AP Psychology: Summer Assignment

Mr. Horgan --

2010

West Mifflin Area High School

Procedures: The following summer assignment must be completed and submitted by the first day of the 2010-2011 school year, August 30, 2010. You will take a test on the information contained in the summer assignment on the first day of school. You will also participate in a discussion regarding the summer assignment on day two of the school year. Point values of the aforementioned assignments and evaluations will be presented later in this document.

  1. You will read about the following contemporary perspectives or personality theories and complete the tasks required.

Theories to research for your assignment:

  1. Trait theory or type and trait theory
  2. Psychoanalytical theory, sometimes referred to as psychodynamic theories
  3. Behaviorist theories
  4. Humanist theories
  5. Cognitive theories
  1. You must write a one page summary of each of the assigned theories. Each summary must be typed, 12 font, double spaced, and include an MLA works consulted page. (these should take no more than 30 minutes each)
  2. Provide a general description of the theory.
  3. Address how each theory explains the cause of behavior and personality.
  4. Discuss at least one prominent psychological researcher or theorist in each 1 page summary.
  5. Describe the specific theories of these people.
  1. You must select one of the 5 theories and write a one page persuasive essay addressing why this theory is the most valid theory. You must discuss why it is better than the other theories. Please take time to develop a clear and concise persuasive argument as to why the theory you chose best describes human behavior and personality. This essay must be 12 font, double spaced, and include an MLA works consulted page.

The School year Begins

  1. You will take a test on the first day of class. This test will be based on the 5 theories which you researched.
  2. You will participate in a discussion on the second day of class regarding the 5 theories. Be prepared to participate in an in depth, insightful discussion regarding the pros and cons of each theory.
  3. You may use general web resources, psychology databases, or psychological reference books for sources. To begin your research, use the following website. Psychology.wikia.com/wiki/personality_theories.
  4. In addition, there will be links provided on my website that will assist in this assignment.

Grading

Each 1 paper essay describing the individual theories will be 20 points. The persuasive essay will be 30 points. The test will be 50 points. The discussion will be 10 points.

Assignment -- 130 points

Test – 50 points

Discussion – 10 points

Procedures: You may email the assignments to me by August 27, 2010, or hand the assignments in on the first day of school. Emailed papers will not be accepted after the 27th.

Procedures for getting help:

You may email me with questions or concerns regarding the assignment until August 10, 2010. I will not assist after that date. Failure to hand in the assignment on the first day will result in a “0” for that grade.