Using Conceptual Maps in Introductory Psychology
•Identify 10-15 key concepts or topics in the course
–Classical vs. operant conditioning
–Genetics and environmental interactions
–Types of forgetting
–Theoretical Perspectives
–Cognitive, Social and Moral development
–Descriptive, Correlational and Experimental Methods
–Neuronal vs. synaptic transmission
–Processes in human memory
–Altered states of consciousness
–Theories of dreaming
–Schedules of reinforcement
–Brain structures and functions
Pick 5 to review
Write the concept or topic at the top of a piece of blank paper
In your own words, write an explanation or definition for each concept
Do not use your text or notes
Draw a web, or use a chart where possible
Include names where important
Compare your response to your text or notes and edit
Sequence and number each page from 1=most important to 5=least important
in terms of your study time
Do the whole process again for the next group of concepts
Integrate the numbering to guide you in scheduling what to work on first
Example of a Conceptual Map
Genetics
XX=girl
XY=boy
from sperm
Environment
teratogen
FAS
Prenatal
Piaget
Vygotsky
Cognitive
Kohlberg
Moral
Erikson
Psychosocial
Attachment
biology sets limits
enviro influences
bio & env interact
Infancy
and Childhood
Development
