Intro to Psych - HELP

[kester22]

I am having a time with this concept. I have looked thru pages of the specific exam feedback for this clep trying to figure out a way to learn the topics. The flashcards won't work for me until I get an idea of everything...I just can't grasp it. I have the REA guide for psych and the REA Exam notes chart for psych.

My problem is I don't know how to get started in teaching myself because I am not a fan of psych at all, its boring to me. I love nursing, not psych. I can teach myself physiology and biology much easier.

So how can I do this with what I have, since the flashcards are too difficult for me to learn. I thought about skimming the book and picking out the hard core facts - People and definitions, making a study guide for those and trying to grasp those and then read the book so I can understand it.

I am overthinking things I know, but the I need help with this. Has anyone else had this problem initially and figured out a game plan to overcome it?

[MISin08]

Intro Psych is not something you need to be a fan of. At this level you're just trying to get through a little nervous system anatomy & other mechanical stuff, the *yawn* Skinner crap and Freud. I would skip the flashcards and use REA and the textbook websites in my exam feedback. The Collins Outline is awesome for sheer information density w/o extras.

Phillip

[burbuja0512]

I have this problem frequently. Lol.. yes and I'm having it right now as I am trying to study for Finance and yet here I am posting Here's how to solve the problem:

1) Start with one section of IC. Go through it once and type notes. They won't make sense. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Allow yourself a 5 minute break after you've hit the 10 or 15 minute mark.

2) Then, go through the same section again, this time stopping to look up concepts or topics that you don't know. In your notes, add explanations to what you've already typed.

3) If you really don't get something, see if you can find a youtube lecture on it or read through the specific forum feedback and see if anyone else has links to another site or other recommendation.



Don't worry. I have felt like what you're describing almost every time I start off studying something. It gets better as long as you have enough discipline to study in 10 minute increments. (I know you do!! )

[MA2]

It's called "Intro" to psych, not "advanced Freudian concepts of the pschological mind."

Don't nuke the test, most CLEPs or DSSTs are wide and narrow, covers a little bit on a lot of topics, don't worry about diving too deep in to one area.

Also, try doing 10 flashcards at a time. Do the first 10, then re-do them until you get them all, and then do 11-20. Jot some notes down too.

[kester22]

Thanks for all the tips....keep them coming, I'll try anything! I want to test for this thing within the next 2 weeks.

[P00057870]

When I hit that kind of a wall, the thing to do is to find an actual textbook. Some things you can find in your local public library, an older version of the suggested book is another option. I think it is more of a panic attack than anything and a step back to take the time to really absorb the material can be beneficial.

Now for this particular subject, I have an older book I would be glad to send to you, if you actually have the time to read it. I think you will find this makes it more interesting, as most learners need to have examples and stories to make this material interesting to them. That's why B&M schools and textbooks are often still the main way for most students.

When I was still going to my local community college, they had upgraded to a newer version, and they provide a spot where people can put old books they don't want anymore, and have a sign something to the effect that you can take it, it is free, but to also put a book up for others to use when you are done with it. Someone was kind enough to leave this prior version for my use and I would be glad to pass it forward.

You can do this.

Once I got through the first one, the rest of the psych exams then make more sense. I still have problems with memorizing classical conditioning and all of the terms. They just don't stick for me.

If you can use the book, PM me with your address.

[irnbru]

The REA book is pretty good but the best part of it is probably the CD with the practice tests on it. Do a practice test, get results (no matter how terrible), check answer, do the same practice test again. Give it a day and again.

The 10 minute study bursts recommendation is pretty good, too. I studied for the UExcel Psychology test with the REA book and had never touched the subject before so it was really frustrating to begin with. Little bits, regularly works.

Best of luck!

[MISin08]

...
I still have problems with memorizing classical conditioning and all of the terms. They just don't stick for me.

...

You just need to reinforce

Agreed about the textbook. Look for lots of brain-friendly colorful diagrams and no talking down to the reader.

Phillip