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AP® Psychology - Course 4

How Behavior Works

Steven J. Barnes

This psychology course is all about how behavior works. You will learn the theories of motivation, hunger, eating, the obesity epidemic, and sexual behavior. We will also examine theories of emotion and observe how developmental psychologists study phenomena across a lifespan.

We will explore cognitive development, the history of intelligence and testing, and the relationship between creativity and mental illness. The course concludes with in-depth coverage of the fields of personality psychology and social psychology.

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This psychology course is all about how behavior works. You will learn the theories of motivation, hunger, eating, the obesity epidemic, and sexual behavior. We will also examine theories of emotion and observe how developmental psychologists study phenomena across a lifespan.

We will explore cognitive development, the history of intelligence and testing, and the relationship between creativity and mental illness. The course concludes with in-depth coverage of the fields of personality psychology and social 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 that AP® Psychology exam.

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

Additional Courses:

AP® Psychology - Course 1: What is Psychology

AP® Psychology - Course 2: How the Brain Works

AP® Psychology - Course 3: How the Mind Works

AP® Psychology - Course 5: Health and Behavior

AP® Psychology - Course 6: Exam Preparation & Review

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Theories of motivation and several motivated behaviors, such as hunger and eating and sexual behavior
  • Theories of emotion, the expression of emotion and the physiological bases of emotion
  • Developmental psychology, including coverage of emotional development, cognitive development, motor development, and personality development
  • Psychological testing and the history of intelligence testing, as well as creativity and the relationship between mental illness and creativity
  • The fields of personality psychology and social psychology

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines emotion, which is a core aspect of the human experience, and a primary element of psychology
Explores theories of motivation as they apply to hunger, eating behavior, and sexual behavior
Develops foundational concepts in Developmental Psychology, including emotional, cognitive, motor, and personality development
Teaches the history of intelligence testing, which is a valuable tool for understanding human intelligence
Delves into personality psychology and social psychology, providing a solid understanding of the core branches in psychology
Taught by Steven J. Barnes, an experienced instructor in the field of psychology

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Ap psychology: how behavior works

According to learners, AP® Psychology - Course 4: How Behavior Works is a highly effective part of the AP Psychology series. Students particularly praise the clear and engaging video lectures and the excellent preparation for the AP exam provided through relevant content and helpful practice questions. Many found the course structure and explanations easy to follow, making complex psychological theories accessible. While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a few reviewers noted that some topics, particularly within personality or social psychology, could potentially benefit from greater depth or supplemental material for those seeking a more comprehensive understanding beyond the AP scope, a potential warning for non-AP students. Overall, it is seen as a valuable and well-structured course for its intended audience.
Course structure is logical and easy to navigate.
"The course is well-organized, making it easy to follow the material flow."
"I appreciated the logical progression of topics."
"The structure helped solidify my understanding chapter by chapter."
"Each module built nicely upon the previous one."
Content is relevant and well-selected.
"The course covered all the relevant theories and topics about behavior effectively."
"I found the material on motivation and emotion particularly relevant."
"The content aligns well with the AP curriculum framework."
"Provided a solid foundation in key areas of psychology."
Video lectures are clear and engaging.
"The video lectures were very clear and easy to follow."
"I really enjoyed the engaging lectures. They made learning complex topics much easier."
"The instructor presented the material in a clear and concise manner."
"The production quality of the videos was good, and the concepts were explained well."
Effectively prepares students for the AP exam.
"This course, like the others in the series, is spot on for AP Psychology exam preparation."
"The practice questions felt very similar to actual AP exam questions."
"Highly recommend this course for anyone studying for the AP Psych exam."
"It covered all the key concepts needed for the 'How Behavior Works' section of the exam."
Some topics may need more depth.
"While good, I felt the personality section could have gone into more detail."
"The coverage of social psychology felt a bit introductory and could be expanded."
"For non-AP students wanting more depth, supplementation might be needed."
"Some explanations were very brief on complex topics."

