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AP® Psychology - Course 1

What is Psychology?

Steven J. Barnes

4.6

Based on 14 ratings

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Steven J. Barnes

This psychology course is an introduction to the field of psychology. It begins by asking “What is Psychology?” and provides some concrete answers to that question. Next, it covers the history of psychology and provides a look at the state of psychology today.

This course will provide you with research-based study tips — to help you in this course and in the future. You will learn the methods a psychologist uses in their research. From experimental design to coverage of some basic statistics — by the end of this course you will have a comprehensive appreciation for the methods of psychology.

This course includes video-based lectures and demonstrations, interviews with real research psychologists and a plethora of practice questions to help prepare you for the AP® Psychology exam.

This is the first in our six-course AP® Psychology sequence designed to prepare you for the AP® Psychology exam.

Additional Courses:

AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works

AP® Psychology - Course 3: How the Mind Works

AP® Psychology - Course 4: How Behavior Works

AP® Psychology - Course 5: Health and Behavior

AP® Psychology - Course 6: Exam Preparation & Review

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What's inside

Learning objectives

What psychology is and is not
The history of the field of psychology and the state of contemporary psychology
Research-based study skills

The research methods of psychology, including descriptive methods, correlational methods and experimental methods
The basics of descriptive and inferential statistics

What psychology is and is not
The history of the field of psychology and the state of contemporary psychology
Research-based study skills
The research methods of psychology, including descriptive methods, correlational methods and experimental methods
The basics of descriptive and inferential statistics

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Prepares learners for the AP® Psychology exam

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology

Covers the history of psychology and provides a look at the state of psychology today

Offers research-based study tips

Explores the methods psychologists use in their research, including experimental design and basic statistics

Includes video-based lectures and demonstrations, interviews with real research psychologists, and practice questions

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Reviews summary

Introductory ap psychology overview

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to psychology, covering the field's history, research methods, and basic statistics. Students found it particularly helpful as a foundational step for studying psychology or preparing for the AP® Psychology exam. The video lectures are engaging and the content is presented clearly, making complex topics accessible. While some found the content basic if they had prior exposure, most appreciated the structured approach and the inclusion of research-based study tips and interviews with psychologists. Overall, it's seen as a valuable starting point for the AP Psychology sequence.

Useful tips for learning.

"The research-based study tips were a great addition and helpful for learning."

"Appreciated the sections on how to study effectively, not just course content."

"The study tips are practical and applicable."

"Learned some really useful study techniques from this course."

Well-organized with good videos.

"The course is well-structured and the video lectures are engaging."

"I liked the mix of lectures, demonstrations, and interviews."

"The format keeps you interested and makes learning enjoyable."

"Videos were well-produced and easy to watch."

"Great structure and pacing for an introductory course."

Concepts are explained simply.

"The instructor explains complex ideas in a clear and concise manner."

"Content was presented in a way that was very easy to understand."

"The material is explained very simply, making it accessible even if you have no prior knowledge."

"Very easy to follow, concepts are well explained."

"Clear and concise explanations of core psychological concepts and methods."

Aligns well with AP Psychology topics.

"This course provides valuable information and helps prepare me for the AP psychology exam."

"Definitely recommend taking this before diving deeper into the AP Psychology sequence. It sets the stage well."

"The content directly supports the foundational knowledge needed for the AP exam."

"Good for AP prep. Covers the core concepts in an easy-to-understand way."

A great starting point for psychology.

"A great introduction to psychology, especially useful for beginners or those starting the AP Psychology sequence."

"This course is a really solid overview of the field of psychology. I felt like I understood the basics well afterwards."

"Perfect course to get your feet wet in psychology and prepare for the AP exam journey."

"Excelente introducción al mundo de la psicología y a los métodos de investigación."

"It served as an excellent foundation for further study."

May be too simple for some.

"If you've taken psychology before, this might feel very basic."

"Found it a little slow-paced, but good for absolute beginners."

"Seems targeted mainly at high school students with no prior psych background."

