College Board-Aligned Original Notes
AP Psychology Unit 2 Topic 1: Perception
Apply Perception to behavior, mental processes, research evidence, and real-world examples.
Unit 2: Cognition. College Board exam weighting listed for this unit: 15%-25% of exam score.
What to Know
- Distinguish definition from application in scenario questions.
- Identify variables, participants, controls, ethics, and causal limits in research.
- Use precise vocabulary because similar terms often differ in important ways.
- Always connect this topic back to the larger unit: Cognition.
Detailed Notes
Perception should be learned through definition, example, and application. You need to know what the concept means and how it would appear in a person's behavior or thinking.
In AP Psychology, AP questions often give a scenario and ask you to apply terms. A strong answer names the concept, points to the specific behavior, and explains the connection.
When research is involved, identify variables and limits. Experiments can support causal claims when designed well; correlational studies describe relationships but do not prove causation by themselves.
Key Vocabulary
Neuron
A nerve cell that communicates through electrical and chemical signals.
Neurotransmitter
A chemical messenger released by neurons.
Cognition
Mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem solving.
Learning
A relatively lasting change in behavior or knowledge based on experience.
Operational definition
A precise description of how a variable is measured or manipulated.
Quick Practice
How would you explain Perception in one or two AP-style sentences?
Name the concept, apply it to a specific example or source, and explain the reasoning that connects the evidence to your answer.
Related Topics in This Unit
- Biases and errors in thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies
- The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory
- Forgetting and typical memory errors
- Defining and measuring intelligence and achievement