Psych 100 Concept Application Paper Fall, 2007

This assignment is required of each person in class. It is equal in weight to one test, but unlike a test score, it may not be dropped.

Choose one concept or theory that we have covered in class or is covered in your textbook. Some examples of concepts or theories are: the correlational method, classical conditioning (and how taste aversions apply to it), operant conditioning, interference in memory, one of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development or Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, stereotypes, or a particular psychological disorder. These are only a few examples. There are literally hundreds of others.

First, describe the concept or theory you have chosen, in your own words. In other words, first describe the concept as you would to someone who is unfamiliar with it. (This does not mean that you should state your opinion of the concept or theory, nor does it mean you should use the book’s description (or a web site’s) and change a word or two in every sentence; remember the tutorial on plagiarism.) Use the proper psychology terms and define them in your own words. Your description should NOT include your personal example. The personal example will come next.

Second, apply the concept or theory to your own life. How specifically does the concept relate to your life? Give an example from your life that exemplifies the concept. Be specific in your application. Relate your application to your description of the concept (if need be, distinguish it from other concepts). If the concept does not perfectly apply, describe a problem with the concept in describing or explaining your own personal life.

Your paper should be typewritten, double-spaced, using a font of size 12 or larger, with at least one inch margins all around. One to three pages should be adequate to cover the material well. Grammar, clarity, organization, spelling, and proper English usage will be considered in grading. (Note: if you allow enough time, the tutoring center can help you with your writing problems) Please proofread your paper for spelling and grammatical errors. I prefer you staple your paper together, rather than put it into a folder. I also recommend making a copy of your paper before handing it in, to guard against inadvertent loss by either of us.

Your paper must be turned in within one week of the test for the chapter your concept is described in. For example, if you choose to apply classical conditioning, covered in the section on learning (from chapter 5), to your life, your paper would be due in class by November 2 (one week after the test on chapters 5 & 6 on October 26). Points will be subtracted for late assignments. But, please NOTE: If your concept is included in the last section we cover (chapters 13 or 15), you do not have one week after the test. For those writing papers on topics in this last section, your paper is due in class on Friday, December 7. After class on Dec. 7, double points will be subtracted for each day late! If you choose a topic from a chapter we are not covering, you must see me in advance to obtain a due date. If the topic is one in which I think related material has already been covered, and thus would have already been due, you will have to pick another topic.

Two extra credit points will be earned if papers are handed in by the day of the test for the chapter your concept is described in. This is NOT to be a rough copy. I expect it to be in final form. Remember, if you resubmit the paper (with the original, with comments, attached) for more points, it will not earn the extra credit on any version received after the due date for extra credit.

This assignment is scored 12 points for your description of the concept, 12 points for your specific application of the concept to an example in your life, including relating it to your description, and 6 points for your writing.

There are copies of papers from previous quarters on reserve in the library (under Manber, Psych. 100 concept papers), if you wish to look at them.