The Research Paper Topic Proposal

This week, you will submit your research topic proposal to your instructor for approval.
 

Begin by exploring topics in  developmental psychology. Reference your textbook, the weekly  introductions in your course, and reputable journal articles to explore topic ideas. Be sure to choose a topic that you are highly interested in. From that topic, you will pose a question for your research. 

For example, you may find interest  in the life span of adolescence. From there, you may want to explore  issues related to adolescent suicide. From this topic you could pose a  number of questions to research, such as: 

1. Are adolescents from single-parent homes at higher risk of suicide than those from two-parent homes?
2. Does lack of play in childhood lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence?
3. Does “helicopter parenting” lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence?

How to Develop a Research Question

Your research question should enable  you draw some unique conclusions so that you are not simply reporting  on research that has already been concluded. You may have to do some  preliminary research within your topic to determine a suitable question.  Here are some examples.
 

This example is too broad and will likely lead to a confusing and disorganized paper. It lacks parameters.

Why do adolescents commit suicide?

This example is too narrow. It can be answered rather simply with some basic data.

How many adolescent suicides occurred last year?

A good research question specifies the parameters of the research, yet leaves room for analysis and the writers unique input.  

What are some of the unique social factors that led to an increase in suicide rates among 13- to 18-year-old females in 2015? 

(In your paper, you would define two  to three social factors you deem significant and connect them with the  appropriate physical, cognitive, and socioemotional occurrences  happening during this part of life span development. Then, draw your own  conclusions from the research you find.)

Once you have your research  question, phrase it as a statement so that it can become your thesis  statement. The thesis statement is what drives the direction of your  paper. 

The Research Paper Topic Proposal Assignment

Include the following in your topic proposal:

• Your research question
• Your thesis statement
• A narrative describing your topic and why you chose it (its significance)

Refer to the Writing Resources link under the Student Resources tab for help with writing thesis statements and research questions, and consult your West Coast University librarians for database search support as needed.
 

Your topic proposal should be 12 pages in length. Use current APA Style and cite and reference all sources.

See rubric for specific grading criteria.

For this discussion, section find TWO (2) peer-reviewed academic journal articles that directly relate to your research topic for this class. Then, briefly…

1.  Describe the articles and discuss the types of survey questions they asked

2.  In greater detail address the measures that the authors used.

• Be sure to include a description of any scales or indexes (Chapter 5).
  • If they use scales or indexes, are they similar to those from our textbook? If so, how?
  • What are their levels of measurement?
• Using the standards from the textbook, is there anything wrong with the questions? If so, describe how you would fix the questions and justify your argument using the book. (Chapter 6)

Unit 9 Will You Help Me?

Based upon this weeks readings, explain the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. Also describe the effect of role playing on attitudes in terms of cognitive dissonance theory.

Your discussion post should be at least 300 words and include minimally (2) citations. One citation will include the assigned readings. The second citation will need to be from a peer-reviewed academic source. Websites will not count as a second source.

Unit 9 Was it Genuine?

Reflect upon the last intentional act of kindness that you endured by either a friend, family member, peer or stranger. Describe your reaction to the act of kindness. Then describe how altruism played a role in the act.

Your discussion post should be at least 300 words and include minimally (2) citations. One citation will include the assigned readings. The second citation will need to be from a peer-reviewed academic source. Websites will not count as a second source.

Assignment Description:  In a document ONLY THREE PAGES LONG (not counting cover page and reference list), students must provide a description of a real-world problem that addresses the topic of Motivation, including a diagnosis of possible motivational causes of a problem and how the theory has been shown by research to be a potential solution.

Weekly Topic: Motivation.

Scenario: Students need to create a work-related problem based on current or past experience.

Goal: Students will learn to use evidence-based methods to effectively address Motivation in a real-world scenario.

Action Plan: An action plan should address the problem using a clearly defined approach that is supported with evidence from the text and peer-reviewed research.

Scholarly evidence must be used to support the action plan including 1) the text, and 2) a minimum of two peer-reviewed research articles.

Assignment

Work should be saved in one of the following formats: DOC, DOCX, or PDF.  Remember your work should be original (as the Plagiarism Detection software will produce an Originality Score which should be 30% or under).  Keep direct quotes to an absolute minimum (paraphrase and include proper citations is a better approach).  

