Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Synopsis of Course
AP Psychology is an entry-level college psychology course. It will serve two practical foci. It
is academic in orientation culminating with an AP exam in mid May. It is also functional in
orientation allowing students opportunity to give personal application to the content of the
course. Through the development of critical thinking, and upon the completion of the course,
students will be able to:
1.
define and explain at least four approaches to psychology
2.
perform scientific research and apply the scientific method to that research
3.
define and explain the biological basis of behavior
4.
explain the relationship between sensation and perception and the processes
within each relationship
5.
define and explain the various states of consciousness
6.
define and explain at least four learning theories
7.
explain cognition and how memory, language, and thinking are related
8.
define and explain at least four theories of motivation and emotion
9.
explain the developmental process from birth through death
10.
define personality and discuss its various theories and assessment techniques
11.
identify at least five common disorders and discuss possible causes and
treatments
12.
define standardization and norms and use spreadsheets (Excel) to graph the
results
13.
define social psychology and group dynamics
Materials/Supplies/Textbook Policy
The materials needed are your brain, a pen, paper, and a 3-ring binder to keep handouts,
notes, research, experiments, quizzes and personal journals (responses to various topics,
ideas, and personal insights).
Coon, Dennis. Introduction to Psychology Gateways to Mind and Behavior 2004 (Ninth
Edition)
Supplement Texts:
Hock, Roger R, Forty Studies That Changed Psychology (5th Edition)
Useful Web Sites:
College Board AP Psych Outline:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/psych/topics.html?phych
Teacher web sites:
http://www.madison.sandi.net/rrunyan/AP%20Psych/ap_psychology.htm
Student Expectations:
Advance Placement Psychology is the academically highest-level psychology course
offered to high school students. This course has the potential to provide college credit for
students successful in passing the AP Exam. Therefore, AP Psych students have very
specific expectations both academically and behaviorally:
 Attend class on time
 Bring necessary materials (texts, pens, pencils, binders…)
 Participate as both team members and leaders, in discussions, activities…
1
Mr. McElhaney
B18






2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Read assigned text and supplement materials (Reading is an integral part of this
course, students must be disciplined and prepared for extensive reading and notetaking in order to be prepared for the AP Exam)
Turn in all assignments on time (late work is either not allowed or will result in
drastic reduction in points)
Communicate effectively (orally and in writing)
Be responsible and self directed learner
Ask questions as necessary
Be courteous and use good conduct at all time
All students are expected to take the Advance Placement Exam. Students who complete
this course successfully but do not sit for the corresponding AP examination will receive
un-weighted credit. (See Administrative Procedure 4770, section C.3)
Course Assignments
The following assignments constitute the majority of the AP Psychology course. It is your
responsibility to continually track these assignments and turn them in according to the
proposed timeline. Failing to do so will have a negative impact on your grade. There is an
Orientation to Psychology paper due by the end of the second week of school.
1.
2.
Orientation to Psychology Paper Week 1 of course
There are two major research projects required for this course.
a. First Semester - select one of the major contributors to psychology from
the list provided and follow instructions for APA format writing
techniques. The paper should be 3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, and 12point Times New Roman or Arial font. A form will be handed to you
giving more detailed instruction.
b. Second Semester - select any topic relating to psychology based on the
subjects covered in the text. As above the format will be the same.
3.
Web Research - each student is responsible to find one article from each
chapter in the book that reflects the topic of that chapter. A printout of the
article can be submitted for credit. These are worth 25 points each.
4.
Fiction and Non-Fiction reading- Throughout each semester students must
read texts that apply or investigate psychological phenomenon.
5.
AP Psychology Notebook - this is a collection of handouts, notes, quizzes,
papers, and reflections. This notebook will be collected and graded
periodically
6.
Tests - one test per chapter. Each test will reflect the style of the AP Exam
and will be timed. It will consist of multiple-choice questions and 1 essay.
7.
Class Participation- There will be various written assignments and in-class
activities. Come prepared to discuss and interact with classmates on the topic
at hand.
Grading/Assessments/Methods/Strategies:
Grades will be calculated based on student mastery of content and skills as measured by
tests, quizzes, essays, homework, discussions, in class participation and projects. A
traditional ten percent scale will be used to calculate letter grades:
A = 100-90 %, B 89-79, C = 78-69, D = 68-58, F= 57%.
2
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Each assignment will be given a point value and will be broken down along this 10%
scale.
Classroom Policies
Make Up Work and Attendance:
Assignments and points will be given each day. If students are absent they will miss
points. It is the responsibility of the STUDENT to come after school to ask for missed
assignments and make-up tests and quizzes.
