You will write a 4-5-page paper that investigates the topic of interest you selected as it relates to psychology and how three (3) different diversity-related variables interact and influence the understanding of this topic. Once you have completed Steps 1 -3 you should:
Use your notes from your review of literature in Steps 1 and 2 to create an outline using the six (6) required sections in your final paper listed below. This outline will serve as a guide when writing a draft of your paper and guide you as you develop your draft into a final paper for submission. The paper will have the following sections:
Title
Introduction
Literature Review
Analysis of Results
Ethical Implications
Conclusions
References
Writing Your Paper
1) Title: This heading will be centered at the top of your first page.
The title should contain the following elements:
[Selected topic of interest] and Interactions with [state the three diversity-related variables]
For example: Panic Disorder and interactions with Sexual Orientation, Education Level, and Relationship Status
After you have a title, use the following six (6) headings for each new section in your paper as instructed.
2) Introduction:
Use Introduction as the section heading. State the purpose of your paper (this is your thesis statement). The introduction sets the foundation for the rest of your paper and helps the reader know what to expect. Provide general information only and save all detailed information for the Literature Review. (Expected length 1-2 full paragraphs)
Introduce the topic you selected by providing a brief background/history/information related to psychology. Provide a reason(s) why this topic is important in the field of psychology today.
Identify and briefly explain the three (3) diversity-related variables you will explore related to the topic you selected.
3) Literature Review:
Use Literature Review as the section heading. In this section you will use your own words to report the primary information and/or major outcomes from each source you have selected. (Expected length 4-5 full paragraphs)
Include at least one full paragraph that contains information on the psychological aspects associated with your topic that you found in your search for literature.
Include at least one full paragraph of content for each of the three (3) diversity-related variables (at least 3 full paragraphs in total) you selected and address the way each one affects the topic. This is going to be the largest part of this section and the focus.
Use your own words to summarize the information you gathered earlier in the preparation for this section, giving credit to the author(s) by citing them in the text of your paper using correct APA format.
Make sure all authors cited in the text of your paper are also listed in the References section.
Direct quotations may be used as appropriate; however, excessive use of quotes is not the best practice. Keep direct quoting of the authors to a minimum (if any) and make sure that they are cited correctly.
4) Analysis of Results:
Use Analysis of Results as the section heading. Collectively consider the outcomes reported in the Literature Review and create connections among the diversity-related variables as they relate to your topic. In other words, rather than discussing the effect of one diversity-related variable on your topic as you did in the Review of Literature, discuss the possible intersections and interactions that could occur when at least two (2) of the three (3) diversity-related variables occur simultaneously. (Refer to the examples provided in Step 2 above)
As you know from the examples provided in Step 2 of the preparation, there are many intersections when you have three diversity-related variables. You do NOT need to address every combination of diversity-related variables, but you should discuss at least one combination of two (2) of the diversity-related variables you selected. (Expected length 2-3 full paragraphs).
Consider the following:
How might the intersection/interaction of diversity-related variables affect your topic when at least two (2) are present at the same time?
How does exploring the intersection/interaction of the diversity-related variables help you understand your topic better or differently?
5) Ethical Implications:
Use Ethical Implications as the section heading. Consider the ethical implications* of your research outcomes in terms of their use in the real world. Reflect on the potential implications in an area related to your topic such as clinical psychology, education, government, criminal justice institutions, social programs, health care, mental health, etc. Use of first person (“I” statements) is acceptable in this section only. (Expected length 1-2 full paragraphs).
Consider the following:
What new questions of ethics need to be addressed in a field related to your topic based on the results of your research? Explain your answer.
For example, would it be unethical to have this current information and NOT make changes that are aligned with the research outcomes?
Your research reports that the learning characteristics of boys’ vs girls with autism are different, would it be ethical for a teacher of students with autism after having read your report, to then not make any of the necessary modifications to their teaching to better serve the different learning characteristics of both boys and girls with autism in their class?
How could the results of your research inform future directions in a field related to your topic to create an environment that embraces the value of diversity? Explain your answer.
For example, if an employer/organization proposed a program or an action that conflicted with the results of your research, how could this be resolved in an ethical manner?
Suppose that your research reports that the recommended treatment plan for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is different from the treatment for non-veterans. Would it be ethical for a government agency, such as the Veterans Administration (VA), to provide PTSD treatment to veterans the same way that non-VA programs serve non-veterans with PTSD?
*Ethical implications related to diversity often include but are not limited to equity, fairness, accessibility, honesty, justice, autonomy, accountability, and confidentiality.
6) Conclusion:
Use Conclusion as the section heading. This section should tie the main concepts of your paper together. (Expected length 1 full paragraph)
Discuss why it is important that psychological information continually evolve to address human diversity.
Conclude by stating how your paper has fulfilled the intended purpose of investigating the way various diversity-related variables changed or did not change the way you understand the topic you selected.
7) References:
Use the heading References at the top and center of a new page as the final heading. This page provides a list of all the sources of information you cited in the text of your paper.
You must use a minimum of five (5) academic sound sources that may include journal articles, books, and online information.
At least two of the references must be from the CCBC Library’s database and include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) number identifier in the reference.
Dictionaries and Encyclopedia (Wikipedia) may NOT be used.
The publication dates of all sources/articles in the references must not be more than 10-years old.
Reference all your sources in alphabetical order by first author’s last name using correct APA 7 format.
ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS:
Format and Style: To cover your topic, your paper should be a minimum of four (4) pages typed in Times New Roman 12-pt font and double-spaced with one-inch margins. Cover pages and References pages are not included in the page count. Use of first person (“I” statements) is acceptable in the Analysis of Results and Ethical Implications sections. Do not use first-person (I, me, my, us, we) or 2nd person (you, your) in the other sections of this research paper.
Citations: Make sure you include in-text citations and a References page that are APA 7 formatted. Your paper should include both in-text citations and a full reference list.
Grammar and Mechanics: Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Your ideas are important, and too many errors make it difficult for the reader to understand what you are sharing about your topic. Proofread and edit your work before you submit.
The correct use of paragraphs will enhance the clarity of your paper. Each paragraph should address a single idea that you want to convey. It is NOT necessary to include extra spacing between paragraphs. Continue double spacing and indent 5-spaces for new paragraphs.