Social Psychology Research Paper: Outlast
Advanced Topics in Psychology: Research Seminar
Due: Monday, April 29, 2024
Purpose: Write a formal, academic paper in which you analyze the show Outlast through the lens of social psychology concepts. LTTG: communicate creatively and effectively
Prompt: Write a 4-6 page analytical research paper where you explore the events of the show Outlast through the lens of social psychology. Thoroughly demonstrate your understanding by including the following:
Select a specific episode or storyline from Outlast and analyze how social psychology concepts manifest within the show.
Discuss the role of ingroup and outgroup dynamics, the influence of group polarization, and the impact of stereotypes and prejudice on character interactions.
Evaluate instances of groupthink, deindividuation, and social loafing within the show.
Practice critical thinking, appreciate different perspectives, and reflect on how intersecting identities (race, gender, SES, culture, etc) affect bias.
Consider the effect of resource scarcity on cognitive function and group dynamics.
Utilize academic sources and theories from social psychology to support your analysis.
Requirements:
4-6 pages in length
APA format 7th edition
Title page, page numbers, in-text citations, references page
No abstract required
Formal academic writing
A minimum of 4 sources
Two or more sources in addition to the show and the textbook
Social psychology concepts:
Ingroup
Outgroup
Ingroup favoritism
Group dynamics
Deindividuation
Group polarization
Groupthink
Prejudice
Stereotype
Discrimination
Fundamental attribution error
Role
Social loafing
Social facilitation
Attitude
Persuasion (central/peripheral)
Frustration-Aggression Principle
Scapegoat theory
The just-world phenomenon
Your writing calendar:
Due Mon 4/15 (D block) or Tue 4/16 (G block):
Plan your draft: Take notes on all episodes, create a basic skeletal outline, start references page, and in-text citations
Due Thu 4/18 (D & G block)
Outline: have at least 3 sub-bullet points for each bullet point in the prompt
Due Tues 4/23 (D block) or Wed 4/24 (G block)
Rough draft: 3+ pages, references page, in-text citations
Due Mon 4/29 (G block) or Tues 4/30 (D block)
Final draft: 4-6 pages, references page, in-text citations
Rubric for Social Psychology Research Paper: Outlast – 75 points total
Category
12-15 points
8-11 points
4-7 points
0-3 points
Introduction/Topic
____ points
Exceptional introduction that grabs the interest of the reader and states the topic.
Thesis/topic is exceptionally clear, well-developed, and a definitive statement.
Proficient introduction that is interesting and states the topic.
Thesis/topic is clear and arguable statement of position.
Basic introduction that states the topic but lacks interest.
Thesis/topic is somewhat clear and arguable.
Weak or no introduction of topic. Paper’s purpose is unclear. Thesis/topic is weak or missing.
Content Knowledge: Quality of Research
____ points
The paper is exceptionally researched, contains a minimum of 4 sources (including Outlast); the sources support the thesis argument in a logical manner. References are correctly cited.
Information relates to the main topic. Paper is well-researched in detail and from 4 good sources (including Outlast).
References are correctly cited.
Information relates to the main topic, but few details and/or examples are given. Shows a limited variety of sources.
References are not cited correctly.
Information has little or nothing to do with the thesis. Information has weak or no connection to the thesis.
References are not cited correctly.
Content application: Support of Thesis & Analysis
____ points
Exceptionally critical, relevant, and consistent connections were made between the evidence and the thesis.
Excellent analysis of how social psychology concepts manifest in the show.
Consistent connections are made between evidence and thesis. Good analysis of how social psychology concepts manifest in the show.
Some connections made between evidence and themes.
Some analysis of how social psychology concepts manifest in the show.
Limited or no connections made between evidence and thesis. Lack of analysis.
Writing
____ points
Writing is clear and relevant, with no grammatical and/or spelling errors – polished and professional. References and citations are properly formatted.
Most ideas are stated clearly and are related to the topic, with only minor grammatical and/or spelling errors. References and citations are adequate.
Many ideas require clarification, are off-topic or have little relevance to the assignment. Many grammatical and/or spelling errors; very challenging to read, poor writing flow. Improper references and/or in-text citations.
Paper does not meet the criteria for the assignment (too short or incomplete, too long, and/or completely off-topic).
References and/or in-text citations are missing.
Conclusion
____ points
Excellent summary of thesis argument with concluding ideas that impact the reader. Introduces no new information.
Good summary of topic with clear concluding ideas.
Introduces no new information.
Basic summary of the topic with some final concluding ideas. Introduces no new information.
Lack of summary of topic.
Prompt: Write a 4-6 page analytical research paper where you explore the events of the show Outlast through the lens of social psychology. Thoroughly demonstrate your understanding by including the following:
Select a specific episode or storyline from Outlast and analyze how social psychology concepts manifest within the show.
Discuss the role of ingroup and outgroup dynamics, the influence of group polarization, and the impact of stereotypes and prejudice on character interactions.
Evaluate instances of groupthink, deindividuation, and social loafing within the show.
Practice critical thinking, appreciate different perspectives, and reflect on how intersecting identities (race, gender, SES, culture, etc) affect bias.
Consider the effect of resource scarcity on cognitive function and group dynamics.
Utilize academic sources and theories from social psychology to support your analysis.
