A Literature Review on a relevant theory
Conduct a literature review 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.