These papers are designed to have you explore a main topic in social psychology by reading current, empirical (research/ data-based) articles on the selected topic.

For each paper, you will need to read at least two empirical articles published in a refereed social psychological journal (e.g., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, etc.) and incorporate the findings of each study to discuss the topic that you have selected for this paper.

Specifically, you need to discuss each of the articles in full detail (covering the purpose/hypotheses, method, results, and discussion of each study) and highlight how the implications of each study's findings further our understanding of the topic selected.

In your papers, you also should discuss the implications of the findings for everyday functioning and the differences found amongst individuals. For example, discuss what the findings suggest about how people feel and think about themselves and others and how they behave toward or relate to others.

Social topics may include the following: any aspect of the self, including self-concept, self-esteem, etc.; social beliefs/judgments, blases, and heuristics; attitudes and behavior; cognitive dissonance; persuasion; group influence; prejudice; aggression; attraction and interpersonal relationships; etc.