Research sources
Inspect the evidence behind the guides. Each record states the source type, actual reading scope and a limit on interpretation.
Checked October 23, 2026. This is a selected reference, not a systematic review. A source may support only part of a guide; original teaching examples are labeled separately.
34 entries
American Psychological Association. (2017). APA@125 timeline. https://apps.apa.org/StaticContent/timeline-assets/timeline.htmlInstitutional chronology
Institutional chronologyRecords teaching session in 1899 and Committee on Methods of Teaching Psychology in 1908. Not a global origin claim.
Reading scope: Official page text
American Psychological Association. (2024). The APA introductory psychology initiative. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/introductory-psychology-initiativeProfessional guidance
Professional guidanceUS course recommendations; outcomes, integrative themes, pillar model, sample syllabi and assessments. Not a universal curriculum or effectiveness experiment.
Reading scope: Official page text
British Psychological Society. (2024). Appendix a: Competencies associated with graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC). https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsrep.2024.rep176.9Professional framework
Professional frameworkDegree-level competencies and core areas, not a one-semester introductory course or professional qualification.
Reading scope: Official text
Caledonia, C. of N. (2026). College of new caledonia, PSYC-101: Introduction to psychology i. https://cnc.bc.ca/programs-courses/courses/detail/PSYC-101Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleA three-credit, 15-week introduction covering history, methods, biological psychology, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, language, and thought. The catalog lists no prerequisites.
Reading scope: Official course description and section schedule inspected. Assessment weights are absent, and the delivery field is unspecified; online location alone does not establish asynchronous teaching.
College Board. (2026a). AP psychology: Current course and exam. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-psychologyOfficial curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleFive units cover biological bases, cognition, development and learning, social psychology and personality, and mental and physical health. Concept application, scientific investigation, data interpretation, and evidence-based argument run across topics.
Reading scope: Official course, exam, and 2026–27 course-change pages inspected. Use CED effective Fall 2025 plus corrections. No guarantee of university credit.
College Board. (2026b). AP psychology exam. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-psychology/examOfficial assessment specification
Official assessment specificationCurrent page lists the May 2027 examination. Exam specification, not research evidence.
Reading scope: Official exam page text
Downes, S. (2008). International insight. https://www.downes.ca/files/slides/2008_10_30_-_ela_oct_30_08.pdfPrimary historical source
Primary historical sourceContemporary CCK08 presentation, 30 October 2008, describes University of Manitoba open online course before 2012.
Reading scope: Full presentation text
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266Learning-science review
Learning-science reviewReview of ten techniques. Practice testing and distributed practice rated high utility; applicability depends on task and implementation. Broader than Intro psychology.
Reading scope: Publisher-indexed search excerpts; PubMed abstract; APS official summary
Francis, A. P., Wieth, M. B., Zabel, K. L., & Carr, T. H. (2020). A classroom study on the role of prior knowledge and retrieval tool in the testing effect. Psychology Learning &, 19(3), 258–274. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475725720924872Introductory psychology study
Introductory psychology studyQuasi-experiment, N=53 in two classes. Retrieval concept mapping favored related exam performance; small local sample.
Reading scope: Full publisher article
Gurung, R. A. R., & Burns, K. (2019). Putting evidence‐based claims to the test: A multi‐site classroom study of retrieval practice and spaced practice. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 33(5), 732–743. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3507Introductory psychology study
Introductory psychology studyNine institutions, N=351; retrieval and spacing interacted. Do not simplify to more quizzes always helps. First online accepted manuscript December 2018; journal year 2019.
Reading scope: Publisher abstract
Gurung, R. A. R., Daniel, D. B., & Landrum, R. E. (2012). A multisite study of learning in introductory psychology courses. Teaching of Psychology, 39(3), 170–175. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628312450428Introductory psychology study
Introductory psychology studyObservational N=454; self-reported learning and quiz performance have different predictors. Correlation is not intervention evidence.
Reading scope: Publisher abstract
Harms, M., Demanarig, D. L., Ibrahim, M., Meredith, L., Yang, J. P., Wong-Padoongpatt, G., Dummer, C., & Currie, E. (2026). Towards a DAARES (decolonizing, accessible, anti-racist, equitable, and sustainable) introductory psychology class. Teaching of Psychology, Article 00986283261425246. https://doi.org/10.1177/00986283261425246Introductory psychology study
Introductory psychology studyRetrospective online survey, N=645 at multiple US institutions. Associations with reported outcomes; not causal evidence.
