Ms. Key
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
2009 - 2010
Textbook: PSYCHOLOGY, Myers in Modules 8e
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Psychology is an exceptionally wide field, touching on aspects of Biology, Sociology, Anthropology, animal
behavior and law. During this class we will be exploring psychological topics related to all these fields as well as the more
“traditional” issues. We will be exploring areas such as personality, development, learning, perception, and abnormal
psychology, as well as the classic theorists (Freud, Skinner, Pavlov, Erikson, Maslow, Piaget) and their contributions to the
field. We will investigate recent research into the links between the biology of the brain and behavior. In addition to the
basic skills of psychological research, we will learn basic statistics, interpretation and generalization from results and
evaluation of the validity of research reports. Discussions of ethical issues and standards governing the work of
psychologists will be learned and applied. We will hopefully have the opportunity to experience guest speakers, both
working professionals and college faculty.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Each student is expected to arrive on time, bring appropriate materials to class each day (psych notebook, writing
materials, current reading materials, etc), behave in an appropriate manner, copy down the assignments for the day, and
complete each assignment on time. Late assignments will be accepted for ½ credit until class time the following day. In
the case of an excused absence, previously assigned work will be due on the 1st day back to school and assignments
issued during the absence will be due based upon the number of days absent. You have the number of days you were
absent to make up absent work. In the case of an extended excused absence, individual arrangements will be made.
PSYCHOLOGY NOTEBOOK
Each student is expected to have a 3-ring binder devoted exclusively to Psychology. This binder must have 5 dividers
labeled as follows: Book Notes, In-Class Notes, Free Responses, Hand-Outs, and Assignments. As the majority of our
work will be collected into the binder, this must be brought to class each day. Label the cover of the notebook with the title
AP Psychology, the period and your name. All notes and assignments must be labeled in order to receive credit.
TESTING
Exams will be formatted according to the AP Exam. This means that there will be 100 multiple choice questions and two
AP-style essays. There will be at least one test per grading period and every test will be cumulative! These tests
represent a major part of the grade and notebooks will be collected on those days.
GRADING PROCEDURE
Each student will be graded based on a combination of quizzes, tests, notebooks & assignments, individual and group
projects, class activities, and class participation. Class participation includes attendance, promptness, active participation
in class discussions, and some projects as well as general contributions to the class. Overall grades will be posted
periodically, and grades will be uploaded to Edline. Students are encouraged to keep all graded materials in case of a
discrepancy. A GRADE WILL NOT BE CHANGED IF THE STUDENT HAS NO ASSIGNMENT TO USE AS PROOF.
Grades will be calculated as follows:
90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D 59% or less F
WEIGHTING of your overall grade
Tests = 75%
Quizzes = 10%
Assignments = 10%
Participation = 5%
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Ms. Key
Please be sure that you understand an assignment when it is given. Clear up any confusion before you leave the
classroom. Once you leave the classroom, you are responsible for any assignment given. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to ask about make-up work.
CLASSWORK. Do you agree to: (Please initial)
1-Actively read and make notes on each chapter (5 hours a week at least).
2-Do in class experiments, chapter written activities/readings, and group work.
3-Complete assignments over breaks.
4-Take at least one AP style test (100 multiple choice questions and 2 modified essays) each grading period.
5-Save all material in an organized way.
6-Take the AP exam on May 11th (afternoon session)
CONDUCT. These simple agreements will maximize your psychology experience. (Please initial)
1-In this classroom I will not ever put anyone down in any way.
2-When asked, I will keep personal information confidential.
3-I will avoid being disruptive in class.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the syllabus. You are also agreeing to act with
academic integrity (no cheating, no plagiarism, etc.).
Signed
Parent Witness
PARENT PERMISSION
I hereby give my permission for
to hear about and work with sensitive topics, including sexual
issues, as they relate to psychology. I give my permission for my student to watch videos related to psychology as well.
x
Printed Name: _________________________________________
If you have any questions regarding these or other issues, I can be reached through the school at (951) 894-5750
x6667 or by email at hkey@murrieta.k12.ca.us.
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Ms. Key
SUMMARY OUTLINE: 2009-2010
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
CONTENT AREA
1) History and Approaches
a) Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
b) Approaches
i) Biological
ii) Behavioral
iii) Cognitive
iv) Humanistic
v) Psychodynamic
vi) Sociocultural
vii) Evolutionary/Sociobiological
TEXTBOOK MODULES
% OF AP EXAM
Mod 1
2-4
Mod 2-3
6-8
Mod 4-5
8-10
Mod 12-17
7-9
Mod 6-11
7-9
2) Methods and Stats
a) Research Methods
b) Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical
Research:
i) Correlational (e.g., observational, survey,
clinical)
ii) Experimental
iii) Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
iv) Ethics in Research
3) Biological Bases of Behavior
a) Physiological Techniques (e.g., imaging,
surgical)
b) Neuroanatomy
c) Functional Organization of Nervous System
d) Neural Transmission
e) Endocrine System
f) Genetics
4) Sensation and Perception
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Thresholds
Sensory Mechanisms
Sensory Adaptation
Attention
Perceptual Processes
5) Developmental Psychology
The Nature and Nurture of Behavior /
The Developing Person
a) Life-Span Approach
b) Research Methods (e.g., longitudinal, crosssectional)
c) Heredity-Environment Issues
d) Developmental Theories
e) Dimensions of Development
i) Physical
ii) Cognitive
iii) Social
iv) Moral
f) Sex Roles, Sex Differences
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Ms. Key
6) Learning
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning
Cognitive Processes in Learning
Biological Factors
Social Learning
Mod 21-23
7-9
Mod 24-30
8-10
Mod 31-33
5-7
Mod 47-54
13-17
Mod 55-58
7-9
Mod 44-46
6-8
7) Cognition – Memory and Language
a)
b)
c)
d)
Memory
Language
Thinking
Problem Solving and Creativity
8) Testing and Individual Differences
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Standardization and Norms
Reliability and Validity
Types of Tests
Ethics and Standards in Testing
Intelligence
Heredity/Environment and Intelligence
Human Diversity
9) Disorders and Treatment
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
Definitions of Abnormality
Theories of Psychopathology
Diagnosis of Psychopathology
Anxiety Disorders
Somatoform Disorders
Mood Disorders
Schizophrenic Disorders
Organic Disorders
Personality Disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Treatment Approaches
1. Insight Therapies: Psychodynamic /
Humanistic Approaches
2. Behavioral Approaches
3. Cognitive Approaches
4. Biological Approaches
(psychopharmacology/psychosurgery)
l) Modes of Therapy (e.g., individual, group)
m) Community and Preventive
Winter Break
Treatment (if not finished)
10) Social Psychology
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Group Dynamics
Attribution Processes
Interpersonal Perception
Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
Attitudes and Attitude Change
Organizational Behavior
Aggression/Antisocial
11) Personality
a)
b)
c)
d)
Personality Theories and Approaches
Assessment Techniques
Self-Concept, Self-Esteem
Growth
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Ms. Key
12) Motivation and Emotion
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Bases
Theories of Motivation
Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
Social Motives
Theories of Emotion
Spring Break
13) Stress and Health
14) States of Consciousness
a) Sleep and Dreaming
b) Hypnosis
c) Psychoactive Drugs
Mod 34-40
6-8
Mod 41-43
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Mod 18-20
2-4
15) Review for AP Exam
Test Date: Tuesday, May 11th (afternoon)
16) Psychology Final Project: Observing/ Testing Human Behavior.
Group Psychology Activity.
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