Your paper should address the following information:

• What is a Code of Ethics (and why is it important)?
• What is the difference between a code of ethics, a mission statement, and policy and procedures? 
• Review an organization’s code of ethics. Students prefer to choose an organization which they are currently or have previously been employed.  There are 3 papers required in this course based on your specific company.  You would be adding to your workload by choosing one you needed to do additional research on.  I am not looking for business research papers on these topics.  All topics need to be focused on ethics and have original content.
• Start the section on your organization by explaining who it is and what it does (structure, business, your relationship, etc.)
• Does this organization have a formal code of ethics?
• If not, are elements of a code included in other documents (employee handbook, policy and procedures, etc.)?
• Review various aspects of the code (strengths and weaknesses).
• Compare this code (formal or informal) to at least 1 code from the above list.  What is included?  What is missing?
• Compare your organization’s code to others in the industry (i.e., a competitor).  What are the similiarities?  Differences?
• How would you strengthen the code?  Codes need to be constantly reviewed and revised.  You need at least 2 suggestions for improvement.

You may select a code from those listed in the ADDITIONAL RESOURCES section, but more research is needed beyond these links.  

Evaluate the code based on information you have read in Module 2. (Be sure to discuss specifics of the code as you make your case) 

Is it a strong code?  Did you know it existed before this assignment?  How is the code different from Policy and Procedures?  or is it the same?

Start your paper by explaining what the purpose of a Code of Ethics should be.  Include references and proper citations per APA style format.

Write a paper (500-750 words) in which you discuss how you will apply concepts from the five assigned pre-residency presentations to your dissertation research. Include the following in your paper:

1. A statement of how the information in the pre-residency presentations support and/or refute the direction of your intended research.
2. A statement of the how the information in the pre-residency presentations guides the revision of your initial research plan.

 To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the following articles and think about the challenges and stereotypes forensic psychology professionals must overcome when encouraging police professionals to use psychological resources.

“Law Enforcement Preferences for PTSD Treatment and Crisis Management Alternatives”

“Characterizing Perceived Police Violence: Implications for Public Health”

“Helping First Responders Withstand Traumatic Experiences”

“The Effectiveness of Individual Wellness Counseling on the Wellness of Law Enforcement Officers”

Review the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists.” Consider the guidelines that are relevant to forensic psychology professionals providing support and interventions to police professionals.

Review the book excerpt, “Confidentiality of Psychological Information and the HIPAA in Police Psychology.” Think about the ethical guidelines and issues forensic psychology professionals could face when providing support and interventions to police professionals.

Select two challenges that forensic psychology professionals face when encouraging police professionals to utilize available psychological support and interventions. Consider how you would address these challenges.

Select one ethical issue related to forensic psychology professionals providing support and interventions to police professionals. Think about the ethical guidelines that could apply to this issue.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of two challenges faced by forensic psychology professionals when encouraging police professionals to utilize available psychological support and interventions. Explain how you would address these challenges. Then, analyze one ethical issue that the forensic psychology professional could encounter when providing psychological support and interventions. Be specific and cite the applicable ethical guidelines.

Learning Resources

Readings

• Book Excerpt: Rostow, C. D., & Davis, R. D. (2004). Confidentiality of psychological information and the HIPAA in police psychology. In C. D. Rostow & R. D. Davis (Eds.), Handbook for psychological fitness-for-duty evaluations in law enforcement (pp. 161177). Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.
• Article: Adams, R. E., Boscarino, J. A., & Figley, C. R. (2006). Compassion fatigue and psychological distress among social workers: A validation study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76(1), 103108. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: American Psychology-Law Society, Division 41 of the American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Speciality guidelines for forensic psychologists. Retrieved from
• Article: Barnett, J. E., Baker, E. K., Elman, N. S., & Schoener, G. R. (2007). In pursuit of wellness: The self-care imperative. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(6), 603612. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Barnett, J. E. (n.d.). Psychological wellness and self-care as an ethical imperative. Retrieved from
• Article: Black Becker, C., Meyer, G., Price, J. S., Graham, M. M., Arsena, A., Armstrong, D. A., & Ramon, E. (2009). Law enforcement preferences for PTSD treatment and crisis management alternatives. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47(3), 245-253. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Board of Professional Affairs’ Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance. (n.d.). Professional health and well-being for psychologists. Retrieved from
• Article: Chard, K. M., Cooper, L., et. al. (2005). Risk factors and self care for practitioners working with trauma clients. Retrieved from
• Article: Cooper, H., Moore, L., Gruskin, S., & Krieger, N. (2004). Characterizing perceived police violence: Implications for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 94(7), 11091118. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Heglund, J. (2009). Helping first responders withstand traumatic experiences. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 78(9), 14. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Saakvitne, K., et. al. (n.d.). Occupational vulnerability for psychologists. Retrieved from
• Article: Tanigoshi, H., Kontos, A. P., & Remley, T. P., Jr. (2008). The effectiveness of individual wellness counseling on the wellness of law enforcement officers. Journal of Counseling & Development, 86(1), 64-74. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

   

 a brief explanation of the effects of social support on the health condition. Then describe two populations that are at risk for reduced social support and explain why. Finally, explain two ways you might bridge the gap between the need for and utilization of social support for the populations you selected. Be specific. 

