AP Psychology

Summer Assignment 2016-2017

Welcome to AP Psychology at Highlands! The AP Psychology course simulates an introductory-level college psychology course. It is designed to prepare students to successfully complete the AP test in May and to earn credit or advanced standing in college. With this in mind, pacing is fast, and it is imperative for you to be a disciplined student and complete readings and written assignments when they are due. Also, because of the amount of material we must cover by the end of April, you must begin your studies over the summer. The following summer assignment is mandatory so that you enter the course with an understanding of the basic principles of psychology, research methods utilized by psychologists, and ethical considerations in the field of psychology.

  • Read and take notes on the eText selections from Myers Psychology 9e (Prologue, Chapter 1, and Appendix A). You may download these eChapters from our AP Psychology School Wires pages under AP Psychology eText.
  • Read the excerpts from the Milgram, Watson and Landis experiments. This document can be downloaded from the AP Psychology main page on School Wires pages. Consider the implications of this research. Is it sound? Ethical?
  • Attain a 3-ring binder (1.5”-2”) for the class for your notes and handouts. Oh, don’t worry! You will fill it up several times during the course of the year!
  • Check the AP Psychology School Wires page regularly (once every two weeks will do) for any updates and for access to helpful resources to improve your understanding of course material. This is most important toward the end of the summer and throughout the school year.

If you have any questions about the class or the summer assignment, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Spencer at or Mr. D’Elia at .

Rationale: The purpose of the AP Psychology Summer Assignment is to expose students to the fundamental concepts and landmark case studies contained within Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology Science. By completing the Summer Assignment, students will learn about the history of psychology, research methods and statistical tools employed by psychologists, and ethical considerations within the field of psychology. These themes are central to understanding the discipline of psychology and serve as the framework for all future learning in the course.

Due to the scope of the AP Psychology course, each topic must be covered in a timely manner. The Summer Assignment affords students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basic tenants of psychological science so that a disproportionate amount of time does not need to be dedicated to mastering these topics in September.