AP PSYCHOLOGY
SUMMER 2015 ASSIGNMENT
MR. CRUIKSHANK
Welcome to AP Psychology! I congratulate you on choosing to take on the challenge of this advanced
placement course. Because the AP test is the first week in May, we have to get started right away to make
sure we get all the content in before the test. Therefore, you will be given the following summer
assignment. Please DO NOT put it off until the last week of summer. It is important you put time and
effort into the assignment. If you have any questions, you can email me at scruikshank@westfordk12.us.
N.B. FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE SUMMER ASSIGNMENT FOR DAY ONE OF
CLASS WILL RESULT IN YOUR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE CLASS! NO EXCUSES!!
1. Read Module 1 (Psychology’s History), Module 2 (Psychology’s Big Issues and Approaches),
Module 3 (Careers in Psychology) and Module 4 (The Need for Psychological Science)
2. Complete the homework packet for the reading assignment. This packet consists of questions
from Modules 1-4. Answer all questions right on the packet.
3. Go to my webpage at http://teacherweb.com/MA/WestfordAcademy/Cruikshank/. You can also
access this page through the social studies page on the Westford Academy website. Click on the
AP Psychology page on the left-hand side There you will see a link to MYERS IN MODULES
PSYCHSIM 5.0. Copy and paste the link. This should take you to the PsychSim activity called
PSYCHOLOGY’S TIMELINE. Complete the PsychSim online and complete the worksheet
that I provided for you on this PsychSim. (If you ever lose a worksheet you can always print
another copy from the “student categories” under “PsychSim Worksheets” and then just find the
correct title.) Do not submit your results online since you are just using the worksheet instead.
4. Go to my website and click on the Summer Work Powerpoint. Download and view this
powerpoint on Modules 1-4. Note there is some information on the powerpoint that is not
included in the reading. Review and print out the powerpoint slides (six to a page). Keep these
with your notes. You are responsible for this information not found in your text.
5. Complete the Free Response Essay. When you have completed the above assignments, read the
free response question provided in this packet. Write in essay form (no bullets) your answer to all
parts of the question. Give specific examples. This should be typed.
*There is no need to do an introductory paragraph or worry about transitions on this writing task.
Just answer the questions. It does not need to be a traditional five paragraph essay. The readers of
the AP exam will only look at the quality and accuracy of your answer, not your writing style.
This assignment will count for a QUIZ grade.*
6. Review the Careers in Psychology Mini-Research Investigation Sheet provided. I have
assigned you a psychology career to investigate. Conduct your research and share your results in
any of the formats listed on the instruction sheet. Focus on being thorough, accurate and creative.
This will also count for a QUIZ grade.
7. There will be an in-class multiple-choice QUIZ on Modules 1-4, the Powerpoint notes & the
PsychSim on the 2nd Day of Class
AP SUMMER ASSIGNMENT 2015
FREE RESPONSE ESSAY:
Directions: Type the answer to the following free response essay Make sure to answer all parts of the
assignment.
There is no need to do an introductory paragraph or worry about transitions on this writing task. Just
answer the questions. It does not need to be a traditional five paragraph essay. The reads of the AP
exam will only look at the quality and accuracy of your answer, not your writing style.
A. Discuss the cause of bullying from each of the following perspectives.
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Behavioral
Psychoanalytic
Neuroscience
Cognitive
Social-Cultural
Evolutionary
B. Discuss a potential treatment technique for stopping bullying used by professionals representing
each of the perspectives. It is important you demonstrate your understanding of each perspective
through your explanation of possible treatment.
*Helpful Hints*
You DO NOT need an introduction or conclusion. This is not the typical five paragraph essay you
have done for other classes. BUT PLEASE DO DOUBLE SPACE!!!
To answer the question, first give a brief definition for each perspective. What do they focus on? You
can find this information in Module 1 and in the Powerpoint presentation. Then, think about how each
perspective would explain bullying? Is it an environmental problem? A biological problem? Give a
possible explanation. You DO NOT need to research this. Just use the information from the
module/powerpoint and your own ideas to come up with a possible explanation. – Use page 12 for
reference to help you write your essay.
For example: The humanistic perspective looks at behavior in terms of free will and selfactualization. It is believed behavior can be explained through our need for love and acceptance. The
humanistic perspective would say bullying is caused by low self-esteem. The bully does not feel good
about himself and is bullying as a means of attention. The bully hopes to find acceptance from others
by making fun of other people. A possible treatment would be to show the bully he is loved by others
without having to tease other people, which in turn would hopefully raise his self-esteem.
For Part B, think about what each perspective focuses on and how they might attack treatment or
counseling for someone who bullies. Come up with a hypothetical situation for each perspective in
terms of how each would suggest treatment. These do not need to be based on real-life examples.
Again, NO OUTSIDE RESEARCH needs to be completed.
If you have any questions, let me know. Good Luck!