1. Health Promotion Program

Design an intervention/prevention program to promote a healthier lifestyle (e.g., wear sunscreen, use condoms, start exercising, stop eating red meat, etc.). Based upon what you've learned about social psychological theory and research, what sorts of techniques would be effective in getting people to be conscientious about the health behavior you have chosen?

Include background information about the problem you are investigating and the social psychological theory behind your ideas, as well as describing a method of evaluating the effectiveness of your program.

Some social psychological topics that will be of use (i.e., that you can apply and/or discuss; this is not an exhaustive list): attitude formation and change (and predicting behaviors); social influence and conformity; the self etc...
 

2. Conflict Analysis

Apply social psychological theory and research to explain a case of intergroup conflict/aggression. Include both a historical background of the conflict and brief review of the relevant psychological literatures. 

What recommendations would you make (based on what you've learned about social psychology) to help resolve this conflict? 

In your "conflict analysis" discuss how the conflict began (if possible), and how the conflict is maintained/perpetuated.

Some social psychological topics that will be of use (i.e., that you can apply and/or discuss; this is not an exhaustive list): stereotyping and prejudice; causes of aggression and conflict; attribution; in-group/out-group biases...
 

3. Psychological Experience of Patriotism

What is patriotism? How is it created and maintained (from a social psychological perspecitive)? How is patriotism related to one's sense of self? What are the possible consequences (both positive and negative) of patriotism? Support your position with social psychological theory and research.

Some social psychological topics that will be of use (i.e., that you can apply and/or discuss; this is not an exhaustive list): the self, in-group/out-group biases, attitudes, group membership and influence, group interaction, altruism and aggression, terror management.
 

4. How to "Succeed at College Handbook" (Thanks to D.G. '04 for this idea)

What problems do students encounter when adjusting to college life? (e.g., learning the norms of a campus, finding time to exercise, interacting with a diverse student body, maintaining self-esteem, working in groups etc...Lots more to choose from; this is not an exhaustive list) Outline these issues, and discuss how social psychological theory and research can be used to inform students and administrators about how to successfully cope with college life.

5. Write your own paper topic...

Do you have an idea for a paper that you would like to write? Make sure you can analyze the topic/question/event/problem you have chosen from several different perspectives based on social psychological theory and research....

If you want to "write your own assignment", please see Ben to make sure that your topic is appropriate.
 

Details that apply to all papers:

Your paper requires depth of analysis, creativity, and intgrative thought, along with demostrating a knowledge of social psychological theory.

You must include at least 4 outside sources (beyond course readings). Cite all relevant sources in the text of your paper (outside sources and course readings), and include a "references" page (in APA style).

The text of your paper (i.e., not including references, title page etc.) must not exceed 12 pages, but must be at least 8 full pages in length. Use a 10-12 point font, double-spaced, with 1" margins. Remember to staple your paper.

It is expected that the writing is clear, concise, and free of errors.