AP Psychology Exam Preparation Notes

Access to Course Materials
  • Students have access to AP Psychology materials via the course platform.
  • Key supplementary materials include:
    • New AP classroom videos (posted last week).
    • MCQ, AAQ, and EBQ practice videos.
    • Review videos by unit, crash course videos, and other YouTube resources.
    • All notes and flashcard terms.
    • Pre-assessments and essential study materials available.
AP Exam Overview
  • The AP exam consists of:
    • Multiple Choice (MCQ): 75 questions in 90 minutes (approximately 2/3 of the overall score).
    • Free Response (FRQ):
    • AAQ (Argumentation and Application Question) and EBQ (Evidence-Based Question).
    • Total of 70 minutes, with more time recommended for EBQ due to more reading required.
Argumentation and Application Question (AAQ)
  • Structure: Participants compute a score based on 6 questions allowing for a maximum of 7 points.
  • Components of AAQ:
    1. Research Method: Identify method used (e.g. case studies, naturalistic observations).
    • Methods to Recognize:
      • Case Studies: In-depth analysis of one or a small group.
      • Naturalistic Observation: Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.
      • Experiments: Identifying control and experimental groups.
      • Correlational Research: Understand relationships between variables (as one changes, how does another change?).
      • Meta-Analysis: Combining results from multiple studies to draw conclusions.
    1. Research Variable: Defining operationalization, important to replicate studies.
    • Example: If measuring "laughter", define what constitutes a laugh.
    1. Statistical Interpretation: Understand and interpret provided statistics without doing calculations.
    • Example: Identifying mean scores and what they indicate in relation to outcomes.
    1. Ethical Guidelines: Understand basic ethical considerations in psychological research, such as informed consent and protection from harm.
    2. Generalizability: Ability to apply the study’s findings to broader populations.
    • Evaluating if conclusions can be applied beyond the specific case.
    1. Argumentation and Application: Use specific results to support or refute psychological concepts or hypotheses.
    • Effectively linking results to theoretical frameworks discussed in class.
Effective AAQ Strategies
  • Scoring Goal: Aim for 5 out of 7 points in AAQ.
  • Focus on understanding key terms (e.g. ethical guidelines, research variables).
  • Answer precisely as the question asks (identify vs. analyze).
  • Use specific evidence and explanations grounded in psychological theory to support claims.
Evidence-Based Question (EBQ)
  • Structure: Generally includes 3 sources rather than the one used in AAQ; requires reading and comprehending evidence to craft an argument.
  • Allocate time wisely: 15 minutes for reading, 45 minutes for writing.
  • Citation Requirements:
    • Embedded citations: Referencing the source within the argument or a parenthetical citation.
Scoring and Structure of EBQ
  1. Part A: State a defensible claim backed by psychological science.
  2. Part B: Support this claim using evidence from one source, explaining its relevance.
  3. Part C: Present additional evidence from a different source to reinforce the claim, including a unique psychological perspective.
Practical Tips for Exam Day
  • Do not spend too long on a single MC question; if perplexed, flag and return to it later.
  • Be concise and focused in responses for both the AAQ and EBQ; clarity in answering is essential for scoring points.
Vocab Emphasis
  • Mastery of key psychological vocabulary is critical for success; utilize flashcards or summary tools to reinforce understanding of terms and concepts before the exam.