Study Resources for your History, Approaches, and Research Methods Test

On Thursday we'll reach an important milestone in our AP Psych journey together: our first unit test! I know you've been working hard to prepare, and to help you with that process, I'm posting some resources here that students typically find useful.

As your textbook suggests, not all study strategies are created equal. Thus, I'd highly recommend using the testing effect to your advantage by focusing on self-quizzing via Quizlet or practice MC items. Additionally, you were provided with a lengthy, printed study guide with practice problems last week. That's also a great place to start.

The video links I've posted below can also be helpful, especially if you're still confused about a particular concept (e.g., the difference between random assignment and random sampling). However, just passively viewing the Crash Course videos and calling it good is unlikely to get you the test results you want come Thursday. The best approaches to studying are active (involving actual practice retrieving information from memory and using it), not passive. That also means they feel "hard," but don't let that deter you! If studying feels "easy," you might not be gaining much from it.

During our (optional) study session on Wednesday (5-7 PM), I'll be directing some activities that involve very active study strategies, so it might be a good idea to drop in and get some tips if you are free. :)

• Quizlet Flashcards for Unit I and Unit II. I've embedded the flashcard mode below, but visit the site to take advantage of other study modes (games, self-testing, etc.)
• Practice MC Tests: Schools of Thought in Psychology and Research Methods
• Crash Course Videos: Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods.
• Review Video: Correlations
• Review Video: Why Experiments Can Show Cause & Effect
• Review Video: Random Assignment v. Random Sampling

Descriptive Stats PsychSim

Congrats! If you are reading this, you probably just finished your first reading quiz!

To access the PsychSim Module on Descriptive Stats, you'll need to use this link and click on "Descriptive Statistics" in the menu screen that appears. Then, just use the next and back buttons to navigate through the module. The accompanying worksheet is due Monday.

Practice with Correlation Coeffecients

Need some practice matching Scatterplots to their Correlation Coefficients? Try this link: http://www.istics.net/Correlations/ 

By request, here is the Spurious Correlations website I shared in class, as well. :) Enjoy the ridiculous, but real, correlations!

So Many Psychologists!

For the benefit of those who were gone today (and those who didn't have a chance to finish the activity), I'm posting the links to the documents we used in class today to explore career subfields in psychology.

This worksheet was used to record 1.) the career subfield students identified for each psychologist profile, as well as 2.) whether that is considered a basic research subfield, an applied research subfield, or a helping profession. You may wish to review the descriptions found in Module 3 of your text if you are not sure where a particular psychologist fits.

The psychologist profiles students used to answer these questions are located here. Each of the 16 career areas described in your text are used only once, so attempt to identify which individual is the best fit for each area (some have done work in more than one subfield, which can make things confusing).

Tomorrow, when we return to class, we'll go over answers and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Strive for a 5's have Arrived!

Hi all,

I found this box full of learning potential waiting for me in the mailroom today!

If you ordered a Strive for 5 study guide (for your own use) during textbook pick-up, you'll be happy to know that they have arrived! (If you did not order one, feel free to disregard this message). This is perfect timing, since I'm sure you are anxious to begin using it in preparation for your first unit of reading in AP Psych! If you would like to pick up your purchased copy before the first day of classes, I'll be available to distribute them a few times this week:

• I'll be working in my classroom today (Monday 8/25) until 4:00 PM. I know this is short notice, but if you're headed to school for some reason this afternoon, just swing by. :)

• On Tuesday (8/26), I'm in meetings pretty much all day, but will stay from 3-5 PM for anyone who would like to stop in.

• On Wednesday (8/27), I'll be working in my classroom from 8AM-12, though I have meetings after that time. If you're around that morning just stop by. 

Depending on how the week goes, I may be coming in to work on Friday as well, but I'm not sure of the time yet. I'll send out a message if I end up being around that day.

If you can't make it in this week, don't fret. I'll have it for you on the first day of classes. I just know some folks will want to get theirs ASAP, and this is to help them out.

If you would like to bring back your school-owned/issued copy of Strive for 5, I can take it off of your hands when you pick up your personal copy. :) If you haven't yet paid for your copy, payment would be appreciated at the time of pick-up. 

Getting Off to a Good Start in AP Psych

Way to go, AP Psych Class of 2015! The vast majority of you made it in to pick up your textbook and first assignment over the past couple of days, and I'm hoping I'll see the remainder of you in the days ahead.

By picking up your textbook and materials, you’ve already taken the first steps toward experiencing a year of success in AP Psych. Congratulations! Let’s keep it rolling over the next few weeks and into the school year. We will have a TON of fun learning about psychology this year, and you can ensure that you will get the most enjoyment out of this class by staying on track with your reading and studies (since it’s no fun to feel behind and overwhelmed).

Use this handy checklist to ease yourself into the workload for this course and start the year strong, by getting started on the following tasks over the next couple of weeks:

1. Complete the Blog Exploration Assignment in this packet (due Friday, Sept 5). This will help introduce you to all of the web resources that are available to help you with your studies this year.
2. Read through the Course Syllabus. Make a note of any questions you have so that you can ask them during the first few days of class. Have your parents/guardians review the syllabus, as well. When finished, all of you should sign the last page to indicate understanding. The signed page will be due Friday, Sept 5^th, as well.
3. Begin reading Units I & II (pp. 1-70) in your text, using the Strive for a 5 book to guide your study, if desired. Take notes in any way you feel comfortable, since you can use them on your first reading quiz on Sept. 12.
4. Decide if you would like to purchase your own copy of Strive for a 5 (i.e., one that you could write in) for $30. I will place one order at the end of textbook pick-up (August 15), and one during the first week of school.
5. Begin storing course materials in your 3-ring binder. Bring this to class with you on Sept. 2, and every day thereafter!

This is going to be an exciting year, and I can't wait to start! Looking forward to seeing you again when classes begin!

Textbook Pick-Up is Just Around the Corner!

I'm looking forward to meeting a great crop of AP Psych students at Textbook Pick-Up next week! During the times listed below, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Meet your AP Psych teacher!
• Get your textbook, syllabus, and first assignment! This will help you ease into the reading and work after (hopefully) a relaxing summer. 
• Optional: Order and pay for your own copy of the Strive for a Five textbook companion study guide (if desired). Make $30 check payable to Chippewa Falls Senior High School.
• Ask questions, see your classroom, and get started learning about psychology!

Stop by my classroom (rm 136) during any of the times listed below:

Monday, August 11th - 9 AM - 5 PM 

Tuesday, August 12th - 9 AM - 5 PM

Wednesday, August 13th - 9 AM - 5 PM

Thursday, August 14th - 3 PM* - 8 PM

*Please note the slight change in availability on Thursday the 14th. When I emailed students & parents back in May, I had indicated a 12 PM start time. However, since then I've had a meeting scheduled that will take from 8 AM - 3 PM...so I'll be back in my room a bit later than originally planned. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to email me: wellevk@chipfalls.org. Looking forward to seeing you soon!