If a student is absent when a homework assignment is due, they must turn in the
assignment the next day they attend school.
If students are absent and miss a test or quiz they must make up the missed test the day
they return.
The attendance office must clear all absences or no credit or makeup will be allowed.
Truancies will result in loss of grade points, lowered citizenship, and detention.
Tardy Policy:
If students must come late to class they should not talk to the teacher or interrupt the class
when they come in. Students should sign the tardy sign in sheet, sit down, and begin
work and I will speak with students at the end of class. Students who come late to class
will be assigned detention and citizenship will be lowered.
Seating Charts will be used. All students will sit in assigned seats.
Supplies Needed: Binders, textbooks, paper pencils, pens,
Academic Honesty:
Thank you for always doing your own work and trying your best.
Academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating) will result in double loss of grade for that
assignment and counseling.
This syllabus can be amended at the discretion of the instructor.
Cut Here
Student __________________________________
Student E-mail_____________________________
Parent Signature___________________________
Parent E-mail:_____________________________
(Please print)
3
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
AP Outline
1. History and Approaches
2. Research Methods
3. Biological Bases of Behavior
4. Sensation and Perception
5. States of Consciousness
6. Learning
7. Cognition
8. Motivation and Emotion
9. Developmental Psychology
10. Personality
11. Testing and Individual Differences
12. Abnormal Psychology
13. Treatment of Psychology
14. Social Psychology
Semester One
Weeks 1-2
Psychology Orientation Essay Assignment
History and Approaches (2–4%)
Research Methods (6–8%)
Chapter 1 Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods 12
Ethics in the practice of Psychology
Week 3-4
Biological Bases of Behavior (8–10%)
Chapter 2 Brain and Behavior 56
Nervous System
Neurons
Neural Transmitters
Brain Anatomy
Glands and Behavior
Week 5-7
Developmental Psychology (7–9%)
Chapter 3 Child Development 92
Heredity
Nature vs. Nurture
Emotional Attachment
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Stages
Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural Theory of Learning
Chapter 4 From Birth to Death: Life-Span Development 136
Life Stages
Sibling Rivalry
Learning Disorders
Erikson, life span and development
Aging and Death
4
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Week 8-9
Sensation and Perception (7–9%)
Chapter 5 Sensation and Reality 174
Sensory systems
Private Sensations
The eyes/brain/chemical and neural elements of senses
Controlling Pain
Chapter 6 Perceiving the World 212
Perception
Size, shape, brightness, stereoscopic vision
Adaptation
Gestalt Principles
Depth perception
Illusions
Week 9-10
States of Consciousness (2–4%)
Chapter 7 States of Consciousness 250
Altered States of consciousness
Brain Waves and Sleep
Hypnosis
Psychoactive Drugs
Week 11-12
Learning (7–9%)
Chapter 8 Conditioning and Learning 292
Week 13-14
Cognition (8–10%)
Chapter 9 Memory 330
Chapter 10 Cognition, Language, and Creativity 366
Week 15
Motivation and Emotion (7–9%)
Chapter 12 Motivation and Emotion 430
Chapter 11 Intelligence 402
Week 16, 17, 18 Review, Projects, and Final
5
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Semester Two
Week 1-2
Personality (6–8%)
Chapter 13 Gender and Sexuality 474
Chapter 14 Personality 508
Chapter 15 Health, Stress, and Coping 548
Week 3-4
Testing and Individual Differences (5–7%)
Chapter 18 Social Behavior 666
Week 5-6
Abnormal Psychology (7–9%)
Chapter 16 Psychological Disorders 586
Week 7-8
Treatment of Psychological Disorders (5–7%)
Chapter 17 Therapies 628
Week 9-10
Social Psychology (7–9%)
Chapter 4 Specifically: Death and Dying162
Chapter 19 Attitudes, Culture, and Human Relations 696
Attitudes and Behavior: Fundamental attribution error, roles,
Festinger and cognitive dissonance
Group Influence: Asch and conformity, Milgram and obedience, facilitation and
loafing, Janis and groupthink
Prejudice and Scapegoating
Altruism: Darley and Latané
Chapter 20 Applied psychology 728
Week 11,12,13,14
Review, Projects, and Final Exam
6
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Pretest- Notables in the Study of Psychology
Instructions: For each of the following names, circle one of the choices and, if you can,
write a brief phrase or sentence indicating the person’s main contributions to psychology.
0 = Do not recognize this Individual
1 = Recognize this name.