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 4: How Behavior Works with these activities:
Learn how to use SPSS to analyze psychological data
SPSS is one of the most widely used statistical software packages in the field of psychology, and it will make data analysis much easier in this course.
Browse courses on Psychological Testing
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial series on YouTube or another platform.
  • Complete at least 3 tutorials before the course begins.
  • Download the free version of SPSS and complete practice problems as you progress through the tutorials.
Read an Overview of Theories of Emotion
This book offers a concise overview of both major theories of emotion and modern psychological viewpoints.
View Emotion: A Very Short Introduction on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read this book before the course begins to build a foundational understanding of basic concepts.
  • Review the book again when the course finishes to reinforce and refresh what you've learned.
Practice flashcards
Repetition and spaced repetition are keys to long-term retention. This course covers a wide range of topics, so spaced repetition of key terms and concepts can be invaluable.
Browse courses on Sexual Behavior
Show steps
  • Go over the flashcard deck at the end of each lecture to reinforce newly learned material.
  • Set up a schedule for spaced repetition of all the flashcards for this course.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Join a study group
A study group of your fellow course-takers can help you with motivation and support.
Show steps
  • Post a message in the discussion forum to see if anyone wants to join a study group.
  • Meet up in person or online to review materials and quiz each other.
  • Take turns leading discussions and presenting material.
Complete the practice problems in the textbook
Practice problems are an excellent way to test your understanding and identify areas where you need more practice.
Browse courses on Hunger
Show steps
  • At the end of each chapter, go through the practice problems.
  • Look through the questions to identify the concepts or ideas you struggle with the most.
  • Focus on practicing those concepts and ideas until you feel confident in them.
Organize your notes
Well organized notes will make reviewing and revising material much easier and more effective.
Show steps
  • Go through your notes and identify any areas that are disorganized or confusing.
  • Rewrite your notes in a more organized way, using headings and subheadings.
  • Add color-coding or other visual cues to help you identify different topics and concepts.

Career center

Learners who complete AP® Psychology - Course 4: How Behavior Works will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologists work with students, teachers, and administrators to help improve educational outcomes. This course covers many of the topics that Educational Psychologists need to know about, including theories of cognitive development and developmental psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in educational psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist
Personality Psychologist
Personality Psychologists study the unique characteristics of individuals, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This course covers many of the topics that Personality Psychologists need to know about, including theories of personality psychology and the relationship between mental illness and creativity. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in personality psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Personality Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologists study the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and memory. This course covers many of the topics that Cognitive Psychologists need to know about, including theories of cognitive development and developmental psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in cognitive psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists work with people of all ages to help them with a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. This course covers many of the topics that Clinical Psychologists need to know about, including theories of personality psychology and social psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in clinical psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Social Psychologists study the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of people in social situations. This course covers many of the topics that Social Psychologists need to know about, including theories of social psychology and the relationship between mental illness and creativity. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in social psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Psychologist
Behavioral Psychologist
Behavioral Psychologists study the relationship between behavior and the environment. This course covers many of the topics that Behavioral Psychologists need to know about, including theories of motivation and behavior. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in behavioral psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior. This course covers many of the topics that Neuropsychologists need to know about, including theories of the brain and the relationship between mental illness and creativity. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in neuropsychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychologist
Developmental Neuroscientist
Developmental Neuroscientists study the development of the brain and nervous system. This course covers many of the topics that Developmental Neuroscientists need to know about, including theories of emotional development and cognitive development. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in developmental neuroscience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Developmental Neuroscientist
Health Psychologist
Health Psychologists work with people to help them improve their health and well-being. This course covers many of the topics that Health Psychologists need to know about, including theories of motivation and emotion. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in health psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Psychologist
School Psychologist
School Psychologists work with children and adolescents in a school setting to help them with a variety of academic, social, and emotional issues. This course covers many of the topics that School Psychologists need to know about, including theories of cognitive development and developmental psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in school psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists work with the legal system to help with a variety of issues, such as assessing criminal defendants, providing expert testimony, and developing treatment plans for offenders. This course covers many of the topics that Forensic Psychologists need to know about, including theories of personality psychology and social psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in forensic psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Psychologist
Child Psychologist
Child Psychologists work with children and adolescents to help them with a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. This course covers many of the topics that Child Psychologists need to know about, including theories of cognitive development and developmental psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in child psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Child Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists work with businesses and organizations to help improve employee productivity, satisfaction, and safety. This course covers many of the topics that Industrial-Organizational Psychologists need to know about, including theories of motivation and social psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in industrial-organizational psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
Counseling Psychologists work with people of all ages to help them with a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. This course covers many of the topics that Counseling Psychologists need to know about, including theories of emotion and developmental psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in counseling psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Counseling Psychologist
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologists conduct research on a variety of topics related to human development, including cognitive, emotional, and social development. This course covers many of these topics, including theories of cognitive development and developmental psychology. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career field because it provides a foundation in the theories and research methods used in developmental psychology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Developmental Psychologist