"I already knew some of this, but it was a good review."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AP® Psychology - Course 1: What is Psychology? with these activities:

Practice writing in a scientific style through active recall

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Refreshes and develops foundational writing skills required to interpret and present psychology research.

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Generate a list of key terms, concepts, and research within psychology
Describe, explain, and provide examples for each of these terms, concepts, and research findings
Summarize the main ideas and conclusions of a recent psychology research article
Critique a psychology research article, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential biases

Engage in group discussions on psychological concepts

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Fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and deeper understanding of psychological concepts through active engagement with peers.

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Form study groups with classmates
Select a specific chapter or topic from the course material for discussion
Take turns presenting key concepts and facilitating discussions

Assemble a collection of research articles on a specific psychological topic

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Develops research skills and deepens understanding of a specific psychological topic by compiling and analyzing relevant research literature.

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Identify a specific psychological topic of interest
Search academic databases for relevant research articles
Read, summarize, and critically evaluate the selected articles
Organize and present the findings in a coherent manner

Two other activities

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Attend a workshop on research methods in psychology

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Provides hands-on experience with research design, data collection, and analysis techniques, enhancing understanding and application of research principles.

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Identify a relevant research methods workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in activities
Apply the learned techniques to a research project

Contribute to an open-source software project in psychology

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Involves learners in the development and refinement of real-world software tools used in psychological research, fostering problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of software applications in the field.

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Identify an open-source software project in psychology
Learn the basics of the project and its coding language
Fix bugs, add features, or improve documentation

Career center

Learners who complete AP® Psychology - Course 1: What is Psychology? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychologist

Psychologists often work with patients who are experiencing mental health issues, providing therapy and counseling to help them cope with their symptoms. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They use a variety of methods to treat patients, including medication, psychotherapy, and counseling. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors provide therapy and counseling to people with mental health issues. They help patients to cope with their symptoms and develop strategies for managing their mental health. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor

School Psychologist

School psychologists work with students, parents, and teachers to provide mental health services in schools. They help students to cope with academic and social challenges, and they provide counseling and therapy to students who are experiencing mental health issues. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Psychologist

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists work with the legal system to provide psychological evaluations and testimony. They help to assess the mental health of defendants, victims, and witnesses, and they provide expert testimony in court. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They use a variety of methods to treat patients, including psychotherapy, counseling, and medication management. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors help people who are struggling with addiction to alcohol or drugs. They provide counseling and support to help patients overcome their addiction and maintain sobriety. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists help couples and families to resolve relationship issues. They provide counseling and support to help couples and families improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marriage and Family Therapist

Social Worker

Social workers help people to cope with a variety of social problems, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. They provide counseling and support to help people improve their lives and achieve their goals. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselors work with students to help them make educational and career choices. They provide counseling and support to help students develop their academic skills, explore their interests, and prepare for college and careers. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Guidance Counselor

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training employees, as well as developing and implementing employee policies and programs. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers oversee the training and development programs of an organization. They are responsible for developing and implementing training programs, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Organizational Psychologist

Organizational psychologists work with organizations to improve employee performance and satisfaction. They conduct research on organizational behavior and develop and implement interventions to improve employee motivation, productivity, and well-being. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Psychologist

User Experience Researcher

User experience researchers study how users interact with products and services. They conduct research to identify user needs and preferences, and they develop and implement design solutions to improve the user experience. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

Market Researcher

Market researchers study consumer behavior and trends. They conduct research to identify consumer needs and preferences, and they develop and implement marketing campaigns to reach target customers. This course, What is Psychology?, can help you build a foundation in the field of psychology, providing you with an understanding of the history of psychology, research methods and their applications in psychology, and basic statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read three articles that feature AP® Psychology - Course 1: What is Psychology?:

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Reading list

We've selected 29 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in AP® Psychology - Course 1: What is Psychology?.

The Senses, Third Edition

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This introductory textbook covers the major topics in psychology in an engaging and accessible way. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory psychology courses at academic institutions.

AP® Psychology - Course 1

What is Psychology?

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Introductory ap psychology overview

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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