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Psychology exams can be stress-inducing, but there is no need to panic as test day approaches. While there are no sure-fire shortcuts to acing a psychology test, there are things you can do to get the most out of your studying. These relatively simple strategies will help you make the most of available time and resources available to you so you can feel prepared when test day arrives.
1Start Studying EarlyHero Images / Getty ImagesDon’t wait until the night before an exam to start hitting the books. From the very first day of class, establish a regular study schedule.Plan to spend at least one hour studying for every hour that you spend in class, but be prepared to set aside more time as you delve deeper into the subject.It is also important to consider your own abilities, weaknesses, and the subject-matter at hand when creating a study schedule. There may be certain areas where you excel that require lessattention, while other areas may be much more of a struggle.Devise a study schedule that allows you to review all of the information covered in class with extra time factored in to spend on those particularly difficult concepts.
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Start Studying EarlyHero Images / Getty ImagesDon’t wait until the night before an exam to start hitting the books. From the very first day of class, establish a regular study schedule.Plan to spend at least one hour studying for every hour that you spend in class, but be prepared to set aside more time as you delve deeper into the subject.It is also important to consider your own abilities, weaknesses, and the subject-matter at hand when creating a study schedule. There may be certain areas where you excel that require lessattention, while other areas may be much more of a struggle.Devise a study schedule that allows you to review all of the information covered in class with extra time factored in to spend on those particularly difficult concepts.
Start Studying Early
Hero Images / Getty Images
Don’t wait until the night before an exam to start hitting the books. From the very first day of class, establish a regular study schedule.Plan to spend at least one hour studying for every hour that you spend in class, but be prepared to set aside more time as you delve deeper into the subject.
It is also important to consider your own abilities, weaknesses, and the subject-matter at hand when creating a study schedule. There may be certain areas where you excel that require lessattention, while other areas may be much more of a struggle.
Devise a study schedule that allows you to review all of the information covered in class with extra time factored in to spend on those particularly difficult concepts.
2Be an Active ListenerKristian Sekulic / Getty ImagesClass lectures are not a time to kick back and let the instructor drone on. Instead, focus on becoming an active listener and participant in psychology lectures and discussions. Read the assigned textbook material before each class session and make note of any questions you may have.During the lecture, take quality notes that you can easily understand and review later.Don’t worry about writing down every little thing the instructor says, but do try to outline major topics, ideas, and questions.And remember, if the lecturer feels that something is important enough to write down on the board or overhead slide, then you should definitely include it in your lecture notes. There is a high chance this information will appear on your next test.How to Take Psychology Notes
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Be an Active ListenerKristian Sekulic / Getty ImagesClass lectures are not a time to kick back and let the instructor drone on. Instead, focus on becoming an active listener and participant in psychology lectures and discussions. Read the assigned textbook material before each class session and make note of any questions you may have.During the lecture, take quality notes that you can easily understand and review later.Don’t worry about writing down every little thing the instructor says, but do try to outline major topics, ideas, and questions.And remember, if the lecturer feels that something is important enough to write down on the board or overhead slide, then you should definitely include it in your lecture notes. There is a high chance this information will appear on your next test.How to Take Psychology Notes
Be an Active Listener
Kristian Sekulic / Getty Images
Class lectures are not a time to kick back and let the instructor drone on. Instead, focus on becoming an active listener and participant in psychology lectures and discussions. Read the assigned textbook material before each class session and make note of any questions you may have.
During the lecture, take quality notes that you can easily understand and review later.Don’t worry about writing down every little thing the instructor says, but do try to outline major topics, ideas, and questions.
And remember, if the lecturer feels that something is important enough to write down on the board or overhead slide, then you should definitely include it in your lecture notes. There is a high chance this information will appear on your next test.
How to Take Psychology Notes
3Review Your Class Notes FrequentlyHoward Kingsnorth / Getty ImagesAfter taking careful psychology lecture notes, it is time to put them to good use. If you have a little time directly after class, sit down and spend 15 to 20 minutes going over your notes from the day.In addition to this regular review time, spend a few hours each week studying your notes in greater depth. Consider creating flashcards and completing practice tests to memorize vocabulary terms andpsychological concepts.
