How to Prepare for the GRE in Psychology
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test., Learn what areas of psychology are covered on the test., Rank your knowledge of each psychology subfield from most comprehensive to least. , Begin studying the subfield of which you have the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test.
The test is taken on paper and consists of about 205 multiple-choice questions, each with about five answer choices.
Some questions are grouped together around a graph or experiment summary.
Your final score is scaled and will range from 200 to
800.
Two subscores from 20 to 99 ranking your grasp of experimental psychology and social psychology will also be given. -
Step 2: Learn what areas of psychology are covered on the test.
Check the ETS website for updates about the test's subject matter.
In general, 40 percent of the questions will cover experimental psychology, including learning, language, memory, thinking, sensation and perception, and psychological and behavioral neuroscience; 43 percent of the questions will cover social psychology, including clinical and abnormal psychology, lifespan development, personality, and social issues; general psychology and methodology account for the final 7 percent. ,,,,,,,,, Practice GRE Psychology exams are available from ETS and in many mass-market test preparation textbooks. ,,, -
Step 3: Rank your knowledge of each psychology subfield from most comprehensive to least.
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Step 4: Begin studying the subfield of which you have the least comprehensive knowledge.
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Step 5: Consult class notes and textbooks from previous psychology study
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Step 6: or purchase introductory-level textbooks in the various psychology subfields.
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Step 7: Take notes on major psychologists
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Step 8: experiments
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Step 9: phenomena
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Step 10: and biological processes.
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Step 11: Memorize names
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Step 12: and figures central to important studies or discoveries.
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Step 13: Outline the major principles and developments within each psychology subfield.
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Step 14: Familiarize yourself with the methodological norms of different areas of psychology.
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Step 15: Focus on the social application of different psychological breakthroughs.
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Step 16: Take at least one practice exam at least one month before the test.
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Step 17: Identify which areas of the exam you need to study.
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Step 18: Focus on these areas by seeking out additional study materials such as textbooks or test preparation books.
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Step 19: Use flashcards or other visual aids to reinforce memorization.
Detailed Guide
The test is taken on paper and consists of about 205 multiple-choice questions, each with about five answer choices.
Some questions are grouped together around a graph or experiment summary.
Your final score is scaled and will range from 200 to
800.
Two subscores from 20 to 99 ranking your grasp of experimental psychology and social psychology will also be given.
Check the ETS website for updates about the test's subject matter.
In general, 40 percent of the questions will cover experimental psychology, including learning, language, memory, thinking, sensation and perception, and psychological and behavioral neuroscience; 43 percent of the questions will cover social psychology, including clinical and abnormal psychology, lifespan development, personality, and social issues; general psychology and methodology account for the final 7 percent. ,,,,,,,,, Practice GRE Psychology exams are available from ETS and in many mass-market test preparation textbooks. ,,,
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Christina West
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