1. Free Response Question Writing
AP Psychology

2. FRQ Writing
Be CONCISE! (i.e. no introduction and no conclusion needed)
Be THOROUGH!
Look at the COMMAND TERM and make sure you are answering the question accordingly.
Make sure that you have answered ALL parts of the question(s).
Write in complete sentences.
Write out the definitions of each psychology term.
Be CLEAR!
Consistently include examples (no more than 1 example per term), scenarios, and associations! This lets the scorer know that you thoroughly understand the concepts.
Proofread your response for clarity.
Be ORGANIZED!
Answer the parts of the question in the order that they were asked.
Be PSYCHOLOGICALLY MINDED!
Use the appropriate psychological terms when making your point!

3. Yes, it is okay if…
You jot down notes in the margins of the essay to cue your memory or organize your thoughts.
You draw an arrow from the insert to the place in the essay where it should be.
You re-read the question before answering it.
You write information that you think is related, even if you are unsure.

4. No, it’s not okay if… You write using pencil. Blue or black ink, only!
You write in outline form.
You panic…even if you’ve never seen a term before, chances are that you will be able to answer parts of the question. Just do what you can to earn as many points as possible.

5. 2 Examples of Free Response Questions

6. FRQ Example #1:
Imagine that you are a sports psychologist interested in the usefulness of a new visualization technique that has been developed for Olympic divers. You have decided to conduct an experiment to determine if the technique is effective. Discuss the importance of each of the following in regard to the experiment you are designing:
Population
Sample
Hypothesis
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Operational definitions
Control group
Random assignment
replication

7. FRQ Example #2:
A two-year old child finds a piece of candy and puts it into her mouth. Later, she picks up a piece of brightly colored plastic and puts it into her mouth but quickly spits it out because it tastes bitter. Later, the parent notices the girl avoids putting plastic into her mouth but still enjoys candy. Describe how
A behaviorist would explain what learning occurred in this example. Explain how the following concepts apply to this example: positive reinforcement, punishment, generalization, and discrimination.
A cognitive psychologist would explain what learning occurred in this example using Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Explain how the following concepts apply to this example: schema, assimilation, and accommodation.
Finally, use what you wrote for parts A and B to explain what the principle difference is between the way behaviorists and cognitive psychologists view this learning situation.