Lecture 1: Introduction to AP Psychology

I Introduction [30 minutes]

A Teacher
B Students
i. Name
ii. Grade
iii. Why are you taking AP Psychology?
iv. What is one thing you want to learn this year?
v. Fun fact about yourself.
II Syllabus [20 minutes]
A What is Psychology?
B Brief Description (read over syllabus)
C Expectations
i. Behavior
ii. Reading Assignments
iii. Exams/Projects
D The AP Exam
i. College Board Description
ii. Sample Questions
III Review of Scientific Method [10 minutes]
IV Statistics (handout)
A Descriptive Statistics
B Inferential Statistics
C Frequency Distribution
D Mean, Median, Mode
E Range (not a good indicator of variability)
F Standard Deviation
G Normal/Bell Curve
H Correlation
i. Perfect Positive
ii. Perfect Negative
iii. Correlation DOES NOT EQUAL causation
I Scatter Diagram
J Reliability of a test

1
V Break! [15 minutes]
VI Ethics
A Brief History of Ethics
B Experiments that are now deemed unethical
i. Stanford Prison Experiment
ii. Milgram Experiment
iii. Syphilis Experiment

2
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a research model consisting of the following seven steps:

1. Define the Problem

- Choose a topic and make it as clear and specific as possible.

2. Review Existing Literature

- Is your question already answered?

3. Formulate a Hypothesis
- State the problem as a testable hypothesis and construct operational definitions of variables.

4. Choose a Research Design

- Select one or more ways to test your hypothesis (e.g. experiment, survey, observational study, etc. . . )

5. Collect the Data

- Collect and record information according to your research design.

6. Analyze the Results

- Arrange your information and statistically interpret the findings; then confirm, reject, or modify your
hypothesis (go back to step 3).

7. Draw a Conclusion
- Discuss the significance of your findings. Is there replication in your research?

A Brief History of Ethics in Psychological Research

Pre-1945:

There were few standardized rules on the ethical treatment of experimental subjects:
1. Watsons Little Albert experiment (1920s)
2. Lobotomy studies of the criminally insane

Post-WWII:
1. 1948 - Nuremberg Code established, its the first attempt to create an international code for the ethical
treatment of human subjects. Its biggest outcome is the notion of informed consent.
2. 1953 - APAs first code of ethical standards. It allows for deception (not providing informed consent) as
long as it doesnt physically or mentally harm the participants, and it doesnt alter their behavior.
3. 1974 - The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical and Behavioral
Research forms boards to review ethics of studies by researchers using federal funds.