Assignment 1: Description of Research Methodology 

In this assignment, you will write an essay about the research methods and ethical implications of a social psychology study. You will get information about the study from one of the entries in the SPARQ “Solutions Catalog”, which is a web site maintained by Stanford University at https://sparq.stanford.edu/solutions?&&. SPARQ is an acronym for “Social Psychological Answers to Real-world Questions.” Each entry in the Solutions Catalog names a problem, and then offers a solution to that problem, based on a research study in social psychology.

To keep this assignment short and manageable, your only sources for this assignment should be from the SPARQ site and your course materials, such as your textbook. There is no need for you to cite any of the course materials. Therefore, no additional citations or references are needed, beyond those from the SPARQ site.

In this exercise, you will choose one of the entries in the SPARC site, and then write a two to three (2-3) page paper that meets the following requirements.

1. Begin your paper with a short introductory statement that clearly identifies the article from the SPARQ site that you are using, as well as the corresponding research article.  Model your statement after the following example:

• Please note that there are two APA “in-text citations” in this example. The first citation “(Wilson, n.d.)” is an in-text citation for the SPARQ article. The SPARQ articles are undated, which means that there is no date of publication reported. The “n.d.” designation is an abbreviation for “no date”.

• The second citation “(Wilson & Linville, 1982)”, is an in-text citation to the original research article. We are asking you to cite this paper for practice in using APA, but are not requiring you to read the original paper. Normally, you should cite only those articles that you actually read and used, but we’re making an exception here for the purposes of practice.

2. Briefly summarize the main details of your chosen social psychology research study. Identify the main research method(s) used in the study (e.g., case study, experiment, observation, etc.).
3. Explain whether or not you believe the research methodology that the researchers used in the study was the most appropriate for the study. Provide a rationale for your response.
4. Discuss whether or not you believe the research methodology used in the study is the one (1) method that provides researchers with the most information in general. Explain the main reasons why or why not.
5. Explain the major ethical implications of the selected study (e.g., informed consent, debriefing, etc.). Describe the main reasons why you believe the study was or was not ethical. Provide a rationale for your response.
6. The final section of your paper will be a reference section that contains a corresponding reference for both of the in-text citations in your introductory statement (see point #1, above). In APA-style citations, in-text citations must match up with a reference in the reference section. You can model your reference section after the following:

• These examples follow the APA conventions for an Internet article, and a professional journal article, respectively.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Describe research methods that are used for studying social psychology.
• Develop an increased understanding of the dynamic between society and individuals.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in social psychology.
• Write clearly and concisely about social psychology using proper grammar and mechanics.

Ashford 2: – Week 1 – Assignment

Case Study: Evaluating Ashford University Institutional and Program Outcomes

Prior to completing this assignment, read the Ashford University Institutional Outcomes located on the Syllabus page for this course. Additionally, read the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program Outcomes (pg. 248) located within the Online Undergraduate Programs section of the Ashford University 2013-2014 Academic Catalog.

After reviewing the information provided above, you will create a two- to three-page case study focusing on professional and personal scenarios (they can be real or hypothetical) in which you evaluate your learning as it contributes to the overall attainment of Ashford University’s institutional outcomes and the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program outcomes.

In the body of your paper:

1. Discuss the Ashford University institutional outcomes and the program outcomes by identifying their relevance to a profession in psychology.
2. Create one personal life example and one career example in which you (or a fictitious person) struggle with personal challenges and an ethical dilemma (e.g., a client or research subject reveals compromising information about a friend or family member who also happens to be someone you know in a personal/social context).
3. After identifying the problem, include a section wherein you address each of the following prior to making a decision about a course of action:
   • From your point of view, what is the problem?
   • From the point of view of other individuals, what is the problem?
   • What are the options? What are potential consequences of the options?
   • What are the risks of each potential solution?
   • What are the risks of not resolving the challenges effectively?
   • What evidence/data do you have to assist you in decision making?
4. Apply the competencies gained at Ashford University (from the institutional and program outcomes) to identify the preferred resolutions to the situations you identified in #2 above. Select at least three competencies that are most relevant to your scenarios. Be specific in your discussion of the scenarios and provide details demonstrating professional problem solving in your case study.
5. Conclude the case study with how you resolved the problem (the outcome) and what you learned while at Ashford University that assisted you in deciding on an effective resolution. You may also identify additional competencies used to resolve the problem that are not included in the institutional and program outcomes.
6. Utilize at least one scholarly source as a basis for the evidence you will use to rationalize the decision-making process. All sources must be documented in APA style, as outlined by the Ashford Writing Center.

As the psychology profession evolves, new issues continue to arise. Advances in technology influence the way professional psychologists practice, which creates additional considerations such as patient privacy. As the world becomes more globally connected, additional ethical and multicultural issues emerge. As practitioners, professional psychologists must follow both professional and government regulations, both of which are continually changing. At times, these regulations may seem to act as barriers to effective practice. It is critical that psychologists know about these changes so they can accommodate them when necessary. It is your responsibility as a professional psychologist to examine emerging issues confronting the psychology profession and think about how they impact the future of the profession.

To prepare for this Discussion, visit the professional associations and organizations from Discussion 1 of this week. When you visit each website, pay particular attention to sections on the practice of psychology. These sections address the most pressing issues facing professional psychologists, both now and in the future.

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a brief definition of applied social psychology. Then explain how you might apply one element of applied social psychology in your field of interest. Finally, explain one way using applied social psychology in your field of interest may affect social change

The Diverse Nature of Psychology Paper

Performance Appraisals and Positive Psychology

For this assignment you will write a two- to- three page reflective paper evaluating your experience with performance appraisals in the workplace.  If you have never had a workplace performance appraisal, interview a friend or family member who has had one.

Describe the occasion in which you were being evaluated (e.g., annual review, quarterly review).  Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the evaluation process using concepts and/or theories from the week’s readings.  Provide at least two strategies to improve the performance appraisal process in your workplace for a more positive experience in the future.

Your assignment must be at least two to three double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.  Include a cover page and reference page in APA format.  In addition to the textbook, you must utilize at least one scholarly, peer-reviewed source that was published within the past five years.  Your sources must be cited according to APA format

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Practice of Psychology & Behaviorst Treatment