This AP Psychology cheat sheet covers the 5-unit redesign, the vocabulary distinctions that cost the most MCQ points, and the FRQ application formula. Print it or use it as a study reference before exam day.
The 5 Units at a Glance
- Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior (~22%): Neuron anatomy, neurotransmitters, brain regions, nervous system divisions, research methods (experimental design, correlation vs. causation)
- Unit 2: Sensation, Perception and States of Consciousness (~18%): Absolute threshold, JND, perceptual processes, sleep stages, drugs and consciousness
- Unit 3: Learning and Cognition (~24%): Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning, memory (encoding, storage, retrieval), cognitive biases
- Unit 4: Development and Social Psychology (~24%): Piaget's stages, Erikson, attachment, conformity/obedience, attribution, social influence
- Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health (~12%): DSM-5 disorders, therapy types, biomedical treatments
Critical Distinctions (MCQ killer pairs)
- Classical vs. Operant conditioning: Classical = involuntary reflex response to paired stimulus (Pavlov). Operant = voluntary behavior shaped by consequences (Skinner).
- Negative reinforcement vs. Punishment: Negative reinforcement INCREASES behavior by removing something unpleasant. Punishment DECREASES behavior.
- Encoding vs. Retrieval failure: Encoding = never stored. Retrieval = stored but can't access. Tip of tongue = retrieval failure.
- Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic: Sympathetic = fight/flight (arousal, heart rate up, digestion down). Parasympathetic = rest/digest (calming, heart rate down).
- Correlation vs. Causation: Correlation shows relationship; only random assignment experiments can establish causation.
- Independent vs. Dependent variable: IV = what the experimenter changes. DV = what gets measured.
Key Neurotransmitters
- Dopamine: Movement, reward/pleasure, motivation (low → Parkinson's; too much → schizophrenia)
- Serotonin: Mood, sleep, appetite (low → depression; SSRIs increase serotonin)
- Acetylcholine (ACh): Muscle movement, memory (low → Alzheimer's)
- Norepinephrine: Arousal, alertness, fight-or-flight
- GABA: Main inhibitory NT; reduces neural activity (low → anxiety; alcohol enhances GABA)
- Glutamate: Main excitatory NT; learning and memory
- Endorphins: Pain relief, euphoria
FRQ Application Formula (earns every point)
For each concept the FRQ asks you to apply: (1) Name the concept using the exact AP Psychology term. (2) Define it in one sentence. (3) Apply it explicitly to the scenario — use the person's name or describe their specific behavior from the prompt. All three steps are required to earn the point.
AP Psych practice questions · Grade an AP Psych FRQ · AP Psych key terms · How to get a 5 on AP Psych
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