How do labels (such as smart/stupid, crazy or criminal, etc.) impact people’s mental processes and behaviors?

(see Bem, 2016).  You will 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.
• Other:  Must be approved by your instructor in advance!

The Final Paper

• Must be at least 5 to 10 double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA styleLinks to an external site. as outlined in the Ashford Writing CenterLinks to an external site..
• Must include a separate title pageLinks to an external site. with the following:
  • A header
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must begin with an introductory paragraphLinks to an external site. that has a succinct thesis statementLinks to an external site..
• Must utilize academic voiceLinks to an external site..
• Must address the topic with critical thought.
• Must end with a conclusionLinks to an external site. that reaffirms the thesis.
• Must use at least five peer-reviewed scholarly sources.  Additional scholarly sources are encouraged.
  • Be sure to integrate your researchLinks to an external site. smoothly rather than simply inserting it.
  • In general, paraphraseLinks to an external site. material rather than using direct quotes.
  • The Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types.  If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor.  Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.
• Must document all sources in APA style as outlined hereLinks to an external site. and hereLinks to an external site..
• Must include a separate reference pageLinks to an external site. that is formatted according to APA style.
• Must be submitted to GrammarlyLinks to an external site.