AP Psychology

What Students Learn

Students use scientific research to explain behavior and mental processes and apply psychological concepts to specific situations. Research methods and data interpretation run throughout the course, with attention to study design and ethics and the use of evidence in psychological arguments.

Course Units

The units and learning focuses below follow the official AP course framework.

Unit 1: Biological bases of behavior

Unit 2: Cognition

Unit 3: Development and learning

Unit 4: Social psychology and personality

Unit 5: Mental and physical health

AP Assessment

The digital AP exam includes 75 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, worth 66.7%, and two free-response questions in 70 minutes, worth 33.3%. The Article Analysis Question examines research methods and data alongside ethics and generalizability. The Evidence-Based Question requires a claim supported by supplied research evidence and explained through psychological concepts.

References (2026–2027): College Board course framework; assessment information