CLEP Introductory Psychology study plan

Distinguish the major historical schools (structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, humanism, cognitive) by matching each to its founders and core assumptions

Classify research designs (experimental, correlational, case study, naturalistic observation, survey) and identify the independent and dependent variables in given scenarios

Define and apply core statistics concepts: mean, median, mode, standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and statistical significance

Identify the major brain structures and their primary functions (hindbrain, limbic system, cerebral cortex lobes)

Explain how neurons communicate: resting potential, action potential, neurotransmitters, and the roles of agonist and antagonist drugs

Compare classical and operant conditioning, identifying unconditioned stimuli, conditioned stimuli, reinforcement schedules, and punishment in novel examples

Explain observational learning and the role of cognitive factors in learning

Trace the information-processing model of memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval, including sensory, short-term, and long-term memory

Apply memory phenomena (primacy, recency, interference, spacing effect) to predict recall outcomes

Distinguish problem-solving strategies and biases: algorithms, heuristics, availability, representativeness, confirmation bias, and functional fixedness

Explain social influence phenomena: conformity, obedience, compliance, and group polarization, and describe the classic studies associated with each

Analyze attribution: fundamental attribution error, self-serving bias, and actor-observer differences

Describe attitude formation and change, including cognitive dissonance and persuasion routes

Sequence physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development across the lifespan using stage frameworks (Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg)

Distinguish secure, avoidant, and anxious attachment styles and their developmental correlates

Compare the major personality perspectives (psychodynamic, trait, humanistic, social-cognitive, biological) and their key theorists

Apply the Big Five traits to describe hypothetical individuals

Distinguish the major disorder categories (anxiety, mood, schizophrenia spectrum, personality, dissociative) by their hallmark symptoms

Evaluate the DSM classification approach, including its strengths and criticisms

Explain the diathesis-stress and biopsychosocial models of disorder and the concept of stress and coping

Explain transduction and the absolute and difference thresholds in each sensory system

Distinguish bottom-up from top-down processing and identify Gestalt grouping principles

Describe the major theories of color vision and depth perception

Summarize sleep stages and the functions of sleep, plus major sleep disorders

Compare theories of hypnosis and the effects of major psychoactive drug classes

Compare drive-reduction, arousal, and incentive theories of motivation

Explain the physiology and cognitive appraisal theories of emotion

Describe the major classes of psychotropic medication and their target symptoms

Distinguish psychotherapy orientations (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, biomedical) by their techniques and goals

Evaluate ethical issues in treatment, including informed consent and confidentiality

Review all first-half domains using spaced retrieval rather than rereading

Identify your three weakest subtopics from prior quiz results and target them with focused practice

Complete two full-length timed practice sections under exam conditions

Analyze every missed item and categorize the error as content gap, misread, or reasoning error

Review all second-half domains using spaced retrieval and interleaved practice

Complete two additional full-length timed practice sections

Re-test every concept from your week-7 error log to confirm mastery

Finalize a one-page formula and terminology sheet for last-minute review