The Research Paper & Presentation

 

Each student will be responsible for individually researching the career field in psychology chosen by the group. You will write a 5-10 page APA style paper on your own findings.

The following must be covered in your paper:

 

  1. 5 to 10 pages, typed double spaced, 12-point font - Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.
  2. APA style (see handout of grading form or see instructor’s website for APA research link)
  3. Paper grade will be 50 points APA style, 150 points content (do not use an outline format in any portion of your paper)
  4. Absolutely, under NO circumstances may you use 1ST PERSON WORDING (1st person wording includes I, me, my, our, we, etc.) You must use 3rd person wording in all sections of your paper!!!
  5. DO NOT USE CONVERSTATIONAL TONE IN PAPER. This is a formal research paper and should be scientifically and professionally worded.
  6. Content is to be formatted as follows:

1)     Title page – with Running Head, page numbers and appropriate information

2)     Abstract – On a page by itself, with brief overview of paper

3)     Introduction of topic – with thesis statement regarding the career field of your choice (no new heading needed on this page)

4)     Main text - Description of the career field you have chosen with answers to who, what and where an individual may work in this field. Include the following also:

                                                               i.      Level of education necessary to enter this field (include licensing requirements).

                                                             ii.      An interview with an individual in this field (e-mail interviews acceptable)

                                                            iii.      A description of activities performing in this field on a regular or daily basis

                                                           iv.      Possible alternative choices for an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology.

5)     Conclusion – summary of your research findings.

6)     Discussion – your response to research findings along with a comparison of what you knew about careers in the field of psychology at the beginning of the course and what you now understand about careers in the field of psychology

7)     Reference page – with at least 5-10 references cited in the appropriate format, alphabetized. State only references used in paper. Be sure to document all references used in paper.

 

The overall tone of this paper must be scientific and professional in nature. This is an upper graduate paper, which should demonstrate scholarly handling of research information. Remember not to use any conversational tone or 1st person wording!

 

Individual Presentation

 

The individual presentation will include a report of your individual research on a career field in psychology. Design your presentation to be professional and informative as though you were trying to recruit others to this field. Well-designed & informative handouts for the rest of the class may earn extra credit points. You will be evaluated on both content and presentation of the information. This presentation is worth 50 points. On the following page you will find a list of subfields for you to choose from. See instructor if you have ideas of other fields you wish to research.

Some Subfields in Psychology

 

Art Therapists

Clinical Psychologists

Counseling Psychologists

Developmental Psychologists

Educational Psychologists

Engineering Psychologists

Experimental Psychologists

Forensic Psychologists

Health Psychologists

Marriage Family Therapists

Music Therapists

Neuropsychologists

Rehabilitative Psychologists

School Psychologists

Social Psychologists

Sports Psychologists

Social Worker