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Psychology covers a huge range of material. It is because of this that it is important to develop effective ways of studying and mastering the theories and concepts. Tip #1 Read your textbook - Textbooks are dense and introduce a lot of new material without having great plots or characters. Thus, while reading is an important first step, it wont usually transfer the new information into your long-term memory. Apply ACTIVE strategies to learn the material in the book. Tip #2 Take notes - It is much more effective than highlighting or underlining. Dont write too much. This undermines the whole point. Jot down one or two main points for each section of the chapter. Try not to write down the things that you understand easily. Instead, jot down the concepts that you have a hard time grasping or remembering. Try to write the notes in your own words. Be able to recognize the instructors verbal and non-verbal clues. Example: If an instructor repeats something two or three times, then you can bet it is important. You can then use your notes as a study tool when it is test time. Tip #3 Apply concepts to your life - If you can apply the concepts you are learning to your life or to something you care about, you are much more likely to remember them. For instance, when learning about the bystander effect, you may think of a situation you were in when a large group of people stood by and did not help someone in need. After that connection, you will always remember what the bystander effect is. Tip #4 Become a student on the first day of class Keep up from the beginning. Dont use the excuse,the first two weeks are slow. If you do, you will get behind and end up trying to cram for the first exam. Tip #5 Make tables to help you remember concepts. See the examples below.

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INSTRUMENTAL METHODS FOR CHANGING BEHAVIOR Definition POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT EXTINCTION PUNISHMENT stimuli that increase the likelihood of a response if applied after response stimuli that increase the likelihood of a response if removed after response Example parent takes child to movie if child cleans room change radio station to stop hearing static

reduction or elimination of response when child stops taking out trash reinforcement is no longer forthcoming when parent stops praising stimuli that decrease likelihood of response if applied after response parent scolds child for chasing ball into street

SCHOOLS OF PSYCHOLOGY SCHOOL Structuralism Functionalism Gestalt Psychology Psychoanalysis Behaviorism Humanistic Psychology Cognitive Psychology FOCUS structure of mind uses and functions of mind whole is greater than sum of parts behavior controlled by unconscious urges observable events and behaviors uniquely human experiences how mind acquires, stores and processes information

When you make charts and tables, the information is simplified and more readily available to you. TIP #6 Be active in class First, attend class. You cant learn the information if you are not there. When in class, participate. You are much more likely to remember the stuff if you take part in the discussions. Sitting in the back row doodling, or playing games on your phone, is not being active in class. Remember, when you participate, not only are you actively learning, but your teacher is getting to know you. TIP #7 Join a study group A fellow student might be able to explain a concept in a way that you can understand it. Try to study with students who stimulate and challenge your abilities.

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Resources: About, Inc. A part of the New York Times Company. 2006 R. Eric Landrum, PhD - Boise State University Created: June, 2006 by Nonie Farriel