2 = recognize this name and can describe the person’s contribution to psychology
Name
Contribution
Name
Contribution
1. Alfred Adler
33. Paul Broca
2. Mary Ainsworth
34. Jean Martin
3. Solomon Asch
Charcot
4. Albert Bandura
35. Anna Freud
5. Alfred Binet
36. Luigi Galvani
6. Noam Chomsky
37. Herman Von
7. Erik Erikson
Hemholtz
8. Sigmund Freud
38. Carl Jung
9. Carol Gilligan
39. Phineas Gage
10. Harry Harlow
40. Albert Ellis
11. David Hubel
“Baby Albert”
12. Torsten Wiesel
41. Konrad Lorenz
13. William James
42. Philip Zimbardo
14. Lawrence Kohlberg
43. H. Rorschach
15. Elizabeth Loftus
44. Stanley Milgram
16. Alexandria Luria
45. Ernest Weber
17. Abraham Maslow
46. Lewis Terman
18. Stanley Milgram
47. Karl Wernicke
19. Ivan Pavlov
48. Gordon Allport
20. Jean Piaget
49. Clark Hull
21. Roberta Rescorla
50. H. Ebbinghaus
51. Sir Francis Galton
22. Carl Rogers
52. James Lange
23. Stanley Schacter
53. Karen Horney
24. B.F. Skinner
54. Robert Sternberg
25. George Sperling
55. Schachter-Singer
26. Edward Tolman
56. Cannon-Bard
27. John Watson
57. Martin Seligman
28. Benjamin Whorf
58. Charles Spearman
29. Wilhelm Wundt
59. David Weschler
30. Lewis Terman
60. Elisabeth Kubler31. Benjamin Whorf
Ross
32. William Sheldon
7
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Psychology Prior Knowledge
Students brainstorm first- individually, then in small group of two, followed by whole
group creation of a list.
The results represent our understanding of psychology as we perceive it today.
One large list will be made and then that list will be correlated to the AP OUTLINE
1. What are the main elements of psychologypsychiatry?
2. What popular images of psychology are you
familiar with?
3. What are the main functions of psychology?
4. List as many topics related to the study of
psychology as you can.
8
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Review the AP Outline for Psychology:
In groups of two, students are assigned one of the following portions of the AP Outline:
Next to the Prior Knowledge responses, create a list of content contained under the AP
Psych outline.
What are the implications associated with what we know about psychology and
what we need to know about psychology?
I. History and Approaches (2–4%)
II. Research Methods (6–8%)
III. Biological Bases of Behavior (8–10%)
IV. Sensation and Perception (7–9%)
V. States of Consciousness (2–4%)
VI. Learning (7–9%)
VII. Cognition (8–10%)
VIII. Motivation and Emotion (7–9%)
IX. Developmental Psychology (7–9%)
X. Personality (6–8%)
XI. Testing and Individual Differences (5–7%)
XII. Abnormal Psychology (7–9%)
XIII. Treatment of Psychological Disorders (5–7%)
XIV. Social Psychology (7–9%)
9
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Chapter 1 Presentation
Create a brief presentation for one aspect of Chapter 1 Introduction to Psychology and
Research Methods.
Include the following
1. Question(s) to be answered by your presentation. (Begin the presentation with
these question)
2. Include a specific list of vocabulary that will be addressed in the presentation.
(content specific psych terms, topics, names)
3. PowerPoint slides- with essential, clear, information that addresses the topic of
your presentation. (diagrams, outlines, visuals help)
4. In what portion of the AP Outline would this topic be included? (be specific)
5. If your topic is a person, include a one page summary of the person and their
contribution to psychology. (This can be from the internet or other source)
Topics:
1. Definition of Psychology & Function of psychologists + (problem solving)
2. Process of Psychological Research, Empiricism, Overt and Covert Behavior
3. Goals of psychology & Basic Questions of psychology
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Wilhelm Wundt-1879 (Introspection)
Edward Titchner- 1880s (Structuralism)
William James- 1890 (Functionalism)
*John B. Watson- 1958 (Behaviorism)
*B. F. Skinner- 1950s + (Operant Conditioning- Cognitive Behaviorism)
9. *Max Wertheimer- 1920-40 (Gestalt psychology “The whole is greater than the
sum of its parts.”)
10. Sigmund Freud -1900-1939 (Psycho-analysis)
Neo Freudians
11. Adler
12. Horney
13. Jung
14. Rank
15. Erikson
16. *Carl Rogers and *Abraham Maslow -1950-70 (Humanistic Psychology)
17. Psychodynamic
18. Behavioristic
19. Humanistic
20. Bio-psychological
21. Cognitive
10
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
22. What’s the difference between Psychologist and Psychiatrist? Pg 26-28
23. Scientific Method
24. Psych Research: (2 people)
Naturalistic Observation
Observer effect
Observation Bias
Anthropomorphic Error
Correlational Studies
Correlational Coefficient
25. Summarize a typical Psychology Experiment (2 people)
Experimental Group
Control Group
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
Extraneous Variables
Replication
Placebo Effect
Single Blind Experiment
Double Blind Experiment
26. “A Step Beyond”- Ethics in studies?
