Final Paper: A Literature Review

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.
• Resource:  Before you submit your written assignment, you are encouraged to review the The Grammarly Guide: How to Set Up & Use Grammarly tutorial, set up a Grammarly account (if you have not already done so), and use Grammarly to review a rough draft of your assignment. Then carefully review all issues identified by Grammarly and revise your work as needed.
  • Location: Left Tab "Writing Center" in your course.  If you encounter any problems or technical issues, please contact .