information on human beings.
Paper Assignment 1
As you have learned from Module 2, there are several ways to get information on human beings.
One way is to conduct an experiment (pp. 23-26), another way might be to do a correlational study
(pp. 22-23).
In Paper Assignment 1, you will be showing me that you know how to conduct a research project by
proposing a project that you might be interested in. You will not be actually doing any research,
you are only planning it… but who knows where this proposal will take you down the road! (smile)
Your task is to propose a study on a topic you are interested in. You will be proposing a study that
you'd like to see done (you choose the topic), and then you will choose one of the techniques
mentioned above (experiment or correlation) and explain how you would use this design to learn
about your topic of interest.
There are several parts to Paper Assignment 1:
1. choose a topic
2. write a hypothesis
3. create the variables you will be studying to test your hypothesis (identify your operational
definition)
4. find your sample
5. design an experimental study OR design a correlational study to test your hypothesis
Paper 1 is worth 100 points. It must be submitted in Canvas, through the plagiarism program,
SimCheck.
For full credit, you must be thorough in your answers. Your job is to “teach” your reader (who has
no background in psychology) about the design you are using. Show me what you know.
You should use your own words ALWAYS; you are not allowed to use quotations from any
source; do not copy phrases from my examples. Don't be shy about asking me questions, but don't
wait until the last minute. Be sure to re-read my Plagiarism Policy in Week Two.
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In the following instructions, I have highlighted the components that you must cover in your essay
for the first half of the paper (parts 1, 2, & 3) and have given examples from my own proposal; of
course, you must come up with your own very interesting topic.
Your proposal should include:
1. What you are interested in learning about and why this topic is important to you; be sure to
provide a personal connection/experience to the topic (20%)
a. Example: I want to do my study on Chinese American women and how they
developed their identities (how they saw themselves). I choose this topic because I
(as a Chinese American woman) had struggled with knowing who I was (hence,
Psychology 1, page 2 Louie
failing college 3 times – yikes!) and I want to know what components lead to a strong
(vs weak) sense of identity: how do Chinese American women develop a clarity of
vision about themselves and their goals? I am worried about my nieces and how
they might develop as a result of growing up in a patriarchal culture – both as a
Chinese American and as an American blah blah. I already see how they are affected
blah blah way in their families.
1. It is important that you choose a topic that you are personally interested in.
You will not score well if you write, “Well, it just sounded interesting to
me.” Tell me why this topic is important to you. If it’s not important to you,
then don’t choose that topic.
2. What your hypothesis is – what do you think you will find out in your study? (10%)
a. My hypothesis: Chinese American women growing up in a traditional patriarchal
family will have a weak sense of identity – they won't have direction in their lives.
1. Use your text to guide you on how to write your hypothesis (or ask me for
help).
2. A hypothesis is (usually)
