Table of Contents
Preface ix
About the Authors xi
Introduction: The Five-Step Program xiii
Step 1 Set Up Your Study Plan
1 What You Need to Know About the AP Psychology Exam 3
Background Information 3
Some Frequently Asked Questions About the AP Psychology Exam 4
2 How to Plan Your Time 9
Your Personalized Study Plan for the AP Psychology Exam 9
Three Timelines for Preparing for the AP Psychology Exam 10
Step 2 Determine Your Test Readiness
3 Take a Diagnostic Exam 15
Diagnostic Exam in AP Psychology 16
Step 3 Develop Strategies for Success
4 How to Approach Each Question Type 47
Section I Multiple-Choice Questions 47
Section II The Free-Response Questions 49
Step 4 Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
5 Scientific Foundations of Psychology 53
Roots of Psychology 54
Schools of Psychology 55
Principal Approaches to Psychology 56
Domains of Psychology 59
Experimental Method 60
Correlational Research 62
Case Study 64
Elementary Statistics 64
Ethical Guidelines 68
6 Biological Bases of Behavior 77
Techniques to Learn About Structure and Function 78
Organization of Your Nervous System 80
Localization and Lateralization of the Brain's Function 81
Structure and Function of the Neuron 83
The Endocrine System 87
Genetics and Evolutionary Psychology 87
Genetics and Behavior 88
Levels of Consciousness 89
Sleep and Dreams 90
Hypnosis 92
Meditation 93
Drugs 93
7 Sensation and Perception 106
Thresholds 107
Vision 108
Hearing (Audition) 110
Touch (Somatosensation) 112
Body Senses 113
Chemical Senses 113
Perceptual Processes 113
8 Learning 125
Classical Conditioning 126
Operant Conditioning 128
Superstitious Behavior 132
Cognitive Processes in Learning 132
Biological Factors in Learning 134
9 Cognition 140
Models of Memory 141
Language 147
Thinking 148
Standardization and Norms 151
Reliability and Validity 151
Types of Tests 152
Ethics and Standards in Testing 153
Intelligence and Intelligence Testing 153
Heredity/Environment and Intelligence 157
Human Diversity 158
10 Developmental Psychology 171
Key Issues in Development 172
Methods of Studying Development 172
Physical Development 173
Theories of Cognitive Development 176
Theories of Moral Development 179
Theories of Social and Emotional Development 180
Gender Roles and Sex Differences 183
11 Motivation, Emotion, and Personality 192
Theories of Motivation 193
Physiological Motives 196
Social Motivation 199
Theories of Emotion 200
Stress and Coping 202
Positive Psychology 203
Personality Theories and Approaches 203
Assessment Techniques 211
Self-Concept and Self-Esteem 213
12 Clinical Psychology 226
Defining Abnormal Behavior 227
Causes of Abnormal Behavior 227
Types of Disorders 228
Mental Health Practitioners 236
Brief History of Therapy 237
Treatment Approaches 237
Biological/Bio medical Treatments 242
Modes of Therapy 244
Community and Preventive Approaches 245
13 Social Psychology 254
Group Dynamics 255
Attribution Processes 257
Interpersonal Perception 258
Conformity, Compliance, Obedience 260
Attitudes and Attitude Change 261
Aggression/Antisocial Behavior 262
Step 5 Build Your Test-Taking Confidence
AP Psychology Practice Exam 1 271
Answers and Explanations 286
Scoring and Interpreting 294
AP Psychology Practice Exam 2 297
Answers and Explanations 312
Scoring and Interpreting 322
Elite Student Edition 5 Minutes to a 5
180 Daily Questions and Activities in 5 Minutes a Day 323
Glossary 547
Bibliography 573
Websites 575
