I often hear comments from test takers about how a lot of the theories sound alike. Despite their similarities, the EPPP pulls for you to know specific concepts associated with each theory and depending on how similar the answer options are, your recognition memory can only take you so far. To help with recalling which concept belongs with which theory, I typically recommend creating a chart or table so you can see the theories and their core concepts side-by-side – this makes it easier to identify the similarities and differences. Test takers have found this most helpful for the clinical therapies, theories in I/O, lifespan development theories, identity development models, and even comparing diagnostic criteria to aid in differential diagnosis! An example table is included above, but you’ll want to tailor the format to your study needs by adding labels/headings specific to the content your studying (e.g., including age groups for life span theories, including diagnostic criteria and timeframes for abnormal psyc, etc.) and using the media that is best suited to your learning preferences (e.g., draw it out in your notebook, use chart paper and stick it to your wall so you can’t miss it, or create a digital chart so you have it at all times).
Tips for Creating your Tables/Charts
·      Put the theories or diagnoses across the top (for a good side-by-side comparison)
·      Include theorists/developers in case you’re only provided a name and must identify associated concepts
·      Add core concepts associated with that theory or diagnostic criteria – make sure you know and understand what those core concepts are!
·      Group similar theories or concepts on the same chart to avoid having an overly complicated chart (e.g., putting the family therapies in one chart and the couples therapies in another chart or putting the schizophrenia spectrum disorders in one chart and mood disorders in another chart)
·      When adding ages for lifespan stages, try to create a broad label to help with recall as you’re likely to not remember every single age associated with the stages (e.g., infancy, toddler years, kindergarten, elementary school etc.)
·      It doesn’t have to be pretty, you just have to be able to understand it, so feel free to add notes, change the colors, and add doodles or examples to help illustrate the concept. The goal is for you to understand the material, so do what works for you – you’ve made it through many years of school, so you already know what works for you!
Studying with Tables/Charts
When you study your charts, make sure to summarize information in your own words as if you’re teaching it to another person. It can also be helpful to say, “This theory differs from this theory because of these core features.” This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the material, which will be beneficial for those application questions and ultimately, help you commit the information to long-term memory.
What have you found helpful for comparing information that is similar? Is there a specific set of concepts that you are interested in seeing in a table? Add it to the comments below!