General Psychology Paper: Psychological Science in Everyday Life
Overview: One of psychology’s claims to fame is that psychological information can be applied to better understand and help people’s everyday lives. For this paper, you will have the opportunity to explore a topic in psychology that has such implications, research it in more detail, and consider how this information can be applied.
1. Please choose one topic from the list below. Each topic is based on material discussed in the respective modules.
2. Research your topic. Start by reading the module content and note any references in the module. Then, find websites, articles, and/or books on your topic. Your research must include at least 4 articles or books. That is, websites can be very helpful and informative, but your final paper must include full articles (whether from the internet or elsewhere) or books on the topic. Sources should be reputable and consistent with what you learned in the module as well as other sources. GoogleScholar and PDF articles from the internet can be helpful resources.
Tips for finding sources:
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- A Google search can be a helpful way to start. You can then see the scope and type of information available. After you’ve read up on the topic, you can then search more academic sources such as through GoogleScholar or academic websites (such as hospitals and research institutions) that might have articles and reports available.
- Each topic on the list does have information that you can find online as well as in print. If, for whatever reason, you have trouble locating this information, you may want to switch topics.
- Make sure you use good search terms when trying to find articles. You may want to start broad (for example, “Bystander effect”) and then narrow to your particular area.
3. Each topic has an application component. Some suggestions for application can be researched, but you will also need to come up with your own ideas. You may want to jot down notes as you research your topic so that you can come to your own conclusions.
4. Write the paper. Be sure to include all components from the questions above for your topic. The paper should be written in essay format (not an outline), in 12-point font, and double-spaced. Be sure to edit carefully before submitting the paper. Here is the format for writing the paper:
Format
Introduction
Introduce your topic and explain why this topic was of interest to you.
Body of paper
Fully address your topic and all the components of it. Support your points with your cited research. The topic should be explained in full. This section should be at least 3 pages long.
Application
Discuss your topic’s application component. Be sure to mention what applications are recommended by others and what you recommend. You must include your own views about what the application should be, and clearly state them and why. This section should be at least 1-2 pages
Conclusion
Conclude your topic with a wrap-up paragraph. Some suggestions for a good conclusion:
- End by summarizing what was learned about this topic;
- End by emphasizing a particular application of the information;
- End by suggesting where future research and discussion should go on this topic.
Total paper length
3-5 pages
Paper Topics
From Module 2
Brain injury and psychological processes. (What do injuries to certain portions of the brain teach us about the respective functions of that brain region? What does this information imply for how to protect individuals from such injury?)
From Module 3
The subjective experience of acute or chronic pain. (What factors influence how someone experiences pain? How can this knowledge be applied to help quality of life?)
From Module 4
Classical conditioning and chemotherapy. (To what extent can classical conditioning be used as an explanation for negative reactions to chemotherapy? How does this happen, and what can be done to prevent it?)
From Module 5
Alzheimer’s disease and memory. (Which types of memory—such as episodic, procedural, etc.—are most affected by this disease? What is the progression? What are current recommendations for how to maintain functioning prior to and after diagnosis?)
From Module 6
Self-control in life. (Success on Mischel’s “marshmallow test” is linked to many life successes in adulthood. What are some of these areas of success? Why is greater self-control and delayed gratification linked to these successes? How can this information be applied to training children for later life functioning and success?)
From Module 7
The importance of parenting styles. (Using Baumrind’s model, explore why authoritative parenting is thought to be the most balanced and successful. What later life successes for the child is this style connected to? What does research indicate are some possible outcomes tied to the other styles? How can this information be applied to successful parenting and family life?)
From Module 8
The health benefits of meditation. (What does research say about how meditation can improve health—physical as well as mental health? How does it work? To what extent can meditation be used as an intervention or in conjunction with other treatment?)
From Module 9
Depression, anxiety, and health. (Many physical illnesses—such as cancer or fibromyalgia—are tied to a higher likelihood of depression and anxiety symptoms than in the general population. Pick one of these illnesses and research its connection to mental health. Why is the increased likelihood of depression and/or anxiety present? How can an individual with both physical and concerns receive the help he/she needs? What help is available?)
From Module 10
Bystander effect and violence. (The Bystander Effect is often brought up to explain how bullying or domestic violence can continue on, unreported. Research either bullying or domestic violence and its connection to bystander effect. What is the connection? What does this information imply for breaking the cycle of violence?)
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