FOR KIM WOODS ONLY!!

Fundamentals of Psychology

Topic Selection

Overview of Research Paper: Students will write a research paper throughout this term. The paper is divided into four separate assignments to assist students with this process. In Week 2, students will select a topic that connects to psychology and the legal system. Students will complete an annotated bibliography in Week 4 with at least five academic sources. In Week 6 includes a detailed outline. Lastly, in Week 8 students will submit the final draft of their research paper.

Context/overview: For your final paper students will research a topic relating to psychology and the law. Students will select a specific topic within these general categories and create a well-developed paper.

Resources to consult: Grantham Library journal articles, educational websites (gov or edu) and textbooks (for this class).

Criteria

1. Submit a paragraph about a specific topic regarding psychology and the law that focuses on the topic for your final project.

2. Include the following in your paragraph:

· An explanation of the topic and how it relates to the course material

· Explain why you chose topic and why it is of interest to you

· Explain any problems you might find in examining this topic.

· Which academic sources will you explore for the final paper?

3. Choose your topic wisely, as it is unlikely your instructor will allow you to change the topic in mid-term.

Your Final Paper should:

· Address a topic connected to course material

· Explain and apply course materials throughout the essay

· Cover five content pages (not including title page or reference page)

· APA format ~ title page, reference page, citations, third person language, double spacing, 12 point font and one-inch margins.

· Include five academic sources [journal articles, educational websites (.gov or .edu) and textbooks]

Ideas to Consider

· Stress Management

· Attachment

· Conduct Disorder

· Violence and aggression

· Therapy for depression

· Therapy for anxiety disorders

· Effects of violent television shows on children

· Thinking and Problem Solving

· Child Abuse

· Dissociative Disorders

· Positive Psychology

· Text anxiety

· Death, Dying, and Bereavement

· Psychotherapy

· Support Groups

· Personality Assessment