Course Overview
AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.
While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health.
Throughout the course, students apply psychological concepts and employ psychological research methods and data interpretation to evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Course and Exam Description
Course Resources
Course Content
The course framework included in the course and exam description (CED) clearly describes the course requirements necessary for student success.
The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced coursework in psychology at the undergraduate level.
The AP Psychology framework is organized into five commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
| Unit | Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior | 15%–25% |
| Unit 2: Cognition | 15%–25% |
| Unit 3: Development and Learning | 15%–25% |
| Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality | 15%–25% |
| Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health | 15%–25% |
Science Practices
The AP Psychology framework also outlines distinct science practices central to the study and practice of psychology. Students should develop and apply these science practices regularly throughout the course.
| Skill | Description | Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Concept Application | Apply psychological perspectives, theories, concepts, and research findings. | 65% |
| 2. Research Methods and Design | Evaluate qualitative and quantitative research methods and study designs. | 25% |
| 3. Data Interpretation | Evaluate representations of psychological concepts depicted in quantitative research (tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams) and described in qualitative research. | 10% |
| 4. Argumentation | Develop and justify psychological arguments using evidence. | Only assessed in the free-response section |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
Course Development
Every AP course is designed in consultation with college faculty and experienced high school teachers. To stay aligned with best practices in college-level learning, AP courses and exams emphasize research-based curricula that meet higher education expectations.
College faculty and experienced high school teachers guide the development of the AP course framework, which defines what students must know and be able to do to earn a qualifying score on the AP Exam and (by extension) college credit or placement.
As part of the course development process for AP Psychology, we gathered course research by examining college syllabi, analyzing textbooks and pedagogical research, and conducting content advisory sessions with college faculty. Based on this research, an advisory board and writing team collaborated on the course framework.
Meet the Development Committee for AP Psychology
AP is unique in its reliance on development committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.