Reading scope: Publisher abstract
Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33(2–3), 61–83. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x0999152xConsulted sourceCross-cultural review
Cross-cultural reviewQuestions generalization from WEIRD samples; does not claim all human processes differ or test teaching effectiveness.
Reading scope: Publisher abstract and author-hosted publication record
ICUPO. (2026). International collaboration on undergraduate psychology outcomes. https://www.icupo.org/International professional framework
International professional frameworkOfficial purpose explicitly supports local, national and regional adaptation. Whole-degree guidance, not mandatory Intro syllabus. Links final model and 2026 article DOI 10.1037/amp0001687.
Reading scope: Official current page; model itself not inspected
International Baccalaureate. (2026). IB DP psychology: Last assessment 2026. https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/individuals-and-societies/psychology/Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleThe outgoing course integrates biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches with selected applied topics. Its assessment requirements belong to the cohort whose final assessment is in 2026.
Reading scope: Landing page inspected; outgoing assessment weights were not extracted. Do not apply first-assessment-2027 proposal guidance to this cohort.
International Baccalaureate. (2027a). Examiner instructions 2027: Psychology. https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/exinst/apps/exinst/index.html?chapter=7&doc=EX_instructions_2027_s&part=10Official assessment specification
Official assessment specificationResearch proposal IA; students are not expected to conduct proposed research. Distinguish class practicals from the IA.
Reading scope: Official examiner instructions text
International Baccalaureate. (2027b). IB DP psychology: First assessment 2027. https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/latest-curriculum-updates/psychology-updates/Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleBiological, cognitive, and sociocultural content connects with four applied contexts and six concepts. Class practicals support research-method judgment. The course began teaching in August 2025 for first assessment in May 2027.
Reading scope: Official update and examiner instructions inspected. SL papers 70% and proposal IA 30%; HL papers 80% and proposal IA 20%. Keep separate from outgoing course.
Luke Clark / University of British Columbia. (2026). University of British columbia, PSYC 101-009, luke clark, 2025–26 winter term 2. https://psych.cms.arts.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/PSYC-101-009-2025WT2-CLARK-syllabus.pdfOfficial curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleA biological and cognitive introduction covering methods, neuroscience, perception, learning, memory, language, and thinking. Three tests contribute 25% each, discussion posts 13%, reading quizzes 10%, and research experience 2%. Recorded lectures support the in-person course.
Reading scope: Official 2025–26 Winter Term 2 syllabus inspected for content, outcomes, delivery, materials, and assessment. PSYC 102 covers other major domains; this is not presented as a fully asynchronous course.
Martin, F., Sun, T., Turk, M., & Ritzhaupt, A. (2021). A meta-analysis on the effects of synchronous online learning on cognitive and affective educational outcomes. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 22(3), 205–242. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i3.5263Online-learning meta-analysis
Online-learning meta-analysis19 publications, 27 effects; small synchronous cognitive advantage over asynchronous. Broader educational settings; other overall models nonsignificant.
Reading scope: Publisher abstract and references
Mcdaniel, M. A., Roediger, H. L., & Mcdermott, K. B. (2007). Generalizing test-enhanced learning from the laboratory to the classroom. Psychonomic Bulletin &, 14(2), 200–206. https://doi.org/10.3758/bf03194052Consulted sourceBroader learning research
Broader learning researchThree educationally relevant experiments; short-answer retrieval and feedback. Do not label all experiments Intro psychology.
Reading scope: PubMed abstract
Office, M. N. (2012a). First course offered by mitx begins. https://news.mit.edu/2012/6002x-mitx-begins-today-0305Primary institutional announcement
Primary institutional announcement5 March 2012 launch of 6.002x electronics course; over 90000 registered at announcement. Not invention of online teaching or a psychology course.
Reading scope: Full official page
Office, M. N. (2012b). MIT and Harvard announce edX. https://news.mit.edu/2012/mit-harvard-edx-announcement-050212Primary institutional announcement
Primary institutional announcementPartnership announced 2 May 2012. Cite 2012 expansion/investment without saying MOOCs began then.
Reading scope: Full official page
OpenCourseWare, M. (2011). Syllabus | introduction to psychology | brain and cognitive sciences | MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/9-00sc-introduction-to-psychology-fall-2011/pages/syllabus/syllabus/Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleAn archived undergraduate course adapted for independent learners, with lectures, questions, exam solutions, and writing tasks. Original MIT grading was exams 60%, two papers 30%, and discussion 10%.
Reading scope: Official Fall 2011 syllabus inspected. Writing tasks are optional for independent OCW learners; scientific examples and readings reflect the archived course.