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Review Your Class Notes FrequentlyHoward Kingsnorth / Getty ImagesAfter taking careful psychology lecture notes, it is time to put them to good use. If you have a little time directly after class, sit down and spend 15 to 20 minutes going over your notes from the day.In addition to this regular review time, spend a few hours each week studying your notes in greater depth. Consider creating flashcards and completing practice tests to memorize vocabulary terms andpsychological concepts.
Review Your Class Notes Frequently
Howard Kingsnorth / Getty Images
After taking careful psychology lecture notes, it is time to put them to good use. If you have a little time directly after class, sit down and spend 15 to 20 minutes going over your notes from the day.
In addition to this regular review time, spend a few hours each week studying your notes in greater depth. Consider creating flashcards and completing practice tests to memorize vocabulary terms andpsychological concepts.
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Form a Study Group
Studying in small groups is a great way to challenge yourself, review important concepts, and discuss the theories you have learned in class.Ideally, you should form a group of about three to five students who are all in the same psychology class.
5Take Practice QuizzesMartin Shields / Getty ImagesPractice quizzes are a great way to determine which concepts you understand and which ones you still need to work on.In addition to developing your own quizzes, practice quizzes are at the end of every chapter in many textbooks. Another option is to look for psychologytests and quizzeson the Internet.
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Take Practice QuizzesMartin Shields / Getty ImagesPractice quizzes are a great way to determine which concepts you understand and which ones you still need to work on.In addition to developing your own quizzes, practice quizzes are at the end of every chapter in many textbooks. Another option is to look for psychologytests and quizzeson the Internet.
Take Practice Quizzes
Martin Shields / Getty Images
Practice quizzes are a great way to determine which concepts you understand and which ones you still need to work on.In addition to developing your own quizzes, practice quizzes are at the end of every chapter in many textbooks. Another option is to look for psychologytests and quizzeson the Internet.
6Think of Real World ExamplesChrista Brunt / Getty ImagesAs you learn about differentpsychological theories, you will begin to realize how these concepts apply to world around you. Examples will begin to pop in your own life and relationships.For example, if you are reviewingPiaget’s stages of cognitive development, you may think about children you know who are at these different points of development.This type of study exercise is a great way to prepare for psychology tests, which often require students to identify examples of different psychological principles.
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Think of Real World ExamplesChrista Brunt / Getty ImagesAs you learn about differentpsychological theories, you will begin to realize how these concepts apply to world around you. Examples will begin to pop in your own life and relationships.For example, if you are reviewingPiaget’s stages of cognitive development, you may think about children you know who are at these different points of development.This type of study exercise is a great way to prepare for psychology tests, which often require students to identify examples of different psychological principles.
Think of Real World Examples
Christa Brunt / Getty Images
As you learn about differentpsychological theories, you will begin to realize how these concepts apply to world around you. Examples will begin to pop in your own life and relationships.
For example, if you are reviewingPiaget’s stages of cognitive development, you may think about children you know who are at these different points of development.
This type of study exercise is a great way to prepare for psychology tests, which often require students to identify examples of different psychological principles.
7Review Material in Multiple WaysPhilipp Nemenz / Getty ImagesDon’t let yourself fall into a study rut. Instead, challenge yourself to learn the material in multiple ways and experiment with different study techniques. Using devices such a mnemonics,flash cards, practice exams, and group discussions help reinforce the material in your memory.
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Review Material in Multiple WaysPhilipp Nemenz / Getty ImagesDon’t let yourself fall into a study rut. Instead, challenge yourself to learn the material in multiple ways and experiment with different study techniques. Using devices such a mnemonics,flash cards, practice exams, and group discussions help reinforce the material in your memory.
Review Material in Multiple Ways
Philipp Nemenz / Getty Images
Don’t let yourself fall into a study rut. Instead, challenge yourself to learn the material in multiple ways and experiment with different study techniques. Using devices such a mnemonics,flash cards, practice exams, and group discussions help reinforce the material in your memory.
