Posted by Psychology can be one of the most challenging subjects to study for, so it’s needless to say that you’re not alone here.
We know that it can be really annoying to cram for a psychology test too, not to mention being stressful.
You could also be wondering what’s the best way to get a mark on your exam that is sure to impress your family and friends. Well, good the news is that you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re going to go over some of the best ways you can successfully prepare and study for your psychology exam. We’ve also made it quick and easy for you.
So let’s get started.
Allow ample of time for studying
This should go without saying, but it still amazes me how many students seem to enjoy playing chicken with their deadlines, whether that be handing in an important assignment or studying for a test.
You already know that you should be studying in advance, so this point may fall on deaf ears. However, there are some benefits that you can gain by having a head start over your fellow students.
- First of all, you’ll be much more relaxed, focused, and confident when you’re waiting to sit your test. Nerves and performance anxiety can really hinder your performance, and this is made so much worse when you quite literally don’t know what you’re talking about!
- Second, you will retain this information for life if you commit it to your long-term memory. Cramming is perfect for memorizing short bursts of detail, but it is not the best method for rehearsing key concepts and ideas you’ll be using over and over.
Besides feeling more confident and proficient with your understanding of psychology, you will also build a foundation of essential ideas that you will gradually add to as you progress with your studies.
On the other hand, procrastinating severely puts your future in danger. It’s not uncommon for a student’s memory to suddenly blank while sitting an exam. The added pressure and lack of preparation are sometimes too much, which unfortunately has cost many students their promising careers.
Find utilize study guide and other resources
As you know, psychology is a subject that is rich in conceptual knowledge that you are required to articulate and understand. And the best way that many students have found to master this topic is through self-assessment.
A study guide from a credible source on psychology is the ace up your sleeve. It can also add up to be that ten percent difference between passing and failing, or being the head student of your class.
If you’re not familiar with study guides, they are invaluable resources. Most guides are filled, cover to cover with examples, exercises, and more in-depth analysis than what’s provided in your coursework alone.
The good news is that study guides can be purchased for a nominal fee, or even lower if you go the second-hand route.
If you want to get better grades, talk to someone
The fastest way to success in studying for a psychology exam is with the assistance of another person, who could be a teacher, friend, or a paid tutor.
Whatever your preference is, and even if you don’t really need it, having someone who you can study with will make an immense difference to your final grade. Sometimes you just need someone to bounce ideas off.
Another advantage to having a study partner is that they will be able to explain ideas in a way that you haven’t considered. A second opinion can help facilitate a deeper comprehension, as well as helping you click the pieces together yourself.
Plan to succeed
A student who is organized will outperform the most gifted students who are lazy or unreliable. Compartmentalizing your study times will make sure you’re well ahead of schedule when the time comes to sit the real thing,
A good strategy would involve days of immersive study, chapter by chapter, as well as review days and taking some time off.
What I’m about to say may shock you, but less is actually more when it comes to studying. No one can be expected to study for a full eight hours every single day, although many students are willing to try.
It’s much better to spend one or two hours of focused concentration per day instead of doing everything at once. You’re running a marathon here, so you don’t want to burn yourself out or to go down in a blaze of glory.
Conclusion
Studying for a psychology test is actually quite simple.
Just keep the following things in mind:
- Plan ahead if you want to succeed
- Cramming is the short-term, panicked solution for lazy students
- Buy and use study guide for psychology
- Seek out a friend, tutor, or mentor to facilitate your own learning
- Have a plan, follow the plan, and get an excellent final grade
If the above are not the ideal solutions for you, then you can start by speaking with one of your teachers or lecturers. After all, it’s their job to ensure that you pass your test. You could be surprised at how welcoming they can be when you take a step forward to mastering your studies.