My topic is Kinks and Fetishes.
At least one of your sources must be from a peer-reviewed journal, but more is better. The other(s)
must also be scholarly sources
APA Format
In Text Citations must be included with a reference page
Section 1: Explain the Issue (300-400 words): Describe the topic you have chosen to explore. Why is it
important to consider this topic? What do you hope to learn from your research? Share your research
questions. Your research questions should allow you to explore the topic in a group, culture, or country
different than your own.
Section 2: Examine Assumptions (300-400 words): Review your Writing Assignment Worksheet. What
assumptions were identified about the topic? What was the origin of these assumptions? In other words,
what helped to shape them?
Section 3: Research Summary (300-400 words): Provide a summary of what you have learned regarding
your selected topic, and specifically address what you have learned about your research question(s).
Section 4: Examine Perspectives (300-400 words): Review the relevant psychological perspectives as
discussed in Chapter 2 of the class ebook. Access your ebook and open Ch 2. Click on “Theories about
Sexuality” and read through the different psychological theories presented in this chapter. Also, review
the video, “psychological perspectives” handout and the “Using psychological theories to explain” handout
located under the “Writing Assignment” section on the content page under “Assignments.” Also, review
the writing assignment example to gain a better understanding for how to write up this section.
For this section, Compare and contrast at least two perspectives that explain the development of your topic.
For example – how would the social learning theory explain the development of attitudes/biases related to
breastfeeding. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective (for example, a weakness of the
behavioral theory is that it doesn’t take into account biology/genetics). Describe how each can be applied in
explaining your selected topic.
Section 5: Address Diversity (300-400 words): describe your understanding and awareness of your own
worldview (meaning your current knowledge, attitudes, values, biases, expectations, etc.) in relation to your
topic. How would members of other cultures explain the topic you are studying (for example, how does the
Islamic population explain homosexuality?; What are the attitudes, values, etc., regarding homosexuality in
the Islamic population)? How do power structures of culture (e.g., privilege, collectivism, and/or
individualism) relate to your topic (for example – does socioeconomic status impact views on
breastfeeding?) Consider how specific populations (based on, for example, sexual orientation, disability
status, religious groups, race, ethnicity, gender) are impacted in relation to the topic.
Section 6: Self-Awareness (300-400 words): During your research, were you confronted with information
that caused you to reexamine assumptions surrounding your topic? Please elaborate. What insights have
you gained about your thinking, behavior, attitudes, or beliefs? How has your thinking about this topic
shifted? Describe how your shift in thinking may impact you in your future personal, academic, and/or
professional life.
Section 7: Establish a Conclusion (300-400 words): What conclusions have you made regarding your
topic and research questions? What new questions have emerged as a result of your research? What future
research is needed on this topic, and why?