Paul Bloom / Yale University. (2007). Open Yale courses PSYC 110, spring 2007, paul bloom. https://oyc.yale.edu/introduction-psychology/psyc-110Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleAn archived survey with recorded lectures, weekly reading responses, a book review, and examinations. Grades were reading responses 15%, book review 20%, midterm 30%, and final 35%.
Reading scope: Official Spring 2007 course and syllabus inspected. The page also describes experimental participation; it is distinct from the current Yale catalog.
Pennebaker, J. W., Gosling, S. D., & Ferrell, J. D. (2013). Daily online testing in large classes: Boosting college performance while reducing achievement gaps. PLoS ONE, 8(11), Article e79774. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079774Introductory psychology study
Introductory psychology studyHistorical cohorts at one university, N=901 versus 935. Bundled intervention; cannot isolate quizzing or establish a universal causal benefit.
Reading scope: Full publisher article
Saville, B. K., Zinn, T. E., Neef, N. A., Norman, R. V., & Ferreri, S. J. (2006). A COMPARISON OF INTERTEACHING AND LECTURE IN THE COLLEGE CLASSROOM. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39(1), 49–61. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2006.42-05Adjacent psychology teaching research
Adjacent psychology teaching researchStudies graduate special education and undergraduate research methods, not Intro psychology.
Reading scope: Full article via PMC
Society for the Teaching of Psychology. (n.d.-a). A brief history of the society for the teaching of psychology. https://teachpsych.org/page-1588385Institutional history
Institutional historyAPA divisions were inaugurated in 1945. US institutional history; undated membership counts should not be treated as current.
Reading scope: Official page text
Society for the Teaching of Psychology. (2022). Decolonizing introductory psychology. https://teachpsych.com/DecolonizingIntroPsychTeaching resource collection
Teaching resource collectionTask-force collection of activities and resources. Not evidence all included activities improve learning.
Reading scope: Official landing page; individual resources not audited
The Open University. (2019). The open university, OpenLearn: Starting with psychology. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/psychology/starting-psychology/content-section-0Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleA five-hour introductory short course on interacting influences on mind and behavior. Activities address case examples, memory, relationships, groups, and happiness.
Reading scope: Official course description, outcomes, contents, access notice, and update date inspected. The participation statement is not a degree credit.
University of Minnesota Department of Psychology. (n.d.). Introduction to psychology course. https://cla.umn.edu/psychology/about/history/introduction-psychology-courseInstitutional archive
Institutional archiveDescribes 1927 teaching document, 1923 laboratory manual, and filmed teaching from 1972 and 1980.
Reading scope: Official archive landing page; linked originals not transcribed
University of the Fraser Valley. (2026). University of the fraser valley, PSYC 101: Introduction to psychology i. https://www.ufv.ca/calendar/CourseOutlines/PDFs/PSYC/PSYC101-20250523.pdfOfficial curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleAn official introductory-course outline emphasizes research methods, brain function, learning, memory, and social behavior. It explicitly includes examining Indigenous psychology. Recommended evaluation is assignments 24%, quizzes/tests 41%, and final examination 35%.
Reading scope: Both pages inspected. The outline allows instructor variation and also mentions a normal 4% participation/observation component without identifying its allocation within the displayed totals.
Yale University. (2026). Yale current catalog, PSYC 1100. https://catalog.yale.edu/ycps/subjects-of-instruction/psychology/Official curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleThe current catalog identifies PSYC 1100 as a survey of biological, cognitive, and social bases of behavior. It also describes the course’s prerequisite role within the psychology major.
Reading scope: Official catalog description and prerequisite information inspected. It does not provide a section syllabus or assignment weights.
Yale University / Coursera. (n.d.). Introduction to psychology. https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-psychologyOfficial curriculum or course example
Official curriculum or course exampleA self-paced introductory survey covering thought and behavior through biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical topics. The provider listing shows seven modules and six assignments.
Reading scope: Official provider listing inspected; enrolled assessment content, current payment eligibility, and certificate terms were not tested. No university-credit equivalence is claimed.
Zeng, H., & Luo, J. (2023). Effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous online learning: A meta-analysis. Interactive Learning Environments, 32(8), 4297–4313. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2023.2197953Online-learning meta-analysis
Online-learning meta-analysis14 studies, trivial asynchronous knowledge advantage. First online 2023; journal volume 2024. Different evidence set from Martin et al.; no universal winner.
Reading scope: Publisher-indexed abstract; direct open 403; ERIC corroborated year
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