For this multi-part research paper, you will analyze an experience that you have had in your adult life through a psychological lens. Choose 1 topic from the List of Topics & Relevant Concepts for Signature Assignment that includes 3 related concepts. (While you may choose a topic and concepts that are not on the list, please first obtain permission from your instructor.) Then, you will research 5 relevant scholarly sources that deal with the concepts from a psychological perspective, and explain how each of these sources contributes to a deeper understanding of your experience.
You will submit your assignment in 4 parts-in a scaffolded approach-so that each part builds upon the previous submission. You will receive feedback from your instructor on how you may improve upon your work in the next iteration. Your fourth submission will apply your research to your experience: It will also provide you with the opportunity to incorporate feedback from your instructor as you submit a compilation of your best work as your final "Signature Assignment".
This assignment is not intended for self-diagnosis, but rather to help connect psychological concepts and theories to a self-identified experience in the learner's past.
Part 1: Introduction
1. Select a topic that is reflective of a major event in your life experience. Three related concepts must accompany your topic selection.
2. Identify your life experience; state the topic under which your experience falls, and state how the 3 concepts relate to your life event.
3. End Part I by researching and identifying 5 scholarly sources relevant to your topic and 3 related concepts.
4. Submit your assignment for grading and feedback from your instructor.
5. When you receive each part of the essay back from your instructor, make all of the suggested revisions to your initial submission.
List of Topics & Relevant Concepts for Signature Assignment
For your Signature Assignment, you will select ONE of the following topics. Under the topic you selected you will notice 3 key psychological concepts. As you begin to research and identify your 5 scholarly sources, your topic choice and key concepts will guide you through this process.
Topic: Living with an Alcoholic
Three Key Concepts: Codependency, Self-esteem, The Importance of a Support Network.
This topic requires caution simply because if you're writing about living with an alcoholic, it is extremely important that you stay focused on your personal experience. Whenever you are talking about an experience related to living with someone who is facing certain challenges, it can be difficult to avoid telling their story rather than focusing on your involvement. So, in this instance, instead of writing about how you helped them establish self-esteem, you would write about how your self-esteem was impacted, or, perhaps, how your personal support network became important through the process.
Topic: Coping with Loss Three Key Concepts:
Denial, Anger, Acceptance. You might recognize that these are three of the five stages of grief that are commonly referred to in Death and Dying literature. Here we would encourage you to choose the three concepts that are most relevant for your personal experience. You might say, "I never dealt with Anger, but I did deal with Depression," and so you would choose to include Depression instead of Anger. It really doesn't matter as long as your choice of concepts correlate directly to your personal, adult experience.
Topic: Coping with Depression Three Key Concepts:
Self-Esteem, Avoidance of Negativity, Anger Management Topic: Coping with Bullying in the Workplace Three Key Concepts: Identifying Bullying Behavior, Effective Communication, Increased Self¬Esteem. Topic: Coping with Anxiety Three Key Concepts: Coping Strategies, Crisis Recognition, Effective Recovery Strategies Topic: Divorce Three Key Concepts: Self¬Esteem, Stress Management, Proper Support Topic: Returning to School as an Adult Three Key Concepts: Coping with Stress, Motivation, Socio¬cultural Adjustment
Topic: Working with Learning Disabled Students
Three Key Concepts: Teaching Strategies, Behavior Modification, Environment Modification Topic: Coping with Anger Three Key Concepts: Recognizing Causes, Recognizing Physical/Emotional Reactions, Recovery Strategies Topic: Overcoming an Addiction Three Key Concepts: Recognizing Causes, Developing a Plan, Effective Support Groups Topic: Parenting Three Key Concepts: Effective Communication, Effective Discipline, Spiritual/Moral Development Topic: Marriage Three Key Concepts: Effective Communication, Gender Roles, Problem Solving.