Intro to psychology classes are full of useful real-world information, and can be both interesting and valuable. They can also be challenging, however, so here are some tips to help you focus on the right kinds of material and prepare to succeed on the tests.
Welcome to Psychology!

Whether you’re in high school or college, an introductory psychology course can be one of the most valuable courses you’ll ever take. This is true even if you aren't trying to get a degree in psychology, and are just taking the class because you're required to. Unlike subjects like literature or calculus, which are important to know but not often useful in your everyday life, there are many practical uses for what you learn in basic psychology. After all, psychology is the study of people. If you’ve ever wondered how you got to be the way you are, or why a friend or family member acts a certain way, you aren’t alone. Those are the kind of things psychologists spend their lives studying, so you’re bound to learn something in this class that you can apply directly to your life outside of school.

Psychology isn’t the easiest subject—it’s demanding and has its own unique challenges. But it doesn’t have to be so difficult that you can’t enjoy what you’re learning and still get the grade you want. To that end, here are some tips for studying in basic psychology classes (all of which apply to higher-level psychology classes as well). Keep these strategies in mind and pay attention in class, and you should feel well prepared by the time the test comes around.
Go to Class

This applies mostly to college students. Though high school students have been known to skip class, it’s easier and more tempting in college and some classes seem to just beg you to stay home. However, psychology teachers cover a lot of information in class every single day, and often attending (and taking good notes) is the only way to get access to that information. Go to class, pay attention, and take plenty of notes, and you shouldn’t be surprised by anything on the test.
Read the Textbook

Let’s face it. There are also plenty of classes in high school and college where you never have to touch the textbook, and you can still get an A. Psychology is not one of those classes, however, and it is essential to keep up with the reading and use good textbook reading techniques. For one, many teachers include questions on their tests that ask about information you were expected to read in the book, but that the teacher didn’t talk much or at all about in class. Also, in many cases the textbook will give good examples and explanations that will help you understand a difficult concept you just couldn’t get when your teacher explained it. Psychology textbooks can be dry, but if you take the time to work through your assigned sections, maybe just a little bit every day, you’ll be glad you did.