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AP Psychology

Course Description

AP Psychology is a college-level course that introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students explore psychological concepts, theories, and research methods across topics such as cognition, development, personality, and social interaction.

The course emphasizes critical thinking, data interpretation, and application of psychological principles—skills essential for college coursework and understanding human behavior.

Key Components:

  • Study of major psychological approaches and historical foundations

  • Exploration of biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, and consciousness

  • Examination of learning, memory, intelligence, and developmental psychology

  • Understanding of psychological disorders, treatment, and social psychology principles

AP Exam Details

Helpful Info

Get Psyched with Tim Steadman

AP Psychology Score Distribution

  • From 2020 to 2021, AP Psychology scores declined significantly: the mean dropped from 3.22 to 2.71, and pass rates fell from 71.3% to 53.3%, with 1s rising sharply to over 31%, indicating a major dip in performance.

  • Between 2022 and 2024, scores recovered gradually—mean scores rose to 2.97 by 2024, while pass rates improved to 61.7%. However, the proportion of 1s remained high, peaking at 28.5% in 2022 and holding above 26% through 2024.

  • In 2025, outcomes improved markedly: the pass rate jumped to 72%, the highest since 2020, and low scores dropped significantly—only 9% scored a 1. Nearly one-third of students earned a 4, and the mean score rose again, signaling strong overall gains in AP Psychology performance.

AP Psychology Forum
 

AP Psychology Forum

AP Psychology Forum
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Tips & Feedback

Use this space to share effective study techniques, get feedback on free-response questions, and exchange strategies for remembering terminology and applying concepts. Whether you're working on experimental design or breaking down disorders and treatments, this section is here to help you improve and feel more confident.

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