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EBQ AP Psychology: Evidence-Based Question Guide

The EBQ (Evidence-Based Question) is the second free-response question on the redesigned AP Psychology exam — the longer one. You get three sources, make a claim, and defend it with cited evidence and applied psychology. Here's the 7-point rubric, the claim-evidence-reasoning formula, and the source-citation rule that trips students up.

7

points

~45

minutes

3

sources to use

What Is the EBQ?

The EBQ gives you three short summaries of peer-reviewed sources on a single theme. Your job is to take a position — a defensible claim — and back it up using evidence pulled from those sources, then explain why that evidence supports your claim by applying a psychological concept from the course. It's essentially a tight, evidence-cited argument, and at 7 points it matches the AAQ for weight while giving you more time.

The EBQ Rubric (7 Points)

The points come in three parts, and the structure is the strategy:

PartWhat it asksPts
A · ClaimState a clear, defensible claim that answers the prompt.1
B · EvidenceCite specific evidence from one source.1
B · ReasoningExplain how that evidence supports your claim, applying a psychological concept.2
C · EvidenceCite specific evidence from a different source.1
C · ReasoningExplain how it supports your claim, applying a different concept.2

The critical rule: Parts B and C are parallel but must use different materials — a different source and a different psychological concept in each. Think of them as two separate pillars holding up the same claim.

The Source-Citation Rule (Don't Lose Easy Points)

Evidence only counts if you say where it came from. Writing "(Source 2)" or "According to Source 2…" earns the evidence point; describing the same finding without naming the source does not — even if it's completely accurate. Cite every piece of evidence, every time.

How to Answer the EBQ: Claim → Evidence → Reasoning

  1. Read all three sources (first ~15 min). Note each source's main finding and which psychological concept it connects to. Pick the two strongest, most different sources for Parts B and C.
  2. Write a one-sentence claim. Make it a clear position that directly answers the prompt — not a vague restatement.
  3. Build pillar B. Cite a finding from one source, then explain how it supports your claim using a specific course concept (name the concept).
  4. Build pillar C. Cite a finding from a different source and apply a different concept. Reusing the same source or concept forfeits the parallel points.
  5. Watch the clock. At ~45 minutes (after ~25 for the AAQ), the EBQ is the bigger time investment — budget so you finish both reasoning sections, where most points live.

Common EBQ Mistakes