MUST BE ORIGINAL WORK

Conduct a literature review (see Bem, 2016). You will 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
• 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?
• 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?
• 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
• Example: How do team mascots (such as the Redskins or Braves) impact Native Americans (self-esteem, stereotype threat, etc.)?
• Example: How do labels (such as smart/stupid, crazy or criminal, etc.) impact people’s mental processes and behaviors?
• Altruism
• Example: Does true altruism exist? What motivates people to help?
• Explanatory Style
• Example: Do optimists experience better life outcomes than pessimists? 
• Persuasive Appeals
• Example: How do political campaigns utilize various techniques?
• Self-esteem
•  Example: Is there a dark side? Can one be too confident?
• School Size
• Example: Do students fare better in big schools or small schools? Why?
• Reactance
• Example: What is the theory behind “reverse psychology”?
• Gender Differences
• Example: in aggression, sex, etc.
• A Form of Prejudice
• Example: fat prejudice, racial prejudice, etc.
• Psychology and the Law
• Example: jury behavior, etc.
• Other: Must be approved by your instructor in advance!

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 style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
• Must include a separate title page with the following:
• A header
• Title of paper
• Student’s name
• Course name and number
• Instructor’s name
• Date submitted
• Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
• Must utilize academic voice.
• Must address the topic with critical thought.
• Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms the thesis.
• Must use at least five peer-reviewed scholarly sources. Additional scholarly sources are encouraged.Be sure to integrate your research smoothly rather than simply inserting it.
• In general, paraphrase material rather than using direct quotes.
• The Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.
• Must document all sources in APA style as outlined here and here.
• Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style