6 topics · 72 free flashcards
AP Psychology flashcards
Free revision cards for US high school students taking Advanced Placement courses for college credit, sorted by topic, with a quick quiz on every page.
About AP Psychology
AP Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, spanning topics from the biology of the brain to social influence. The course is challenging because it combines scientific terminology, research methods, and theoretical frameworks across many distinct areas, requiring students to both memorize a large vocabulary and apply concepts to novel scenarios they have not seen before.
Flashcards support AP Psychology particularly well because so much of the course depends on knowing precise definitions and being able to distinguish between similar terms. Active recall forces you to retrieve information rather than passively re-read it, which strengthens long-term memory. Spaced repetition ensures you revisit terms like classical conditioning or confirmation bias at the right intervals, preventing forgetting before exam day.
Flashcards by topic
12 cards · 3-question quiz
Biological bases of behavior
- · What is the basic function of a neuron?
- · What happens at a synapse during neural communication?
- · What is the difference between the CNS and PNS?
12 cards · 3-question quiz
Sensation and perception
- · What is the difference between sensation and perception?
- · What is transduction in the context of sensation?
- · Define absolute threshold.
12 cards · 3-question quiz
Learning
- · What is classical conditioning?
- · What is the difference between a UCS and a CS in classical conditioning?
- · What is extinction in classical conditioning?
12 cards · 3-question quiz
Memory and cognition
- · What are the three processes that define how memory works?
- · What is the difference between short-term memory and working memory?
- · What distinguishes explicit memory from implicit memory?
12 cards · 3-question quiz
Developmental psychology
- · What are Piaget's four stages of cognitive development in order?
- · What is object permanence and when does it develop?
- · What does Vygotsky's zone of proximal development describe?
12 cards · 3-question quiz
Social psychology
- · What is the fundamental attribution error?
- · What did Milgram's obedience experiments demonstrate?
- · What is cognitive dissonance?
What you need to master
- Master key terminology across all major topic areas, since the exam frequently asks you to identify or define specific psychological concepts.
- Understand major research methods and be able to evaluate study designs, identify variables, and interpret basic statistical findings.
- Connect brain structures and neurotransmitters to specific behaviors and psychological disorders.
- Apply major theories, such as Piaget's stages or Bandura's social learning theory, to real-world examples.
- Practice writing clear, evidence-based free-response answers that directly address the question prompt.
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AP Psychology revision questions
How much vocabulary do I need to memorize for AP Psychology?
There are hundreds of terms across the course, and knowing them precisely matters because the exam often hinges on distinguishing between similar concepts, such as negative reinforcement versus punishment. Building a strong flashcard deck early and reviewing it consistently throughout the year is the most effective strategy. Prioritize terms that appear across multiple topic areas, since those tend to show up most often.
Is AP Psychology mostly memorization or do I need to understand concepts deeply?
Both are required. Multiple-choice questions test whether you know definitions and can recognize examples, but the free-response section asks you to apply concepts to new scenarios. Simply memorizing a definition of operant conditioning is not enough; you need to explain how it would work in a specific situation described in the prompt. Aim to understand the why behind each concept, not just the label.
What are the hardest topics in AP Psychology to study?
Most students find biological bases of behavior difficult because it requires learning specific brain regions, neurotransmitters, and research methods like fMRI and lesion studies. The statistics and research methods content also trips people up because it feels different from the rest of the course. Spend extra time on these areas early so you are not cramming technical material in the final weeks.
How should I use practice tests when revising for AP Psychology?
Take full practice tests under timed conditions rather than just browsing questions casually. After each test, carefully review every question you got wrong and trace the error back to a specific gap in knowledge or a misread prompt. Use those gaps to update your flashcard deck and revision notes. Doing this process two or three times in the weeks before the exam is more valuable than taking many tests without reflection.
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Written for general AP revision. Exam boards and schools differ, so check your own specification for exactly what you need to know. Lerno is not affiliated with any exam board.