Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)
What is tested on the Psych/Soc Section
The AAMC uses this section to test students on their ability to solve problems by combining knowledge of psychological, social, and biological concepts (Foundational Concepts 6-10) with scientific inquiry and reasoning skills (1-4)
How is this section designed?
How is this section designed?
Subjects Tested
• Psychology: 65%
• Sociology: 30%
• Biology: 5%
• Sociology: 30%
• Biology: 5%
Timing and Structure
• 95 Minutes
• 59 Questions Total
• 10 Passages (4-6 questions each)
• 15 Discrete Questions
• 59 Questions Total
• 10 Passages (4-6 questions each)
• 15 Discrete Questions
Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills
SIRS1
Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principle
▪ Demonstrating understanding of scientific concepts and principles.
▪ Identifying the relationships between closely related concepts.
▪ Identifying the relationships between closely related concepts.
SIRS2
Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving
▪ Reasoning about scientific principles, theories, and models.
▪ Analyzing and evaluating scientific explanations and predictions.
▪ Analyzing and evaluating scientific explanations and predictions.
SIRS3
Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research
▪ Demonstrating understanding of important components of scientific research.
▪ Reasoning about ethical issues in research.
▪ Reasoning about ethical issues in research.
SIRS4
Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
▪ Interpreting patterns in data presented in tables, figures, and graphs.
▪ Reasoning about data and drawing conclusions from them.
▪ Reasoning about data and drawing conclusions from them.
Foundational Concept 6 (25%)
This Foundational Concept applies biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors to how individuals perceive, think about, and react to the world.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Foundational Concept 7 (35%)
This Foundational Concept focuses on how biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influence behavior and changes in behavior in individuals.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Foundational Concept 8 (20%)
This Foundational Concept utilizes biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors to explore the methods of how we think about ourselves and interact with others.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Foundational Concept 9 (15%)
This Foundational Concept focuses on how cultural and social differences among individuals influence the well-being of ourselves and others.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Foundational Concept 10 (5%)
This Foundational Concept addresses how social stratification and access to resources influence the well-being of ourselves and others.
Content Categories
Content Categories
How can I prepare for the MCAT?
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