Preparing an inventory will help you to plan your study time and ensure that you are covering all of the important topics as you prepare for an exam. To make an inventory for an upcoming exam, complete the following steps in the table below:
- Identify and list the major concepts/topics you will be responsible for on your exam.
- Identify all relevant course materials (e.g. reading, lecture notes, etc) for each topic.
- Identify any gaps in your material (missing lecture notes, behind on readings) or in your understanding of the concepts by marking with an asterisk (*).
- Realistically estimate how much time you will need to learn, study and review each of the topics.
- From the above topics prioritize the study areas most in need of your attention (A = High, B = Medium, C = Low)
Sample exam prep inventory (Based on a first-year Psychology Course):
Topics |
Materials |
Estimated Time |
Priority |
theoretical perspectives in psychology |
-pp. 13 – 23 -Lecture #1 |
1 hour |
C |
research methodology |
-pp. 30 – 37 -Lecture #2 |
1 hour |
B |
biological bases of behaviour |
-Chpt. 2 -Lecture #3 * |
3 hours |
A |
sensation and perception |
-Chpt. 3 -Lecture #4 |
1.5 hours |
B |
principles of learning |
-Chpt. 5 -Lecture #5 * |
1.5 hours |
A |
memory and thinking |
-Chpt. 6 - Lecture #6 |
2 hours |
C |
consciousness |
-Chpt. 4 -Lecture #6 |
1 hour |
B |
sleep and dreaming |
-pp. 149 – 161 -Lecture #7 |
1 hour |
A |
motivation |
-pp. 328 – 348 - Lecture #8 |
1 hour |
A |
emotion |
-pp. 350 – 363 - Lecture #8 |
1 hour |
B |
*KNOWLEDGE GAPS |
|
14 hours |
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