Subfield History Project
Project worth 130 points (subfield choice = 10 pts; source summaries = 20 pts; presentation = 40 pts; paper = 60 pts)
Introduction to Psychological Studies 202 | Dordt College | Dr. Sherri Lantinga | Spring 2009
Purpose & Overview: The purpose of this project is to help you learn more about the history and subfields of psychology. With a small group, you will research the historical development of one subfield and develop a creative project to demonstrate your learning. Finally, you will discuss with the class how your subfield reflects a Biblical perspective of human beings. You will have some time to work with your group and consult Dr. Lantinga during class, but you will also need to work together outside of class.
Choosing a Subfield (due in class January 30):
Dr. Lantinga
will assign you to a small group on January 26. With your
group, use at least three internet sites to learn about the
various subfields of psychology (e.g., apa.org, wikipedia.org).
Turn in:
(a) a typed list of three subfields that your group would like to study (in order of interest) with a 1-2 sentence description of each subfield in your own words
(b) a typed APA-style reference list
This assignment is worth 10 points, based on the degree to which you followed instructions and correctly used APA style for your sources. Throughout the subfields project, grades are assigned to groups rather than individuals, but Dr. Lantinga reserves the right to use peer evaluations at the end of the project to adjust individuals' grades.
Source Identification & Summaries (due in class February 4)
Find at least
six specific sources you could use to learn more about the history of
your subfield (Dr. Lantinga will assign subfields on January 30). You must
use at least one textbook and two library reference books. Also
consult with your psychology professors for more information, books, etc.
Assign each
person in the group to get/read at least two of the sources you identified.
As you read, look for information about the major ideas/theories, key people, and important studies in this subfield. You will want to be able to tell the "story" of each subfield from its beginning to now and have a sense of how it relates to other subfields. You may want to start with a general/introductory psychology textbook (again, your psych profs are a great resource). Here are the kinds of questions for which you'll be seeking information:
- What does this subfield focus on (behavior, mental process, relationships, etc.) and what methods does it use to study people (observations, experiments, surveys, tests, etc.)?
- When did this subfield begin and what are the influential cultural/historical events of the time?
- Who are 3-5 key people who began or contributed to this field?
- What are the most important ideas/theories and most important 2-3 studies in this subfield? What are some recent ideas or findings in this subfield?
- What 2-3 other subfields in psychology (or other disciplines) are most closely related to this subfield?
- How does this subfield relate to a biblical view of persons based on the BPSS model and the chapters from Lantinga and from Miller & Delaney?
For each
source you read, summarize the key information (bullet lists are fine) and
include an APA-style
reference.
On February 4, collate and turn in your group's six (or more) summaries/references. This assignment is worth 20 points based on the group's ability to glean useful information from appropriate sources.
Synthesizing Information & Developing Presentation (during February 4 class)
In your group,
review the information you have learned about your subfield and write an
outline for your paper. Also identify what further information you
need and who will follow up on this.
For the last
10 minutes of class, discuss creative ways you could present your research to the class on
February 8. For example, you could develop an annotated/illustrated
timeline, make a game (click
here for some game ideas using Powerpoint), act out key studies, make a video, analyze music
lyrics or a film clip from this subfield's perspective, hold a debate or host a talk show with
the major people in your subfield, etc. Your goal is to help the class understand
the key ideas and people associated with your subfield.
Turn in a hand-written outline of your paper AND a brief description of your group's ideas for presenting your subfield to the class
Project Development (during class on February 6)
Use class time to work on your presentation or write your paper. You will also need to meet outside of class to finish these tasks.
Presentation (during class on February 8)
Present your subfield to the class and be prepared to answer questions about your subfield. You presentation should take about 10-15 minutes of class time.
Your presentation is worth 40 points; it will be graded on the extent to which you clearly and accurately communicated the major ideas, studies, and people in the history of your subfield.
You will be expected to learn about other subfields, so listen carefully to the presentations and take notes.
Paper (due in class on February 11)
Submit a 3-page proofread paper (typed, double-spaced, 12-pt font, 1" margins) that
addresses the issues listed above for your subfield.
Writing tips:
Avoid sentences that begin with or use the following: there is/are/were; this; it; that; these. All are weak and boring.
Do not use second person ("you") anywhere in your writing. Use first person (I, we, our) no more than once.
Do not use contractions
Cut all extra words - you will be surprised at how many phrases and words you can cut without loss of meaning
Use no more than 1-2 short, direct quotes (and reference them properly with author last name, year, quotation marks, and page number)
Proofread -
watch for comma splices, spelling errors, run-on sentences, etc.
Attach an APA-style title page and a references page that includes sources actually cited in the paper.
Your paper is worth 60 points based on its (a) coverage of the subfield, (b) writing style/mechanics, and (c) APA style.
page revised January 2009