Assignment Instructions
Term Paper: Psychological Encyclopedia Entry Due Date: December 2, 2024, by 11:59 PM Objective:
This assignment requires you to write an APA-formatted encyclopedia entry on a specific topic, theory, hypothesis, or field of psychology. The goal is to explore and articulate key aspects of your chosen topic, providing a comprehensive overview that could serve as an entry in a psychological encyclopedia.
Instructions:1. ChooseYourTopic: Bystander Effect
o Select one topic, theory, hypothesis, or field of psychology from the list provided in the Brightspace folder titled ‘Term Paper Topics’.
Topic selection instructions and approval will be reviewed in class.
If you wish to write about a topic not listed, you must receive prior
approval from the instructor.
2. Paper Requirements:
o Length: The paper should be approximately 2000 words. Double spaced. 12pt font (Arial or Times New).
o Format: Adhere to APA guidelines throughout your paper, including in-text citations, headings, and references.
For guidance on layout of the paper, please see example on Brightspace.
Assignment Instructions
3. Content Requirements: Your paper must include the following sections: o Definition: Clearly define the chosen topic.o Introduction:
Provide a brief introduction to the topic, explaining its definition and relevance in the field of psychology.
o Historical Background: Outline the history of the topic, including key events, notable figures,
and foundational research.
o Theoretical Perspectives: Discuss the major psychological theories and frameworks associated
with the topic.
o Key Research:
Summarize significant studies and findings related to the topic. Highlight how these contributions have shaped the understanding of the topic.
o Concluding Remarks: Provide a thoughtful conclusion, summarizing the importance and
future directions of the topic within psychology.
o Reference List:
Include a reference list with at least 5 scholarly sources. Ensure all sources are cited in APA format.
Assignment Instructions4. Submission Guidelines:
o Submit your completed paper via the Brightspace assignment drop box labeled ‘Encyclopedia Entry: Term Paper’ by the deadline.
o Late submissions will be subject to the late policy outlined in the course syllabus.
5. Evaluation Criteria: Your paper will be graded based on the following: o Adherence to APA formattingo Clarity and depth of the definition and introductiono Thoroughness and accuracy of the historical background
o Insightfulness of the discussion on theoretical perspectives o Relevance and quality of the key research presentedo Coherence and relevance of the concluding remarkso Quality and correctness of references and citations
Please make sure to start your research early and reach out if you need any clarification or assistance with your chosen topic. This assignment is an opportunity to delve deeply into a specific area of psychology and demonstrate your ability to synthesize and communicate complex ideas effectively.
Example of the format:
Encyclopedia Entry:Strawberry Ice-Cream and its Effects on Improving Mood
Student NameDepartment of PsychologyPSY 361: History & Systems of Psychology Professor LopezDue Date:
Entry Title:
Strawberry Ice Cream and its Effects on Improving Mood
Authors:
Sergio A. Lopez M.S.
Affiliations:
State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, NY, USA. Psychology Department.
Synonyms:
(Synonyms for your topic focus)
(Synonyms for your topic focus if there are more than one component)
Definition:
(One succinct paragraph that defines the focus of your topic)
Main Text:Introduction(A brief introduction to your topic and sets the stage or outlines what you will cover) Main Body Sub header 1Main Body Sub header 2 (if your topic has more than 1 component)
Main Body Sub header 3 (use as many sub headers as you feel you need to based on your topic)Conclusion
In summary…(try to be more sophisticated than this btw)
Cross-References:
(if this was going to be published, what other topics might you associate this one with, provide at least 3)
