleepwalking
114.
Mr. Oates always sleeps restlessly, snorting and gasping throughout the night. It is most likely that Mr.
Oates suffers from:
a. sleep apnea
b. narcolepsy
c. night terror
d. insomnia
e. sleep talking
115.
Greg remembered a recent dream in which his girlfriend suddenly grabbed the wheel of his speeding car
to prevent him from driving off the edge of a cliff. Greg’s therapist suggested that the dream might be a
representation of the girlfriend’s frantic efforts to save the couple from sexual disaster. According to Freud, the
therapist was attempting to reveal the ___ of Greg’s dream.
a. REM content
b. Circadian rhythm
c. Latent content
d. Manifest content
e. EEG pattern
116.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Evidence suggests that we consolidate our memories of recent life events through:
Dissociation
sleep apnea
night terrors
REM sleep
Sleep cycles
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Which theory suggests that dreams are mental responses to random bursts of neural stimulation?
dissociation theory
social influence theory
activation-synthesis theory
Freud’s dream theory
Crick-McCarley Theory
117.
118.
Twenty-eight-year-old Theodore has an irrational fear of dogs. His therapist hypnotizes him and asks
him to mentally relive his earliest childhood experience with a dog. The therapist is making use of:
a. posthypnotic amnesia
b. age regression
c. retrograde amnesia
d. temporal dissociation
e. the hidden observer
119.
with:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
In Hilgard’s studies of pain sensitivity, the hidden observer reported experiences typically associated
120.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The need to take larger and larger doses of a drug in order to experience its effects is an indication of:
Withdrawal
Dissociation
Resistance
Tolerance
narcolepsy
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The discomfort and distress that follow the discontinued use of certain drugs is called:
Intolerance
Narcolepsy
Withdrawal
Retraction
dissociation
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
In large doses, alcohol is a ___; in small amounts, it is a ___.
depressant; stimulant
stimulant; depressant
hallucinogen; depressant
stimulant; stimulant
depressant; depressant
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Pavlov's research on classical conditioning was important because:
it highlighted the role of cognitive processes in learning
so many different species of animals, including humans, can be classically conditioned.
it demonstrated an essential difference between animal and human learning.
of all the above reasons.
none of the above reasons, Pavlov's research is no longer relevant
121.
122.
123.
the Freudian unconscious
paradoxical sleep
slow-wave sleep
normal consciousness
motivational conflict
124.
Because Mr. Barron demonstrates appreciation only for classroom performance that is flawless, his
students have become poor and unmotivated learners. Mr. Baron most clearly needs to be informed of the value
of
a. Generalization
b. Modeling
c. Shaping
d. Latent learning
e. Spontaneous recovery
125.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Negative reinforcement is most clearly illustrated by which scenario?
A student’s disgustingly sarcastic jokes cease when his roommate lends him some bash
A campus “street dog” barks in appreciation when food handouts are given to him
A child is spanked for sassing her parents
A student earns the lowest grade on a test and is given an F
A child is forbidden to watch television for a week
126.
In a well-known experiment, preschool children pounded and kicked a large inflated Bobo doll that an
adult had just beaten on. This experiment served to illustrate the importance of
a. Negative reinforcement
b. Punishment
c. Classical conditioning
d. Observational learning
e. Spontaneous recovery
127.
Makayla developed an intense fear of flying five years ago when she was in a plane crash. The fact that
today she can again fly without distress indicates that her fear had undergone
a. Spontaneous recovery
b. Extinction
c. Generalization
d. Discrimination
e. Acquisition
128.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Receiving delicious food is to escaping electric schock as __________ is to __________.
Positive reinforcer; negative reinforcer
Primary reinforcer; secondary reinforcer
Immediate reinforcer; delayed reinforcer
Reinforcement; punishment
Partial reinforcement; continuous reinforcement
129.
Someone who contributes money to her church every Sunday donates according to a _____
reinforcement schedule.
a. Fixed-interval
b. Variable-interval
c. Fixed-ratio
d. Variable-ratio
e. Partial
130.
