AP Psychology Vocabulary

This is a list of vocabulary flashcards that covers the key terms from the AP Psychology Course and Exam Description.

AP Psychology Course Description

An outline of the topics, skills, and expectations for the Advanced Placement Psychology course, updated periodically.

AP

Stands for clarity and transparency, an unflinching encounter with evidence, opposes censorship and indoctrination, fosters an open-minded approach, listens to and respects every student, and is a choice for parents and students.

AP Course Audit

A process through which AP teachers' course materials are reviewed by college faculty to validate courses marked 'AP' on students' transcripts.

AP Exam Development

A multiyear process involving extensive review, revision, piloting, and analysis to ensure questions are accurate, fair, and valid.

AP Reading

The annual evaluation and scoring of free-response sections of AP Exams by AP teachers and college faculty.

AP Classroom

A dedicated online platform providing resources and tools for AP teachers and students.

Unit Guides

Planning guides outlining required course content, skills, suggested sequence and pacing of content, and tips on taking the AP Exam.

Progress Checks

Formative AP questions for every unit provide feedback to students on the areas where they need to focus; measure knowledge and skills through multiple-choice questions and free-response questions.

AP Psychology Course

An introductory college-level psychology course equivalent that introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.

Science Practices

Skills central to the study and practice of psychology, including concept application, research methods and design, data interpretation, and argumentation.

Units of Study

Five units that provide a suggested sequence for the course, comprising content and conceptual understandings:

Biological Bases of Behavior

Biological structures that influence physical and mental actions and responses.

Cognition

Memory processes and the basic elements of thought, judgment, and problem-solving.

Development and Learning

Growth and change throughout the lifespan, and fundamental forms of learning.

Attribution Theory

How people explain others' behavior.

Social-Cognitive and Trait Theories of Personality

Personality theories that focus on the interaction of social, cognitive, and personal factors in shaping behavior.

Social Psychology and Personality

External social factors and internal personality variables come into play in a wide variety of everyday situations.

Mental and Physical Health

Factors that help people lead mentally and physically healthy lives and the study and treatment of psychological disorders.