Advanced Placement Psychology
Lake Zurich High School 2012-2013
Ms. Collins (andrea.collins@lz95.org)
http://www.lz95.org/classes/appsychology_acollins/
AP Psychology is designed to introduce you to the systematic and scientific study of the
behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. You will be exposed to the
psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within
psychology. You will learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and
practice. You will also prepare to take the AP Psychology exam administered in the spring.
Materials
1. Textbook: Morris, C. & Maisto, A (2013). Understanding Psychology, 10th Edition
Indianapolis: Pearson.
2. Writing materials
3. Folder
4. Notecards
Grading System
Your grade will be weighted as follows:
Tests – 50%
Quizzes – 20%
Assignments – 30%
Q1(3) – 40%
Q2(4) – 40%
Final – 20%
Homework Policy
Late work will not be accepted. You will receive a pass that allows you to turn in homework late
up to four times during the year.
Teacher Availability
Email: andrea.collins@lz95.org
Phone: (847)540-4691
Voicemail: (847)540-4729
Office: D227
**The best way to ensure that you get the
help/assistance you need is to make an
appointment with me for before or after
school**
The AP Test
The AP Psychology test is scheduled for May 6th, 2013. It consists of a 100 question multiple
choice test (100 min) and a two question short answer section (50 minutes). From this test you
will receive a score from 5-1. Depending on what college you attend and your exam score, you
may be eligible for college credit. Extensive time will be spent during the year to prepare you for
the exam. Assignments, projects, and tests are tailored to help you succeed on the AP exam.
Assignments
A variety of assignments will be used to assess your knowledge of psychology in this course.
Assignments may include (but are not limited to): flashcards, article connections, movie
responses, study summaries, and personal reflection journals. Projects will be assigned at various
points throughout the year
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Course Policies, Procedures, and Tips for Success
1. Read! Complete an in-depth reading of the required reading assignments. Take notes or
create an outline as you read. Quizzes will rely heavily on textbook material and may
include information not discussed in class. Expect a weekly reading quiz (all will be
announced).
2. Practice! You will be required to create flashcards for each unit. Use them. They will
help you on unit exams as well as prepare you for the AP exam.
3. Ask questions, and seek out additional help if needed. Participate! It will help you learn
the material as well as create a fun, engaging learning environment.
4. Be responsible for your learning when you are absent. When you return to class, check the
absent folder for any handouts that you missed when you were gone. This alone will not ensure
that you are caught up. Be sure to check with me or a friend to find out what you missed. Any
missed notes or classwork will need to be completed in your free time. If you are absent on the
day of a test or the day an assignment is due, be prepared to turn the assignment in/take the test
when you return. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me for make-up exams.
Make-up tests not completed within two weeks of your return to school will be given a zero.
5. Inform me when you have a prearranged absence. If you know you will be gone, I will provide
you with the necessary materials to work on during your absence.
6. Take notes (and keep them). Your notes will help you understand the information presented in
class. Notes are not simply a regurgitated form of the text. They are specially designed to help
you learn the material in the course. Notes will contain information not found in your textbook.
7. Visit the class website at http://www.lz95.org/classes/appsychology_acollins/. Here you will
find due dates for assignments, helpful links, and review materials.
8. The use of cell phones, I-pods, and other electronic devices will not be permitted during
class time. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Research, History, and Perspectives
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 1
Time: Approximately 15 days
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Logic, Philosophy, and History of Psychology
Approaches/Perspectives of Psychology
Research Methods
Statistics
Ethics in Research
Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 2
Time: Approximately 14 days
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Neuron
Brain
Nervous System
Endocrine System
Genetics
Evolutionary Psychology
Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 3
Time: Approximately 12 days
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Thresholds and Signal Detection Theory
Vision
Hearing
Other Senses
Attention
Perceptual Processes
Unit 4: States of Consciousness
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter4
Time: Approximately 5 days
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Sleep
Dreaming
Hypnosis
Psychoactive Drugs
Unit 5: Learning
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 5
Time: Approximately 12 days
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Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning
Cognitive Processes
Biological Factors
Social Learning
Unit 6: Cognition
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 6, Chapter 7 pages 217-233
Time: Approximately 14 days
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Memory
Language
Thinking
Problem Solving and Creativity
Unit 7: Testing and Individual Differences
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 7 pages 234-251
Time: Approximately 10 days
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Standardization and Norms
Reliability and Validity
Types of Tests
Ethics and Standards in Testing
Intelligence
Unit 8: Motivation and Emotion
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 8 and Chapter 11
Time: Approximately 11 days
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Biological Bases
Theories of Motivation
Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
Social Motives
Theories of Emotion
Stress
Unit 9: Developmental Psychology
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 9
Time: Approximately 12 days
 Cognitive, Social, Moral, and Physical Development through:
o Infancy
o Childhood
o Adolescence
 Aging
 Sex and gender roles
Unit 10: Personality
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 10
Time: Approximately 10 days
 Theories and Approaches
 Assessment Techniques
 Growth and Adjustment
Unit 11: Abnormal Psychology
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 12
Time: Approximately 12 days
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Definitions of Abnormality
Theories of Psychopathology
Diagnosis of Psychopathology
Types of Disorders
Unit 12: Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 13
Time: Approximately 9 days
 Treatment Approaches
 Modes of Therapy
 Community and Preventative Approaches
Unit 13: Social Psychology
Text: Morris and Maisto Chapter 12
Time: Approximately 14 days
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Group Dynamics
Attribution Processes
Interpersonal Perception
Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
Attitudes and Attitude Change
Organizational Behavior
Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
Cultural Influences
Additional time is spent reviewing for the AP test.