The final paper will be written in accordance with APA guideline/style.
Paper format: While the presentation is semi-formal, in terms of language and style, the paper is the formal written assignment in this course. It will include: title; abstract; the core of the paper will be an introduction (1-2 pages), method (of your qualitative research; addressing the reliability and the validity of biographical resources; 1 page), results (the life story of the person, focus only on facts; 4-5 pages), discussion (your understanding of the life story of the person, focus on interpretation and speculation according to your psychological knowledge; 3-4 pages); summary (1/2 page); reference list; appendix. The recommended length of the paper is 10 double spaced pages (not including bibliography). Maximum length is 11 pages (not including bibliography). Appendix at any length is accepted.
The presentation’s structure would be like the structure of an academic paper in psychology (see below “Final Paper”) with one difference: The presenters may leave some issues open for discussion in class, and they may share their questions with the class. Post-presentation class discussion is aimed at targeting these issues and enriching the final paper. The professor will lead the post-presentation discussion. Rubric is available on eClass.
As described earlier, this project aims at integration of personality theory, personality styles and disorders in real life. Since students are not eligible to apply clinical concepts to real people, a compromise is offered: Instead of exploring the life of a “living” person, students may focus on a known person, about whom there is a lot of biographical information. Examples: Joseph Stalin, Sylvia Plath. Of more contemporary interest: Donald Trump. The person on focus does not have to demonstrate any psychopathology: Barak Obama, for example, would be a good candidate to be the focus of your study.
It is advisable to choose an interesting, multilayered, complex personality about whom there is enough reliable psychologically relevant information to be the centre of your project. Students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking about biographical data collection issues, such as contradictions among sources, issues of reliability and validity.
The project will relate to a minimum of two theoretical perspectives learnt in class and at least one issue (theoretical or empirical) independently studied. These will be applied to a person on focus. For example: If you decided to work on the life story of Princess Diana, you may use two of the theories discussed in class (such as Freud’s psychoanalysis and attachment) plus independent research on a personality disorder they may have had (i.e., bulimia; impact of parental conflict on children; or any other issue that is relevant to Princess D’s life).
Checklist /Rubric:
Writing Skills (50%)
APA title
APA abstract
Clear language
Correct grammar
Correct spelling
Chapters are divided into paragraphs
Paragraphs make sense, with beginning, body, end
Many paragraphs are linked to each other
Chapters: Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Reference in this order
APA in-text citations and quotations
APA bibliography
Content (50%)
Abstract (half a page, not included in the pages count): a description of the essence of your study
Introduction (1-2- pages): The purpose of your study; what did you do: who was your subject; shortly describe your data collection; what theoretical frameworks guided the interpretation of your data. Don’t forget references when needed.
Method (1 page): Elaborate about the way the data was collected (“data” refers to the facts about the life and behaviour of your subject). Address issues of reliability, validity, strengths and weaknesses and potential biases of the various biographic resources. Here you may mention methodological literature on qualitative research methods (plus references).
Results (4-5 pages): The life story and behaviour of your subject (“data”).
Focus on facts only.
Whole, multi-faceted description of your subject: address all significant social roles (e.g., Princess D: daughter, sister, friend, spouse, mother, philanthropist, social activist).
Relevant details about childhood and adolescence that will enable connecting childhood and adulthood through a developmental theoretical framework (for example: temperament, attachment, Freud, Adler, Erikson, Kohut, Klein, Mahler, Rogers, Learning Theories).
Adulthood
Specify behaviours that can substantiate a potential axis 1 and/or axis 2 diagnoses.
Discussion (3-4 pages):
Your understanding of the life and behaviour of your subject: demonstrate your knowledge of psychology.
Address personality styles and/or disorder as learnt from Millon’s text
If there is an axis one disorder (e.g., bulimia) use what we referred to as “Millon’s formula” to connect it to axis two and axis four (we learned these concepts in class).
When PD is indicated (for example, antisocial PD for Ted Bundy), offer a tentative diagnosis, given that you are not eligible to diagnose anybody. If a personality style is indicated, your language should be tentative as well.
In many cases it is useful to articulate an overarching question about your subject’s behaviour. This question may allow you to integrate a lot of information about your subject, and to increase the cohesiveness of the paper. For example: How can Princess D’s turn-away from the royal family be understood by the science of psychology?
Complex, multi-faceted approach to knowledge of psychology rather than a simplistic one. Keep in mind the principle of overdetermination.
Methodological considerations are integrated in the discussion when appropriate.
Critical thinking
Depth
Engaging
Demonstration of independent research (examples: papers/books about attachment beyond the well known Bowlby and Ainsworth, studies, literature reviews, research on an additional relevant issue (e.g, relevant for Princess D: Bulimia, parental marital conflicts). The quality of your resources counts.
Demonstration of knowledge of personality theories and applying them to your subject
Use references to back up your knowledge.
General:
Total 10 double spaced pages, not including the abstract, bibliography, and an appendix.
Appendix: Can be at any length.
