Self Conception

Assignment Purpose (1) To provide you with an opportunity to explore and think more deeply about a specific topic/issue in the field of Psychology. (2) To help integrate your understanding of theories and perspectives in the field of Psychology. Possible Topics Your topic/issue will connect to one of the chapters in our course textbook. If you are unsure of a topic, feel free to discuss with Dr. Zangeneh to explore ideas and options. Specifics Steps/Criteria 1. You will first decide on a topic/issue that you would like to explore, using the course textbook to assist you. 2. Taking your topic/issue, you will then develop a specific research question, which will allow you to better understand your topic and answer any questions you may have. This question will serve as the backbone of your paper. The references you use and the points you make should always, at a certain level, connect back to it. At the end of this handout is a list of sample research questions that you may find useful for developing your own question. As well, your Psychology librarian is always available to assist with selecting and honing a topic/research question. 3. With your topic/question in hand, you will find minimum 6 scholarly sources (you cannot use any non-scholarly sources including textbook, chapter book, magazine, website…etc). Structure of the Assignment Cover Page – title of the paper, your name and student #, date, course title and code, Dr. Zangeneh’s full name. Introduction – An introduction of the topic and overview of the paper. First, state/describe the topic and how it fits into the discipline of Psychology (1 paragraph). Then, state your question and how the paper to follow is structured/will answer it. For example, “In the following essay, I will specifically examine the question of “x” …” “I will begin by … and then I will …” (1 paragraph) = 2 paragraphs/1 page Rationale – A journal-type reflection in which you discuss your rationale/interest in selecting your topic. (2 paragraphs = 1 page) Body – An exploration of your topic/question, making reference to your sources. Incorporating subsections (with subtitles in bold font) will help you organize your points and ideas. (7 pages) Conclusion – A summary of the major points addressed in the paper’s body. For example, “In the preceding essay, I first outlined … after which I then discussed …” (1 paragraph). Next, a discussion of the most striking thing you learned in writing the paper and how it has contributed to your self-understanding and growth as a diversity-competent practitioner. For example, “Having now completed my paper and the course itself, the most striking thing I discovered was … , and the way that I will incorporate this learning into my work will be … ” (1 paragraph) = 2 paragraphs/1 page References – A list of all sources used, whether directly quoted or paraphrased, with proper APA formatting. i. 10 double-spaced, typed pages (12 pt. font, 1-inch margins), excluding the cover page and references ii. Use APA style. Consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2009) or http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/ (see the left-hand column for specific topic instructions). Evaluation The Research Paper (25% of final grade) will be graded based upon the following factors: • Clearly defined topic and research question • Relevance and effectiveness of selected scholarly sources as they apply to the topic/question • Substance and depth of analysis of the topic (i.e., quality of thought vs. quantity) • Clarity and logical organization of points and paper as a whole • Proper paragraph structure, including transitions between paragraphs • Within paragraphs, an even, logical flow of ideas from one sentence to the next • Proper APA citation for all direct quotations, paraphrased ideas, and sources listed in the References section • Correct spelling and grammar (punctuation, verb tense and agreement, pronouns) • Correct adherence to the Specific Steps and Structure sections outlined above • A demonstration of effort is the driving force • The paper will be compared to those received by other students in the class to discern levels of effort and excellence • The paper is to be completed by each individual student. No copy or duplicate papers will be marked Late Assignment Policy • Late assignments will be penalized (see your course outline). No assignment will be accepted 1 week past the deadline. • An assignment due date can only be extended at Dr. Zangeneh’s discretion. Documented evidence of a family, medical, or analogous emergency or crisis may be required. TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS There are several types of research questions, each of which may call for different approaches to seeking answers. Existence Questions: “Does x exist?” (where x is a thing, an attribute, a phenomenon, a behaviour, an ability, a condition, a state of affairs, etc.) Examples: Can newborns perceive colour? Does extrasensory perception (ESP) exist? Questions of Description and Classification: “What is x like? What are its characteristics?” Examples: What are the personality characteristics of adolescent girls who self-cut? What are the child-rearing practices of fathers with alcohol addiction? Questions of Composition: “What are the components that make up x?” Examples: What are the factors that make up intelligence? What are the main factors that make up self-esteem? Relationship Questions: “Is there an association or relationship between x and y?” Examples: Is honesty related to socioeconomic status? Is there an association between college grades and study time? Descriptive-Comparative Questions “Is Group x different from Group y?” Examples: Are women more sensitive than men? Do younger people have better memory than older people? Causality Questions: “Does x cause, lead to, or prevent changes in y?” Examples: Does smoking marijuana cause underachievement? Does psychotherapy change behaviour? Causality-Comparative Questions: “Does x cause more change in y than does z?” Examples: Is behaviour therapy more effective than client-centred therapy in eliminating phobias? Are antidepressant drugs more effective than psychotherapy or a placebo in decreasing depression? Causality-Comparative Interaction Questions: “Does x cause more change in y than does z under certain conditions but not under other conditions?” Examples: Does counselling prevent delinquency more than do group activities in girls but not in boys? Is behaviour therapy more effective in eliminating phobias in adolescents than is client-centred therapy, but less effective with adults?                                                                                                                                                                                                

Sample Solution