AP Psychology
Summer Assignment
Welcome to AP Psychology! We are looking forward to a challenging and insightful year with you as you learn about the
science of behavior and mental processes. To get you started on your learning, please complete the following
assignment by August 27, the first day of school.
REQUIRED: Read Mind Wide Open by Steven Johnson (Copies can be purchased from the book store or you may
purchase them for another source). In AP Psychology, you will learn that everything psychological is simultaneously
biological. To get you started on the biological aspects of psychology, this summer you will be reading about the brain’s
role in human behavior. A quiz on the book will be given during the first week of school.
OPTIONAL: As you read Steven Johnson’s Mind Wide Open, you may take detailed notes on each chapter. Be sure to
note the structures and functions of the brain, the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain and other
important information. You will be able to use these notes on the quiz, if they are submitted to turnitin.com by
midnight on August 27th. All notes must be typed and submitted to turnitin.com on the assignment due date if you
want to use them on the quiz. Please read the instructions on the back on how to submit your notes in to turnitin.com.
Notes that have not been submitted to turnitin.com will not be allowed for use on the quiz. NOTE: THIS IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED AND WILL INCREASE YOUR PROBABILITY OF BEING SUCCESSFUL ON THE QUIZ.
REQUIRED: Purchase AP Psychology 5 Steps to a 5 2012-2013 Edition. There is no specific assignment for this book
over the summer, but we will be using it throughout the year and it is a requirement for the class. You will be asked to
bring this to class the first week of school and points will be awarded points for having the book on the day it is due. It
must be marked on the outside in permanent marker with your last name.
Please read and carefully consider:
AP Psychology is a college level class in which you will be expected to do a great deal of independent reading and notetaking to prepare for class and understand the material. You must be highly motivated and focused to do well in this
class. Your success or failure in this course is up to you. You are responsible for your own learning, or lack thereof. You
can succeed and pass the AP Exam if you put in a sustained effort.
Enjoy your summer!
Mrs. Joseph and Mr. Jeter