For several years Ruth played softball for the sheer enjoyment of the game. Her loss of intrinsic interest
in playing after being recruited by a professional team for $100 a game best illustrates:
a. The overjustification effect
b. Spontaneous recovery
c. Intermittent reinforcement
d. Latent learning
e. Respondent behavior
Name_____________________________
Film Studies – AP Psychology – 3rd Qtr. Project
You will be conducting research analyzing a psychological illness or disorder in groups (3-5 people). Locate a movie or
documentary that highlights your chosen topic. Each group member will earn an individual grade for writing an
analytical research paper (4-6 pages in length). As a group you will earn a grade for your presentation (5-7minutes) that
synthesizes the illness or disorder before we view the film. Presentations must include at least one visual – power point,
overheads, handouts, poster, etc.
Essay Rubric
2
Not present
Development
4
Essay Ideas & Content:
2
4
Present but needs
Keep practicing
6
6
Good use
8
8
accurately presents information (4-6 pages)
uses details and descriptive terminology
makes connections to the film – evaluates relevancy of scenes/characters, etc.
uses good word choice, fluency, and voice
chooses good transitions between paragraphs
establishes and maintains a strong focus with well-organized paragraphs
Bibliography:
2
correctly applies format
4
6
8
Mastery
minimum of three resources, including textbook
Content & Format:
2
4
6
8
essay and bibliography are typed (double spaced for essay) or printed in black ink
grammar, spelling, punctuation, transitions & word choice are strong
/24 x 5 =
Presentation/Film Rubric
Presentation:
2
4
6
/120
8
demonstrates clear and concise understanding of topic within 5-7 minute time period
explains topic well – making references to previous knowledge/units studies and/or focus scenes
interesting presentation with strong visual (power point, poster board, handout, overhead, etc.)
specifically outlines or references movie’s connection to topic (introduce characters or specific scenes that
clearly illustrate the psychological challenge/illness)
Film Choice/Creativity:
2
4
6
8
highlights illness or abnormality appropriately and vividly
/16 x 3=
/48
TOTAL /168
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Influential Personalities – 2nd Quarter Project
Choosing a personality: Each of you will randomly choose a famous person who has greatly influenced
the field of psychology. If you have already researched that person, you will choose an alternate.
Designing a business card: One component of your assignment is to design a business card for your
chosen person. Each business card must be on 8 ½ x 11” paper or cardstock & contain:
NAME of person
TITLE of person
CONTACT INFORMATION (phone number & address)
SYMBOL of person's practice or business s/he is representing
SLOGAN/MOTTO - a catchy phrase reflecting that person's theory
QUOTATION that represents the person's philosophy
Be creative: Business cards are often the first impression one has of a professional. They should be
colorful, organized, and attractive. You must persuade others you are right for the job!
Essay: Write an essay no longer than 500 words.
A general idea of how to format a three-paragraph essay:
Your first paragraph should introduce the person. Include the time period that she or he
conducted research, where that research was conducted, why the research was conducted or the
hypothesis and/or theory of focus.
Paragraph two should provide details regarding her or his accomplishments
and research. What was the overall outcome of the research and what conclusions were made?
The concluding paragraph should include information about how this person has influenced the
field of psychology and the world today.
Bibliography: You must have a minimum of three resources.
Works Cited: You must have a minimum of two primary source quotations. Be sure to include these
resources on your bibliography.
WRITING TIPS:
Know the difference between a Bibliography and a Works Cited page:
Have plenty of information before you write. You may not use all the information you collect, but the
more research you have done, the stronger your ideas and understanding of the topic will be.
Focus on details that matter. When writing a paper on Disney World, don't write about every ride.
Rather, include information about a particularly popular ride or a ride that got stuck.
Begin with a strong lead. Try to introduce your psychologist by discussing something you think is
interesting. Use your lead to hook your reader and foreshadow what is coming.
Use connecting words and phrases, called transitions. Transitions help the reader move from one idea
to the next:
To add information: In addition, Furthermore, For example
To conclude or summarize: As a result, Finally, In conclusion, In short,
To compare/contrast: In the same way, Similarly, On the other hand, However,
To show time: Next, Later, Then, After a while,
Endings are critical! It's your last chance to leave a good impression. How does your favorite book
end? Be very descriptive and don't repeat yourself. End with a bang!
Make your voice strong! Shape the writing to suit your inner voice by reading your paper out loud to
yourself. Be the expert on the topic and take a confident stand. If you believe something is
interesting, make it interesting for the reader.
i.e.