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature AP® Psychology - Course 4: How Behavior Works:
70+ Free AP Online Courses & MOOCs for Advanced Placement Learners
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Reading list

We've selected 13 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 4: How Behavior Works.
Cover image
Hobbes's Creativity
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This comprehensive handbook brings together leading scholars in the field of creativity to provide a state-of-the-art overview of current research and theory.
Hobbes's Creativity
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Ebook: Health Psychology
Save
This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth examination of hunger and eating in humans, exploring the interaction between physiological and psychological factors influencing eating behavior and obesity.
Ebook: Health Psychology
Paperback
Check
Ebook: Health Psychology
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: CHIL DHOOD and ADOLESCENCE
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of developmental psychology, covering topics such as emotional development, cognitive development, motor development, and personality development.
Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Psychopathology
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This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of personality psychology, covering the major theories, research methods, and assessment tools used in the field.
Psychopathology
Paperback
$$$$
Psychopathology
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Noise
Save
This Nobel Prize-winning book explores the two systems of thinking that govern our decision-making: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slow, deliberative, and rational.
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
Paperback
$$
(Español) Ruido: Un fallo en el juicio humano / Noise: A Flaw...
Hardcover
$$
(Français) Noise: Pourquoi nous faisons des erreurs de...
Kindle Edition
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By Daniel Kahneman Best Seller 2 Boks collection...
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(Deutsch) Noise (German edition): Was unsere Entscheidungen...
Audible Audiobook
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Cover image
Social Psychology MyPsychLab Access Card
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This engaging and accessible book provides a concise overview of social psychology, exploring the fascinating ways in which social forces shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Social Psychology MyPsychLab Access Card
Paperback
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Social Psychology MyPsychLab Access Card
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3
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This ambitious and wide-ranging book provides a sweeping overview of human history, from the origins of our species to the present day.
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The Masters...
Paperback
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Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The Masters...
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
EBOOK: Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge...
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of personality psychology, covering topics such as the different theories of personality, the assessment of personality, and the development of personality over time.
EBOOK: Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Psychopharmacology Reconsidered
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This controversial but well-researched book challenges the prevailing view of mental illness and its treatment, arguing for a more holistic and person-centered approach.
Psychopharmacology Reconsidered: A Concise Guide...
Hardcover
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Psychopharmacology Reconsidered: A Concise Guide...
Kindle Edition
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Mistakes Were Made (but Not By Me) Third Edition
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This entertaining and informative book examines the psychological mechanisms that lead us to rationalize our own mistakes and biases, even when confronted with evidence to the contrary.
Mistakes Were Made (but Not By Me) Third Edition:...
Paperback
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Giftedness in Childhood
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of intelligence, covering topics such as the history of intelligence testing, the nature of creativity, and the relationship between mental illness and creativity.
Giftedness in Childhood (Elements in Child...
Paperback
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Giftedness in Childhood (Elements in Child...
Kindle Edition
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The Righteous Mind
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This thought-provoking book explores the psychological underpinnings of political and religious beliefs, arguing that our moral intuitions are often shaped by our emotions rather than by reason.
Jonathan Haidt Collection 4 Books Set (The Anxious...
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The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by...
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Why Do They Vote That Way?: from The Righteous Mind...
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Jonathan Haidt Collection 3 Books Set (The Coddling...
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Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?: from...
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Psychology According to Shakespeare
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This gripping account of the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment explores the psychological factors that can lead ordinary people to engage in acts of cruelty and violence.
Psychology According to Shakespeare
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Psychology According to Shakespeare
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Course image
Effort
8 to 12 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of British Columbia
Instructor
Steven J. Barnes
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines emotion, which is a core aspect of the human experience, and a primary element of psychology
Explores theories of motivation as they apply to hunger, eating behavior, and sexual behavior
Develops foundational concepts in Developmental Psychology, including emotional, cognitive, motor, and personality development
Teaches the history of intelligence testing, which is a valuable tool for understanding human intelligence
Delves into personality psychology and social psychology, providing a solid understanding of the core branches in psychology
Taught by Steven J. Barnes, an experienced instructor in the field of psychology
Featured in The Course Notes
Read two articles that feature this course, AP® Psychology - Course 4: How Behavior Works from our blog, The Course Notes:
70+ Free AP Online Courses & MOOCs for Advanced Placement Learners
5 minute read
The Definitive List of Advanced Placement (AP) Online Courses
31 minute read
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