Altruism and Motivation, psychology homework help

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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 Grammarlytutorial, 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.