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.
