Unit 2 AP Psychology

Unit 2 of the AP Psychology curriculum for 2024-2025 focuses on Cognition and includes topics such as perception, thinking, problem-solving, memory processes, intelligence, and their applications. Here’s an outline of everything you need to know based on the Course and Exam Description (CED):

Essential Topics and Key Concepts

1. Perception (2.1)

• Binocular Depth Cues:

• Retinal Disparity: How each eye perceives slightly different images.

• Convergence: Merging of images by the brain to perceive depth.

• Monocular Depth Cues: Include relative clarity, size, texture gradient, linear perspective, and interposition.

• Perceptual Constancies: Stability in perceiving objects despite changes in the sensory input (e.g., size constancy, shape constancy).

• Apparent Movement: Visual illusions of motion where none exists.

2. Thinking, Problem-Solving, Judgment, and Decision-Making (2.2)

• Concepts and Prototypes: Mental categories with ideal examples.

• Schemas:

• Assimilation: Incorporating new info without altering existing schemas.

• Accommodation: Adjusting schemas based on new information.

• Problem-Solving Strategies:

• Algorithms: Step-by-step approaches ensuring solutions.

• Heuristics: Quick strategies or mental shortcuts, prone to errors (e.g., representativeness, availability heuristics).

• Decision Biases:

• Mental set, priming, framing.

• Fallacies: Gambler’s fallacy, sunk-cost fallacy.

• Executive Functions: Processes like planning, organizing, and critical thinking.

• Creativity: Divergent (multiple solutions) vs. convergent thinking. Functional fixedness limits creativity.

3. Introduction to Memory (2.3)

• Types of Memory:

• Explicit Memory: Episodic (personal experiences) and semantic (facts).

• Implicit Memory: Procedural (skills and processes).

• Memory Processes:

• Encoding: How information is processed.

• Storage: Long-term retention mechanisms.

• Retrieval: Accessing stored information.

4. Encoding Memories (2.4)

• Methods:

• Rehearsal, chunking, mnemonics, and self-referencing.

• Biological Basis: Long-term potentiation strengthens synaptic connections.

5. Storing and Retrieving Memories (2.5 and 2.6)

• The working memory model:

• Central Executive: Oversees processing.

• Phonological Loop: Verbal info processing.

• Visuospatial Sketchpad: Visual/spatial processing.

• Recall vs. Recognition:

• Recall: Retrieving info without cues.

• Recognition: Identifying info from options.

6. Forgetting and Memory Challenges (2.7)

• Causes of Forgetting:

• Encoding failure, retrieval failure, interference (proactive/retroactive), and decay theory.

• Repressed Memories: Controversial inaccuracy of “recovered” memories.

• False Memories: Influenced by leading questions, misinformation.

7. Intelligence and Achievement (2.8)

• Intelligence Testing:

• Validity, reliability, standardization.

• Cultural biases in IQ testing.

• The Flynn Effect: Rising IQ scores over generations.

• Mindsets:

• Fixed vs. growth mindset.

• Sociocultural Influences: SES, discrimination, educational inequalities.

Science Practices

Throughout Unit 2, students develop skills in:

• Applying Psychological Concepts to scenarios (e.g., explaining biases in memory recall).

• Research Methods:

• Differentiating between experimental and non-experimental designs.

• Evaluating ethical considerations and design validity.

• Data Interpretation:

• Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data in psychological studies.

• Argumentation:

• Making claims supported by evidence and reasoning.

Assessment Notes

• The unit covers approximately 15-25% of the AP Exam.

• Includes ~25 multiple-choice questions and free-response questions focusing on memory, intelligence, and cognition-related concepts.

Would you like help with practice questions or deeper explanations for any specific topic?