The Introductory Psychology exam covers material that is usually taught in a one-semester undergraduate introductory course in psychology. It stresses basic facts, concepts and generally accepted principles in the thirteen areas listed in the exam content specifications. The exam contains approximately 95 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Any time test takers spend on tutorials and providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
The questions on the exam adhere to the terminology, criteria, and classifications referred to in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Questions on the Introductory Psychology exam require test takers to demonstrate one or more of the following abilities.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and theory
• Ability to comprehend, evaluate, and analyze problem situations
• Ability to apply knowledge to new situations
The subject matter of the Introductory Psychology exam is drawn from the following topics. The percentages next to the main topics indicate the approximate percentage of exam questions on that topic.
History, Approaches, Methods (11–12%)
• History of psychology
• Approaches: biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, biopsychosocial
• Research methods: experimental, clinical, correlational
• Ethics in research
Biological Bases of Behavior (8–9%)
• Endocrine system
• Etiology
• Functional organization of the nervous system
• Genetics
• Neuroanatomy
• Physiological techniques
Sensation and Perception (7–8%)
• Attention
• Other senses: somesthesis, olfaction, gestation, vestibular system
• Perceptual development
• Perceptual processes
• Receptor processes: vision, audition
• Sensory mechanisms: thresholds, adaptation
States of Consciousness (5–6%)
• Hypnosis and meditation
• Psychoactive drug effects
• Sleep and dreaming
Learning (8–9%)
• Biological bases
• Classical conditioning
• Cognitive process in learning
• Observational learning
• Operant conditioning
Cognition (8–9%)
• Intelligence and creativity
• Language
• Memory
• Thinking and problem solving
Motivation and Emotion (5–6%)
• Biological bases
• Hunger, thirst, sex, pain
• Social motivation
• Theories of emotion
• Theories of motivation
Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan (8–9%)
• Dimensions of development: physical, cognitive, social, moral
• Gender identity and sex roles
• Heredity-environment issues
• Research methods: longitudinal, cross-sectional
• Theories of development
Personality (7–8%)
• Assessment techniques
• Growth and adjustment
• Personality theories and approaches
• Self-concept, self-esteem
Psychological disorders and health (8–9%)
• Affective disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Eating disorders
• Health, stress, and coping
• Personality disorders
• Psychoses
• Somatoform disorders
• Theories of psychopathology
Treatment of psychological disorders (6–7%)
• Behavioral therapies
• Biological and drug therapies
• Cognitive therapies
• Community and preventive approaches
• Insight therapies: psychodynamic and humanistic approaches
Social Psychology (9–10%)
• Aggression/antisocial behavior
• Attitudes and attitude change
• Attribution processes
• Conformity, compliance, obedience
• Discrimination
• Group dynamics
• Interpersonal attraction
• Prejudice
• Prosocial behavior
• Stereotypes
Statistics, Tests, and Measurement (3–4%)
• Descriptive statistics
• Inferential statistics
• Measurement of intelligence
• Reliability and validity
• Samples, populations, norms
• Types of tests