What types of content should I focus on for the AP Psychology exam?

Hi folks! I'm starting my review for the upcoming AP Psychology exam, and I wanted to get a sense of the format and main content areas that I should be focusing on. What topics are typically emphasized on the exam, and what kind of balance should I strike between studying for the multiple-choice section and FRQs?

Hi there! The AP Psychology exam covers a broad range of topics, but focusing on key content areas will help you be well-prepared. The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and free-response questions (FRQs).

Here's a breakdown of units covered by the AP Psychology exam, along with their respective weightage:

1. Scientific Foundations of Psychology (10-14%)

2. Biological Bases of Behavior (8-10%)

3. Sensation and Perception (6-8%)

4. Learning (7-9%)

5. Cognitive Psychology (13-17%)

6. Developmental Psychology (7-9%)

7. Motivation, Emotion, and Personality (11-15%)

8. Clinical Psychology (12-16%)

9. Social Psychology (8-10%)

The multiple-choice section makes up 67% of your exam score and consists of 100 questions to be answered in 70 minutes. Focus on understanding key terms, theories, and concepts and be prepared to apply this knowledge to various scenarios.

The free-response section accounts for 33% of your exam score and contains two questions to be answered in 50 minutes. Make sure to practice writing concise, yet comprehensive answers, covering all parts of the question. Familiarize yourself with the FRQ format and develop the skill to identify crucial points that should be addressed in your response.

To strike a balance between studying for MCQs and FRQs, allocate more time to reviewing the content and practicing MCQs as they contribute more to your overall score. However, do not overlook the FRQs. Practice answering FRQs from past exams, and make sure to review the scoring guidelines to understand what examiners are looking for.

Overall, ensure that you have a solid understanding of each topic area and its associated theories, concepts, and terms. Dedicate enough time to practice your skills in answering both multiple-choice and free-response questions. Good luck!