Assignment
Review and summarize relevant theory and research in order to defend a particular position (your thesis). The topic of your literature review might come from the following list, or you may identify a different area of interest. However, if you choose something other than the options below, you must obtain permission from your instructor prior to writing/submitting the paper. It is up to the instructor's discretion to allow/disallow alternative topics. Here are some ideas you might choose to explore:
· Accuracy of Proverbs
o Example: "Don't judge a book by its cover" or "Beauty is a good letter of introduction"? In other words, what can one conclude based on appearance alone?
o Example: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" or "Out of sight, out of mind"? In other words, do long distances or extended amounts of time strengthen relationship ties, or weaken them?
o Example: "Birds of a feather flock together" or "Opposites attract"? In other words, are people attracted to similar or dissimilar others?
· Impact of Titles/Labels
o Example: How do team mascots (such as the Redskins or Braves) impact Native Americans (self-esteem, stereotype threat, etc.)?
o Example: How do labels (such as smart/stupid, crazy or criminal, etc.) impact people's mental processes and behaviors?
· Altruism
o Example: Does true altruism exist? What motivates people to help?
· Explanatory Style
o Example: Do optimists experience better life outcomes than pessimists?
· Persuasive Appeals
o Example: How do political campaigns utilize various techniques?
· Self-esteem
o Example: Is there a dark side? Can one be too confident?
· School Size
o Example: Do students fare better in big schools or small schools? Why?
· Reactance
o Example: What is the theory behind "reverse psychology"?
· Gender Differences
o Example: in aggression, sex, etc.
· A Form of Prejudice
o Example: fat prejudice, racial prejudice, etc.
· Psychology and the Law
o Example: jury behavior, etc.
The Final Paper
· Must be at least 5 to 10 double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA.
· Must include a separate PAGE with the following:
o A header
o Title of paper
o Student's name
o Course name and number
o Instructor's name
o Date submitted
· Must use at least five peer-reviewed scholarly sources. Additional scholarly sources are encouraged.