Thinking of taking AP Psychology? Great choice. It’s one of the most popular AP classes, and for good reason: it’s fascinating, practical, and—if you prepare well—one of the most passable AP exams.
Whether you’re curious about human behavior, preparing for a career in healthcare or education, or just want to earn some college credit, this guide will help you:
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Understand what AP Psych covers
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Break down the 9 course units
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Prepare for the multiple-choice and free-response questions (FRQs)
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Study efficiently and confidently
Let’s get started.
🧠 What Is AP Psychology?
AP Psychology is a high school course that gives students a college-level introduction to the study of human behavior and mental processes. Offered by the College Board, it mirrors an entry-level psych class in college.
You’ll explore how people think, feel, learn, sleep, dream, remember, and behave—all through a scientific lens.
🎓 Bonus: Many students earn college credit by scoring a 3 or higher on the exam.
📚 AP Psychology Topics – The 9 Units
The College Board divides AP Psychology into 9 major units. Here’s a breakdown with the approximate exam weight:
| Unit | Topics Covered | % of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Scientific Foundations | Research methods, ethics, types of studies | 10–14% |
| 2. Biological Bases of Behavior | Brain parts, neurotransmitters, nervous system | 8–10% |
| 3. Sensation and Perception | Eyes, ears, sensory processing | 6–8% |
| 4. Learning | Conditioning, reinforcement, behaviorism | 7–9% |
| 5. Cognitive Psychology | Memory, problem-solving, language | 13–17% |
| 6. Developmental Psychology | Life stages, nature vs nurture | 7–9% |
| 7. Motivation, Emotion, Personality | Theories of emotion, Freud, Maslow, traits | 11–15% |
| 8. Clinical Psychology | Psychological disorders, therapy methods | 12–16% |
| 9. Social Psychology | Conformity, groupthink, obedience (Milgram, Zimbardo) | 8–10% |
🧠 Tip: Units 5–8 carry the most weight on the exam. Spend extra time mastering them.
📝 AP Psychology Exam Format
The exam has two sections:
📌 Section I: Multiple Choice (66.7% of score)
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100 questions
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70 minutes
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Tests recall, application, and analysis of psychological concepts
📌 Section II: Free Response (33.3% of score)
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2 questions (1 concept application + 1 research design)
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50 minutes
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Tests your ability to define, apply, and connect psychological terms
🔍 Example AP Psychology FRQ
Question: A researcher conducts a study on the impact of stress on memory. Using the terms below, explain how each applies to the scenario:
(a) Independent variable
(b) Dependent variable
(c) Operational definition
(d) Hippocampus
(e) Ethical debriefing
✅ Sample Approach:
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Independent variable is the amount of stress exposure.
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Dependent variable is memory performance measured via a test.
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Operational definition defines stress as X minutes of timed math problems.
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Hippocampus is involved in forming memories, which may be impacted.
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Ethical debriefing ensures participants are informed post-study.
✍️ Use direct definitions + connect them clearly to the scenario for full credit.
🧩 Must-Know Psychology Theories & Names
| Topic | Key Theorists |
|---|---|
| Behaviorism | Pavlov, Skinner, Watson |
| Development | Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg |
| Psychoanalysis | Freud, Jung |
| Personality | Allport, Cattell, Eysenck, Bandura |
| Therapy | Beck, Ellis, Rogers |
| Social Psychology | Milgram, Zimbardo, Asch |
Knowing the who behind each theory can earn you points in both multiple choice and FRQs.
📆 AP Psychology Study Plan
✅ 2–3 Months Before Exam
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Review flashcards and vocab (Quizlet or Anki)
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Start taking short practice quizzes by unit
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Watch YouTube review videos (Crash Course Psychology is 🔥)
✅ 1 Month Before
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Take a full-length practice test
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Review your weak units
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Write 2–3 practice FRQs
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Study with a group or tutor
✅ Final Week
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Focus on memorization + essay structure
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Do a final timed MCQ session
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Stay rested and positive—stress management matters!
💯 Tips to Score a 4 or 5 on the AP Psych Exam
✔ Use mnemonic devices (e.g., HIPPO for limbic system)
✔ Master the terms—psych is all about definitions and examples
✔ Practice applying concepts, not just memorizing
✔ Label every term clearly in your FRQ
✔ Manage your time on the multiple-choice section
✔ Don’t skip the experimental design unit—it shows up on FRQs often
🛠 Tools to Help You Prep for AP Psych
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Barron’s or Princeton Review AP Psychology Books
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Fiveable & Khan Academy (Free resources and cram sessions)
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Albert.io for MCQ practice
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StudyDoll Essay Support – for FRQ feedback and tutoring 🧠
🚀 Need Help With AP Psychology Writing?
The FRQs can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure how to define or apply terms in context. At StudyDoll.com, we offer expert tutoring, writing feedback, and custom study resources to help you improve quickly.
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