Agenda – Wednesday, January 8th

• Welcome to AP Psych!• The Boring Stuff– Syllabus– Attendance– Books

• Perspectives Notes• Homework: Prologue Reading Quiz – Friday

The Basics

• 14 UNITS• Unit Test: Every 2-3 chapters (ALWAYS on

Fridays, with the exception of the first one)• Reading Quiz: Over every unit; take place on

Tuesdays; open note• AP Exam: MAY 5th

Perspectives Review

• Purpose:– Provide a variety of ways to identify and explain

behavior

Social-Cultural

• Behavior comes from cultural norms & social setting

• Relationship between people and culture

• Example: Sports teams; pursuing a life of crime; mannerisms

Neuroscience (AKA Biological)

• Focuses on the brain’s chemistry and internal functions

• Examines drug use, neural connections, and inner-workings

• Example: Head injuries may prevent certain behaviors, like the formation of new memories

Cognitive

• Individual feelings, perception, use of language, thought processes, etc.

• Example: Body Dysmorphic Disorder, maps of the school

Behavioral

• External forces influence behavior

• Relies on punishment, rewards, and observation to observe and understand behavior

• Example: “The Biggest Loser” rewards people for losing weight; Pavlov’s dog

** Evolutionary **

• Inherited characteristics for survival influence behavior and decision-making

• Example: Humans no longer need wisdom teeth or appendix; adapted to surroundings

Psychodynamic

• Focuses on internal and subconscious conflicts to explain behavior

• Includes childhood experiences, parental relationship, sex drive, etc.

• Example: Freud’s beliefs about sexual abuse and behavior in childhood

Humanistic

• Behavior comes from meeting basic needs and fulfilling one’s potential

• Example: “Dead Poet’s Society” focuses on rising to potential; “Walking Dead” only focuses on physical needs and security