FRQ
You can do it!
FRQ
• Essay part of AP Psychology Exam
• Two FRQs to respond to with the allotted 50
minutes (25 minutes each)
Here’s what one looks like…
• Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental
processes. The field of psychology is diverse and looks at
behavior and mental processes in various ways. Explain
how each term below applies to the study of psychology,
citing key figures and studies where necessary. Next,
discuss the differences for each pair of terms (a-b, c-d, ef)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Functionalism
Structuralism
Cognitive Approach
Neuroscience Approach
Experimental Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Hints…
• Identify the number of “points” that you think
the question is worth. Usually, each aspect of
the question is worth one “point”. Questions
may range from approximately 7-10 points.
• No introduction or conclusion
• Answer question in detail and full sentences
Hints…
• Provide as much relevant detail as possible!
•
•
•
•
•
•
Psychological figures
Concepts
Terms
Methods
Theories
Examples
Hints…
• AVOID abbreviations. If you feel that you
need to abbreviate, first write the word,
followed by an abbreviation (e.g. Independent
Variable (IV)). Continue to use the
abbreviation for the rest of your response.
Hints…
• Write neatly.
• Practice better handwriting.
• Scorer is more likely to award you points if
he/she is easily able to understand what you
are communicating.
• Underline each “point” as you respond to
each aspect of the question.
SODAS
Acronym for key
FRQ Tips
• Space
• Order
• Define
• Apply
• Synonyms
SODAS
•Space!
Leave about 5 lines
blank between each
separate component
of your answer.
SODAS
• Order
Answer the components
(often presented in
bullets) in the same
sequence that they are
listed in the question.
SODAS
• Define
Briefly explain each
concept using specific
terms
SODAS
• Apply to the
scenario
Relate the term to the
scenario or connect terms
as directed.
– Each example must
reference the specific
situation
SODAS
• Synonyms
Do not use the term itself
in the definition or
application alone.
Use a synonym!
SODAS
• Synonyms
WRONG - Chunking involves
placing a large amount of items to be
memorized into chunks in order to
increase short-term memory capacity.
CORRECT – Chunking involves placing a
larger amount of items to be memorized
into small groups in order to increase
short-term memory capacity.
Let’s Practice…
• George is said to have an “easy-going”
personality. How might the biopsychosocial
approach be used to explain an easy-going
personality?
Let’s Practice…
• George is said to have an “easy-going”
personality. How might the biopsychosocial
approach be used to explain an easy-going
personality?
Biological
Psychological
Sociocultural
Let’s Practice…
• George is said to have an “easy-going”
personality. How might the biopsychosocial
approach be used to explain an easy-going
personality?
Biological factors would include George’s
genetic, phsyiological, and chemical makeup.
For instance, George’s easy-going manner may
be the result of brain chemistry.
Let’s Practice…
• George is said to have an “easy-going”
personality. How might the biopsychosocial
approach be used to explain an easy-going
personality?
Psychological factors would include a discussion of
how George learned that an easy-going personality
makes people want to spend time with him. In
response, he keeps anxiety and negative feelings to
himself. He has the perception that others do not
want to deal with his stress and anxiety.
Let’s Practice…
• George is said to have an “easy-going”
personality. How might the biopsychosocial
approach be used to explain an easy-going
personality?
Social-cultural factors would include George’s family
or cultural upbringing and expectations. If those
who surround George expect him to be relaxed and
laid-back, and this is what is supported in his
community. George will be likely to act accordingly.