Readings

• Course Text: Rook, K. S., August, K. J., & Sorkin, D. H. (2011). Social network functions and health. In R. J. Contrada & A. Baum (Eds.), The handbook of stress science: Biology, psychology, and health (pp. 123135). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

  Now with the understanding of social support as a coping mechanism as discussed in Week 6, please review Chapter 10, Social Network Functions and Health with this new perspective on the effects of social networks when underutilized among various populations.

• Course Text: Uchino, B. N., & Birmingham, W. (2011). Stress and support processes. In R. J. Contrada & A. Baum (Eds.), The handbook of stress science: Biology, psychology, and health (pp. 111121). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
• Article: American Cancer Society. (2012). Sources of support. Retrieved from
• Article: Chao, R. C.-L. (2011). Managing stress and maintaining well-being: Social support, problem-focused coping, and avoidant coping. Journal of Counseling and Development, 89(3), 338348.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.
• Article: Committee on Education and Training, American Psychological Association Division 38. (2012). Becoming a health psychologist. Retrieved from
• Article: Hillenberg, J. B., & DiLorenzo, T. M. (1987). Stress management training in health psychology practice: Critical clinical issues. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 18(4), 402404.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the PsycARTICLES database.
• Article: Keefe, F. J., & Blumenthal, J. A. (2004). Health psychology: What will the future bring? Health Psychology, 23(2), 156157.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the PsycARTICLES database.
• Article: Kraft, P., & Yardley, L. (2009). Current issues and new directions in psychology and health: What is the future of digital interventions for health behavior change? Psychology and Health, 24(6), 615618.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.
• Article: Littrell, J. (2008). The mind-body connection: Not just a theory anymore. Social Work in Health Care, 46(4), 1737.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the MEDLINE with Full Text database.
• Article: Nielsen, K., Taris, T. W., & Cox, T. (2010). The future of organizational interventions: Addressing the challenges of todays organizations. Work & Stress, 24(3), 219233.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.
• Article: Nauert, R. (2011, January 21). . Psych Central. Retrieved from  
• Article: Schaufeli, W. B., (2004). The future of occupational health psychology. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 53(4), 502517.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.
• Article: Uchino, B. N. (2006). Social support and health: A review of physiological processes potentially underlying links to disease outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(4), 377387.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.
• Article: Wells, J. R., & Anderston, S. T. (2011). Self-efficacy and social support in African Americans diagnosed with end stage renal disease. The ABNF Journal, 22(1), 912.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.
• Article: Yali, A. M., & Revenson, T. A. (2004). How changes in population demographics will impact health psychology: Incorporating a broader notion of cultural competence into the field. Health Psychology, 23(2), 147155.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the PsycARTICLES database.
• Website: American Psychological Association Division 38: Health Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from  
• Web Resource: American Cancer Society. (2012). Find support groups and services in your area. Retrieved from  
• Web Resource: American Psychological Association. (n.d.). International Journal of Stress Management. Retrieved from
• Web Resource: National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Health information: Stress. Retrieved from  

4 pages

Pathology, Diagnosis, and the DSM-5

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review and in the course text and view the videos , , and screencast on how to access and use this resource and how to cite and reference the DSM-5. Utilize the to support your analysis. Note that, in keeping with the focus of this class, the emphasis of your paper should be on the pathological aspects of the disorder you select to analyze.

To successfully complete this writing assignment,

1. Select a psychological disorder for comprehensive analysis from the following list (Choose only one.):

Major depressive disorder

Bipolar disorder

Anxiety

o Focus on only one of the anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder).

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Substance use disorder (substance abuse and addiction)

o Provide both an overview of this topic plus a focus on a single drug of your choice.

Your selection of topic should be based on your personal or professional experience or your own academic or personal interest in the topic. Be sure to use current terminology from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5).

2. Based on the following requirements, create an for your paper. Use this outline to determine the appropriate APA headings to be applied to your paper. To see APA guidelines for headings, visit in the Ashford Writing Center. Include the following in your paper:

Introduction of the diagnosis

Explanation of at least one theory of etiology (causes) of the disorder

Explanation of the associated factors in development of the disorder (genetic, environmental, familial, lifestyle)

A summary of the diagnostic and research technologies employed in clinical diagnosis, clinical and behavioral healthcare, and clinical interventions

Discussion of treatment options of the disorder

An analysis of the predominance of the disorder in our current society

Conclusion

3. Next, research your topic and obtain a minimum of two scholarly and/or peer-reviewed sources published within the last five years. These sources should provide evidence-based information regarding the psychological features of the disorder. Be sure to cite these sources accurately in your paper and include them on your references page. Consider the following for this step:

You may utilize required or recommended course materials in your work, but these will not count toward the reference requirements; however, you may cite and reference the DSM-5 as one of your sources used for the grading credit.

