Complete a 1250 – 1500 word research paper on a major topic in positive psychology. (Note: You should consult with the instructor on appropriate research topics.) The research paper must:
include a discussion of the relevant theories appropriate to the topic
identify current research efforts
apply the topic
To help you think about your topic, consider the following:
What is (insert topic)? ****POSITIVE THINKING****
Address specifics regarding the overall impact of your selected topic within the context of positive psychology.
What theories, past and present, are leading the way?*
What are the current research trends?
Provide clear explanation of the research being conducted.
How are researchers investigating this topic?
Provide details like target populations, study methodology.
What are the pertinent findings thus far?
What are the key strengths and weaknesses of the research you have found?
In what areas is this element of positive psychology being applied?
Current applications? (pros and cons)
Projection for the future?
Conclusions: What is your personal opinion? What you have discovered?
What is your overall impression?
How does this research add to our understanding of positive psychology?
What are the implications for practice in applied settings?
*Theoretical Considerations: You may also consider comparing and contrasting positive psychology theories as a means of addressing a specific topic. In this approach you would utilize the comparison of contrasting theories as a focal point to demonstrate the significance of your topic. For example, what is driving the creation of contrasting theories in this area?
Assignment Guidelines
Title Page: An APA formatted cover page (to include page number) is required.
Format: All papers must be typed, double-spaced, using a legible font, per APA(7th ed.) guidelines (e.g., 1-inch margins, headings, double-spaced, in-text citations, appropriately sized sans serif or serif fonts – e.g., 12 Times Roman, etc.).
Paragraph spacing: Remove extra spacing between paragraphs. In Microsoft Word the default blank (aka Normal) template adds space between paragraphs. This results in there being more than double spacing between paragraphs. You will need to turn this option off. To learn how to deactivate the extra spacing following/before paragraphs visit the About.com webpage: http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/microsoftword2007/qt/extraspace2007.htm
Tables and Figures: If tables or figures are used, they too must follow APA guidelines (i.e., tables/figures are placed at the end of the document following your reference section. Examples of how to format tables can be found at the Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/19/).
Content: All papers must contain 1) an introductory paragraph that highlights the topic to be discussed; 2) the body that outlines the details of the topic selected — positive psychology and related theories relevant to the topic, current research efforts, and demonstrated application; and 3) a closing paragraph that summarizes your thoughts, views, etc., on the topic presented.
Resources: All papers must include a minimum of three to four scholarly references beyond the articles and materials presented within the course. Our UMGC Writing Center provides excellent guidance on what research resources are and how to evaluate them. Module 4: The Research Process provides a discussion dedicated to What are Research Resources.
An additional note on resources. Avoid long quotes or chaining quotes from your resources. Papers presented in a cut and paste format will not be accepted. Chaining together long segments of text in quotation marks does not demonstrate mastery of concepts and the practice violates the universitys academic integrity policies.
Length: Research papers should be at least 1250 1500 words (five to six pages) in length. When considering this guideline you are not to jeopardize clarity for the sake of brevity. Be sure your arguments/thoughts are clearly presented. It is better to use an extra few words, or even an extra sentence or two, to make sure your points are well presented than to be consumed by word counting. The length suggestion here is the threshold for a paper to be considered, meets requirements.
Grammar: Grammar counts. Misspellings, incomplete or run-on sentences, and frequent changes in verb tense distract the reader from the points you are trying to convey. They detract from the overall quality of your work (even if your logic is sound and well presented).
Sound citation practices: Your paper will be submitted to Turnitin for review. The paper you submit must be your own thoughts and words. Any quotes or material used from another source (including the internet) must be cited following the most recent APA Publication Manual guidelines. This means, rewording a sentence from someone else’s work does not make it your own. You have simply rephrased someone else’s thoughts (even if you do agree with them or that you’ve had the same thoughts yourself). Honor and acknowledge an original author for his or her work by citing the source and including the article/resource in your reference list. Note, this does not mean you must catalog every article or other source you read in preparation for writing your paper. Only cite materials used directly in your paper should be included in your reference section.
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