11
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Chapter 2 Brain and Behavior Pg. 56
Part 1
Bio-psychologist
Brain Mapping
Neurons
Draw a picture of a neuron:
Define and label the following:
 Dendrites
 Soma
 Axon
 Axon Terminals
 Myelin Sheath
Outline the Nerve Impulse
Threshold
Nerve Impulse-Action Potential
What is the role of chemistry/chemicals in the neuron?
Draw an enlarged synapse- label and define the following:
 Neurotransmitters
 Synapse
 Receptors
List some of the neurotransmitters
Endorphins
Outline the Peripheral Nervous System:
Somatic systems
Autonomic System
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Central Nervous System
Components of the Spinal Cord
What is a reflex arc and how does it work?
Sensory Neuron
Motor Neuron
Define Bio-psychology
Clinical Study
Ablation
Electrical stimulation of brain may cause what behaviors?
What are the following and what functions do they serve?
EEG, CT Scan, MRI, P.E.T. Scan,
12
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Chapter 2 Brain and Behavior Pg. 68
Part 2
What is the Cerebral Cortex?
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Cerebral Hemispheres
Corpus Callosum
Create a chart of Hemisphere specialization
List functions of various lobes
Occipital lobes
Parietal lobes
Temporal lobes
Wernicke’s Area
Frontal lobes
Motor Cortex
Aphasia
Broca’s Area
Draw a picture and label the areas of the brain and functions. 73
Hindbrain
Reticular formation
Outline the functions:
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Limbic system
Hippocampus
Endocrine System
Hormones
Androgens
Pituitary gland
Pineal gland
Thyroid gland
Adrenal glands
Epinephrine
Nor-epinephrine
What do we need to know about brain hemisphere dominance?
Brain Plasticity- What is it?
13
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Chapter 5 “Sensation and Reality” page 174
Part 1
1. Data Reduction Systems (DRS) What do they do?
2. Tranducers
3. Sensory Analysis- Select, Analyze and Filter
4. Phosphenes
5. Sensory localization
6. How are Psycho Physics and Absolute Threshold associated?
7. How are Just Noticeable Difference (JND) and Weber’s Law Associated?
8. Describe perceptual defense
9. Limen
10. Subliminal Perception
AP Outline
11. Wavelengths of Light = Visible Spectrum
Threshold
12. Identify properties/function of Anatomy of the Eye:
Absolute Threshold
Lens
Difference Threshold
Retina
Physical, Psychological, and
Cornea
physiological variables
Fovea
affected by thresholds
Optic Nerve
Iris
Signal Detection Theories
Pupil
Absolute Threshold Theory
Aqueous Humor
Vitreous Humor
Sensory Receptors
Ciliary Muscle
Transduce of energy for
Sclera
nervous system
Cones
Anatomy,
Rods
Function,
13. How do eye muscles help people see?
Eye and ear
14. What are common characteristics related to visual defects?
Color theories of vision
15. Visual Acuity
16. Peripheral Vision
17. Theories of Color vision:
18. Trichromatic and Opponent Process theories
19. Colorblindness
20. Ishihara Test
21. What is the role of Rods and cones in Light/Dark Adaptation
Audition
Perceptual acuity
Sensory adaptation
Sensory disorders
Deafness
Colorblindness
14
Mr. McElhaney
B18
2007-2008
Point Loma High School
(619) 223-3121ext. 5018
Advanced Placement Psychology
Chapter 5 “Sensation and Reality” page 174
Part 2
1. How do people hear? Describe the stimulus for hearing.
2. Frequency
3. Amplitude
4. Anatomy of the Ear and hearing process:
a. Pinna
b. Tympanic Membrane
c. Auditory Ossicles: Hammer, Anvil and Stirrup
d. Cochlea
e. Auditory Nerve
f. Corti
5. Frequency Theory
6. Place Theory
7. Compare two types of Deafness (make a chart)
8. Tinnitus
9. Why are these known as chemical senses?
10. Sense of Smell = Olfaction
Sense of Taste = Gustation
11. Anosmia
12. Lock and Key Theory
13. Pheromones
14. Taste- what’s it all about- be brief
15. Somoesthetic Senses
16. Kinesthetic Senses
17. Vestibular Senses
18. Pain Reception
19. Small nerve fibers and Large nerve fibers
20. Vestibular system and balance…
21. How can people control pain?
22. Sensory Gates
15