8Use Resources Provided With Your TextbookWinslow Productions / Getty ImagesManypsychology textbookpublishers also offer textbook websites that features a variety of study tools for students. Flashcards, practice tests, and discussion boards are just a few of the tools that may be available with your textbook.Don’t ignore these valuable resources! In many cases, your instructor might draw many of the test questions directly from the book publisher’s test bank.
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Use Resources Provided With Your TextbookWinslow Productions / Getty ImagesManypsychology textbookpublishers also offer textbook websites that features a variety of study tools for students. Flashcards, practice tests, and discussion boards are just a few of the tools that may be available with your textbook.Don’t ignore these valuable resources! In many cases, your instructor might draw many of the test questions directly from the book publisher’s test bank.
Use Resources Provided With Your Textbook
Winslow Productions / Getty Images
Manypsychology textbookpublishers also offer textbook websites that features a variety of study tools for students. Flashcards, practice tests, and discussion boards are just a few of the tools that may be available with your textbook.
Don’t ignore these valuable resources! In many cases, your instructor might draw many of the test questions directly from the book publisher’s test bank.
9Study the Most Difficult Concepts FirstBlend Images - JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty ImagesWhile it may be tempting to tackle the easiest material first, studying the most difficult concepts in the beginning is generally the best way to prepare for a test. Studying difficult material when your mind is fresh and active ensures that you’ll have the mental energy and resources to fully focus on the material.Remember, however, to give yourself regular breaks during study sessions. If you are still struggling to understand certain concepts, make an appointment with your instructor to further discuss the material.
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Study the Most Difficult Concepts FirstBlend Images - JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty ImagesWhile it may be tempting to tackle the easiest material first, studying the most difficult concepts in the beginning is generally the best way to prepare for a test. Studying difficult material when your mind is fresh and active ensures that you’ll have the mental energy and resources to fully focus on the material.Remember, however, to give yourself regular breaks during study sessions. If you are still struggling to understand certain concepts, make an appointment with your instructor to further discuss the material.
Study the Most Difficult Concepts First
Blend Images - JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images
While it may be tempting to tackle the easiest material first, studying the most difficult concepts in the beginning is generally the best way to prepare for a test. Studying difficult material when your mind is fresh and active ensures that you’ll have the mental energy and resources to fully focus on the material.
Remember, however, to give yourself regular breaks during study sessions. If you are still struggling to understand certain concepts, make an appointment with your instructor to further discuss the material.
10Study for Several Hours Each WeekHill Street Studios / Getty ImagesAll the study hints, tips, and techniques cannot replace one of the key factors for succeeding on psychology tests – time. Study strategies are a great way to focus your attention and get the most value out of your study time,but these strategies will not be successful without several hours each week devoted to studying for each individual class.The rule of thumb that most universities suggest is that you should spendat leasttwo hours studying for every hour you spend in class. While this time commitment may sound daunting, remember you can break these hours up throughout the week.Spend some time coming up with a study schedule that works with your own life and personal obligations including school, family, and work.
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Study for Several Hours Each WeekHill Street Studios / Getty ImagesAll the study hints, tips, and techniques cannot replace one of the key factors for succeeding on psychology tests – time. Study strategies are a great way to focus your attention and get the most value out of your study time,but these strategies will not be successful without several hours each week devoted to studying for each individual class.The rule of thumb that most universities suggest is that you should spendat leasttwo hours studying for every hour you spend in class. While this time commitment may sound daunting, remember you can break these hours up throughout the week.Spend some time coming up with a study schedule that works with your own life and personal obligations including school, family, and work.
Study for Several Hours Each Week
Hill Street Studios / Getty Images
All the study hints, tips, and techniques cannot replace one of the key factors for succeeding on psychology tests – time. Study strategies are a great way to focus your attention and get the most value out of your study time,but these strategies will not be successful without several hours each week devoted to studying for each individual class.
The rule of thumb that most universities suggest is that you should spendat leasttwo hours studying for every hour you spend in class. While this time commitment may sound daunting, remember you can break these hours up throughout the week.
Spend some time coming up with a study schedule that works with your own life and personal obligations including school, family, and work.
