AP Psychology
About this free AP Psychology course
This free AP Psychology course introduces the foundational principles of psychology, the science of behavior and mental processes, through a clear and structured presentation. It helps students prepare for the AP Psychology exam by covering how psychologists do research, how the brain and body shape behavior, how we perceive, think, and remember, and how we develop and learn across the lifespan.
Topics include research design, heredity and the nervous system, neural communication, brain structure, perception, problem-solving, memory encoding, storage, and retrieval, and physical and cognitive development. Lessons break each topic into short, numbered sections with key terms highlighted, making the course easy to use for both first-time learning and last-minute review.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for high school students in grades 10 through 12 who are taking AP Psychology or self-studying for the exam. No prerequisites are required, and it's also a great introduction for anyone curious about how the mind works.
Course outline
- Research design. The scientific method, types of studies, correlation vs. experimentation, and statistical reasoning.
- Biological bases of behavior. Heredity and environment, the nervous system, neurons and neurotransmitters, hormones, drugs, the brain, and sleep and dreams.
- Sensation and perception. Vision, hearing, taste and the other senses, Gestalt principles, attention, depth cues, and perceptual constancy.
- Cognition. Thinking, problem-solving, algorithms vs. heuristics, decision-making, and memory encoding, storage, and retrieval.
- Development and learning. Themes in developmental psychology, physical and cognitive development across the lifespan, and an introduction to social psychology.
What you'll learn
- Evaluate research designs and interpret basic statistics
- Explain how neurons, the brain, and hormones influence behavior
- Describe how sensation and perception shape our experience
- Explain how memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved, and why we forget
- Summarize the key theories of human development and learning
How long it takes
Plan on about 15 hours. The biological bases and cognition units are the largest, so spread them over several study sessions.
Frequently asked questions about AP Psychology
Is AP Psychology really free?
Yes. AP Psychology is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
Is this the official AP Psychology course?
No. It's an independent review course created by STEM for Others student volunteers, and it isn't endorsed by the College Board. It follows the major AP Psychology topics, so use it alongside your class and official practice exams.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced AP Psychology materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the AP Psychology materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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