For support formatting your paper in APA, visit the Ashford Writing Centers and .

4. Write your assignment.

Suggestion: Complete your paper by the weekend to also take advantage of running a in the Ashford Writing Center to support your success.

5. Access the to confirm all required components have been addressed.

The Pathology, Diagnosis, and the DSM-5 writing assignment

Must be a minimum of four double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Centers

Must include a separate title page with the following:

o Title of paper

o Students name

o Course name and number

o Instructors name

o Date submitted

For further assistance with the formatting and the title page, refer to .

Must utilize academic voice. See the resource for additional guidance.

Must include an introduction and conclusion paragraph. Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper.

o For assistance on writing as well as , refer to the Ashford Writing Center resources.

Must include APA headings. For formatting support, visit in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must use at least two scholarly or peer-reviewed sources published within the last five years in addition to the course text or other course materials. You may also use required and recommended materials from the course but these will not count toward the research component of your grade.

o The 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.

o To assist you in completing the research required for this assignment, view this tutorial, which introduces the Ashford University Library and the research process, and provides some library search tips.

Must document any information used from sources in APA Style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Centers

Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. See the resource in the Ashford Writing Center for specifications.

Required Resources

Text

Getzfeld, A. R. (2018). (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu

Chapter 3: Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Chapter 6: Depressive Disorders and Bipolar and Related Disorders

Book

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). . https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

This manual will support your understanding of diagnosis and treatment for mental illness. Note you will only be reviewing one to three pages and it will be based on specific disorders you choose to evaluate this week. It will assist you in your Anxiety and Depression: A Case Study discussion forum and Pathology, Diagnosis, and the DSM-5 assignment this week.

Multimedia

Ashford University. (2018, August 8). [Video file]. Retrieved from https://ashford.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/The%2BDSM-5/0_wa13z8fy

This web page provides information about how to access and use the DSM-5 and will assist you in your Anxiety and Depression: A Case Study discussion forum and Pathology, Diagnosis discussion forum and the DSM-5 assignment this week. This video has closed captioning.
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nature video. (2014, December 19). [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Yy8e4sw70ow

This video provides information about the neural circuits affected in depression, as well as the molecular and cellular changes becoming better understood for treatment. This video will assist you in your Anxiety and Depression: A Case Study discussion forum and Pathology, Diagnosis, and the DSM-5 assignment this week. This video has closed captioning and a transcript.

Sunnybrook Hospital. (2012, October 4). [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/x2JAXAmXd2w

This video features a patient who has been diagnosed with OCD, as well as Dr. Peggy Richter, and discusses the illness as well as potential treatments. This resource will support your Anxiety and Depression: A Case Study discussion forum and Pathology, Diagnosis, and the DSM-5 discussion forum assignment this week. This video has closed captioning and a transcript.

Web Page

Society of Clinical Psychology: Division 12. (n.d.). . Retrieved from https://www.div12.org/case-studies/

This web page will be utilized to identify a case study to analyze associated with your Anxiety and Depression: A Case Study discussion forum this week.
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Supplemental Material

Rosser-Majors, M. (2019). . Retrieved from https://www.ashford.instructure.com

This study guide will help you prepare for your Week 2 Terminology Quiz and Week 2 Content Review this week.

Recommended Resources

Book

Ledley, D. R., Pai, A., & Franklin, M. E. (2007). . In M. M. Anthony, C. Purdon, & L. J. Summerfeldt (Eds.), Psychological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Fundamentals and beyond. (pp. 281293). https://doi.org/10.1037/11543-013

The full-text version of this chapter is available through the EBSCOhost database in the Ashford University Library. The chapter researches individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and additional psychological disorders, including other anxiety disorders and depression. The study reviews guidelines to differentiate OCD from other anxiety disorders and depression. This resource may helpful in supporting you with your assignments this week.

Article

Finley, E. P., Garcia, H. A., Ramirez, V. A., Haro, E. K., Mignogna, J., DeBeer, B., & Wiltsey-Stirman, S. (2019). . Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000477

The full-text version of this article is available through the EBSCOhost database in the Ashford University Library. This article researches several treatment options specific to veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specific psychotherapies are assessed. This article may helpful in supporting you with your assignments this week.

Supplemental Material

Maryland Recovery. (n.d.). [Educational brochure]. Retrieved from https://www.marylandrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/marylandRecovery_HolisticRemedies.pdf

The brochure offers insight into holistic methods for addressing addiction and may support you in your assignments this week, as well as future writing assignments in this course.
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