6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hartwig MK, Dunlosky J.Study strategies of college students: are self-testing and scheduling related to achievement?.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(1):126–134. doi:10.3758/s13423-011-0181-yBohay M, Blakely DP, Tamplin AK, Radvansky GA.Note taking, review, memory, and comprehension.Am J Psychol. 2011;124(1):63–73. doi:10.5406/amerjpsyc.124.1.0063Golding JM, Wasarhaley NE, Fletcher B.The use of flashcards in an introduction psychology class.Teach Psychol. 2012. doi:10.1177/0098628312450436Rybczynski SM, Schussler EE.Student use of out-of-class study groups in an introductory undergraduate biology course.CBE Life Sci Educ. 2011;10(1):74–82. doi:10.1187/cbe-10-04-0060McCabe JA, Osha KL, Roche JA, Susser JA.Psychology students' knowledge and use of mnemonics.Teach Psychol. 2013. doi:10.1177/0098628313487460Dunlosky J, Rawson KA, Marsh EJ, Nathan MJ, Willingham DT.Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hartwig MK, Dunlosky J.Study strategies of college students: are self-testing and scheduling related to achievement?.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(1):126–134. doi:10.3758/s13423-011-0181-yBohay M, Blakely DP, Tamplin AK, Radvansky GA.Note taking, review, memory, and comprehension.Am J Psychol. 2011;124(1):63–73. doi:10.5406/amerjpsyc.124.1.0063Golding JM, Wasarhaley NE, Fletcher B.The use of flashcards in an introduction psychology class.Teach Psychol. 2012. doi:10.1177/0098628312450436Rybczynski SM, Schussler EE.Student use of out-of-class study groups in an introductory undergraduate biology course.CBE Life Sci Educ. 2011;10(1):74–82. doi:10.1187/cbe-10-04-0060McCabe JA, Osha KL, Roche JA, Susser JA.Psychology students' knowledge and use of mnemonics.Teach Psychol. 2013. doi:10.1177/0098628313487460Dunlosky J, Rawson KA, Marsh EJ, Nathan MJ, Willingham DT.Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hartwig MK, Dunlosky J.Study strategies of college students: are self-testing and scheduling related to achievement?.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(1):126–134. doi:10.3758/s13423-011-0181-yBohay M, Blakely DP, Tamplin AK, Radvansky GA.Note taking, review, memory, and comprehension.Am J Psychol. 2011;124(1):63–73. doi:10.5406/amerjpsyc.124.1.0063Golding JM, Wasarhaley NE, Fletcher B.The use of flashcards in an introduction psychology class.Teach Psychol. 2012. doi:10.1177/0098628312450436Rybczynski SM, Schussler EE.Student use of out-of-class study groups in an introductory undergraduate biology course.CBE Life Sci Educ. 2011;10(1):74–82. doi:10.1187/cbe-10-04-0060McCabe JA, Osha KL, Roche JA, Susser JA.Psychology students' knowledge and use of mnemonics.Teach Psychol. 2013. doi:10.1177/0098628313487460Dunlosky J, Rawson KA, Marsh EJ, Nathan MJ, Willingham DT.Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266
Hartwig MK, Dunlosky J.Study strategies of college students: are self-testing and scheduling related to achievement?.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(1):126–134. doi:10.3758/s13423-011-0181-y
Bohay M, Blakely DP, Tamplin AK, Radvansky GA.Note taking, review, memory, and comprehension.Am J Psychol. 2011;124(1):63–73. doi:10.5406/amerjpsyc.124.1.0063
Golding JM, Wasarhaley NE, Fletcher B.The use of flashcards in an introduction psychology class.Teach Psychol. 2012. doi:10.1177/0098628312450436
Rybczynski SM, Schussler EE.Student use of out-of-class study groups in an introductory undergraduate biology course.CBE Life Sci Educ. 2011;10(1):74–82. doi:10.1187/cbe-10-04-0060
McCabe JA, Osha KL, Roche JA, Susser JA.Psychology students' knowledge and use of mnemonics.Teach Psychol. 2013. doi:10.1177/0098628313487460
Dunlosky J, Rawson KA, Marsh EJ, Nathan MJ, Willingham DT.Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266
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