Don't say…"There is a possibility that the new rule on skateboarding could prove to be a
good idea in the minds of some people." (How uncertain can you get?!)
Say…"The new rule on skateboarding will reduce injuries and keep students safe."
(That's voice - that's conviction!)
Make strong word choices. Use a thesaurus to help. Avoid weak "to be" verbs such as is, are, was, or
were.
i.e.
Alice was ten minutes late for breakfast.
Alice huffed to the breakfast table ten minutes late, flung herself into her chair, and
snagged Frosted Flakes.
i.e.
The wind was strong.
The wind fumed and shrieked about the house, yanking at the loose shingles.
Write fluent sentences. Read it aloud. Is it easy to read? Do you have to pause anywhere? If you do,
take a second look and make some changes. Have someone read it to you. Listen carefully. Does the
reader have an easy time or does she struggle? If so, you need to make a few changes.
Influential Personalities - RUBRIC
Name__________________________
2
Not present
Development
4
Essay Ideas & Content:
2
4
Present but needs
Good use
Keep practicing
6
6
Mastery
8
8
accurately presents & analyzes information
uses details to describe person and achievements including two primary source quotations
uses good word choice, fluency, and voice, including psychological terms/vocabulary
chooses good transitions between paragraphs
establishes and maintains a strong focus with well-organized paragraph
Business Card Design Skills/Creativity:
2
4
6
8
strong use of color
demonstrates clear/concise understanding of the person
includes all standards - name, contact info., title, symbol, slogan, quote
hand-drawn/created on 8 ½ x 11” paper
Bibliography:
2
4
6
8
4
6
8
correctly applies format
minimum of three resources
Content & Format:
2
business card is on 8 ½ x 11” paper
essay and bibliography are typed (double spaced for essay) or printed in black ink
content is psychologically-focused – including concepts, terms, & knowledge from previous units
of study
minimum of two primary source quotations
TOTAL:
Wilhelm Wundt
William James
Sir Francis Galton
Sigmund Freud
Ivan Pavlov
John B. Watson
B.F. Skinner
Abraham Maslow
Jean Piaget
O. Hobart and Mollie Mowrer
Harry Harlow
Carol Gilligan
Martin Seligman
Lawrence Kohlberg
Erik Erikson
James Marcia
Albert Bandura
Diana Baumrind
Erich Fromm
Carl R. Rogers
Robert Sternberg
Alfred Binet
D.O. Sears & C. Hovland
Patricia Devine
Zick Rubin
Chris Sizemore
Thomas Szasz
Virginia Satir
Joseph Brady
H. Selye
G. Stanley Hall
Carl Jung
/32 x 2 =
Robert Havighurst
Daniel Levinson
Brain Mobile – 1st Quarter Project
/64
Design a mobile that illustrates both the anatomy and functions of the human brain. Your mobile
should be on a clothes hanger and must be both factually and anatomically correct.
Follow these directions to complete mobiles:
1. Ask a partner to trace your head (twice). These will be used as templates for your mobile.
2. Attach your two diagrams to a hanger to show both sides of the brain (you may want to hang
them at different lengths so they are easier to see once they are hanging up).
3. Identify each structure in the brain by choosing a different color to shade each structure. You
may use patterns if you run out of colors or you may use colored paper. You will probably need
to color on both sides of the brain because some structures may overlap or be difficult to
identify amongst the others.
4. From each structure identified suspend the following information:
a. Name of the structure on side 1
b. Function of the structure on side 2
5. Choose any ten structural suspensions and hang another string with the following information:
a. Create a scenario that describes the symptoms of damage to this area.
6. You must identify all 17 structures from “The Brain” chart.
7. Be sure to use the exemplars from class and the rubric to guide the completion of the project.
Brain Mobile Rubric
Name__________________________
2
Ideas & Content:
2
Not present
Development
4
Present but needs
Good use
Keep practicing
6
4
accurately presents information – factually & anatomically
uses details to describe damage scenarios
6
Mastery
8
8
Design Skills/Creativity:
1
2
3
4
6
8
strong use of color & bold labels
well-organized
neat & easy to interpret
Mechanics & Format:
2
4
spelling, punctuation, grammar, complete sentences
17 brain parts (name & function)
10 scenarios regarding damage
/20 x 3 =
/60