Guidelines for Term Project Papers
1. Content: The goal of the paper is to
offer you the opportunity to explore some topic of interest in more depth than has been
possible during our discussions. The term paper may take one of two forms: (1) a research
proposal that represents an extension of some trend or an attempted resolution of a
current issue within the field, or (2) a critical review and conceptual analysis of the
social psychological literature relevant to an emerging trend or issue in the field. The
topic in either case need not necessarily be one specifically covered in seminar meetings,
but should be in line with the general theme of the course. The research proposal should
follow the general style of an APA manuscript, but with a somewhat expanded introduction
section in which you review literature that illustrates the trend and the
theoretical/empirical context for the study you propose, and a discussion section which
explores the possible results, the importance of alternative outcomes, and the
implications of the various alternatives. The method section should be detailed enough for
you to establish (and me to evaluate) the adequacy of your proposal for answering the
questions posed in the introduction. The research should be "do-able" with the
resources normally available to graduate students. A trend analysis paper should be styled
after articles found in Psychological Bulletin -- summaries and critical evaluations of
research and theory in a particular area, with specification of the trend or issue they
represent and thoughtful examination of the implications of the trend or issue for the
field.
2. Format: Use APA style for headings, references, and
clarity of exposition, as well as avoiding gender specific language. For trend analysis
papers, the usual sections (Method, Results, Discussion) are not appropriate. Instead, you
will have to use some creativity to create headings and sections that will clearly and
effectively communicate your thoughts. Obviously, though, the convention of introducing
your topic, then finishing with some overall summary or set of conclusions, is highly
recommended. Proposals should more closely follow the usual structure of an introduction
and method section. Include an anticipated results and implications section which will
explore the patterns of data that might be obtained and how they might reflect on the
problem or theoretical framework you are exploring and the trend or issue they represent.
The
final paper should be typed or word-processed, and should be long enough to do the job
(probably 15-20 pages). Make two copies of the paper. One will be returned with comments.
The other will be made available to other students in the class for about 1 month into
next semester, then it will be returned to you also.
In
addition to the final paper, prepare an abstract that will be published on our class
website. The abstract should be considerably longer than that normally included with an
APA style document -- for our purposes a good length would be about 2 double-spaced pages
(1" margins, 10 cpi or 12 point type). It should, of course, summarize the trend or
issue your paper deals with, and the major characteristics of the literature you examine.
In the case of a research proposal, the abstract should also give a sketch of the study's
design and what it will (hopefully) accomplish. Include at the end of your abstract (not
part of the 2 page count) a couple of illustrative references. Also include instructions
to the web community for how they may contact you to obtain more information about your
project (this could be your email address, Departmental address, etc.)
Both
the Web Abstract and the paper are due the last day of classes (Friday, December 13th).
The web abstract must be sent to me via MUNET or via a computer disk (save as text file).
3. Evaluation: Your paper will be graded on the
following dimensions: clarity of writing, rigor of analysis, thoroughness of treatment,
and aptness of focus.
4. Consultation: Please feel free to consult with me
at any time about your topic or your approach to the paper.
Back to Top
Back to Course Homepage