Psychological Disorder: Psychology Essay Writing Assignment

Internal Code: MAS1776

Psychology Essay Writing Assignment:

Task: Essay synopsis This assignment will require you to develop a plan for your second major assignment in this course - the essay. You will need to select one essay topic from the list below, analyse it in terms of its key components, locate and read at least five relevant journal articles and then prepare an essay synopsis (essay plan). This plan will indicate how you will address the topic and what resources and information you will need to locate to address the topic. This assessment assesses Graduate Qualities 2 (lifelong learning), 3 (effective problem solver), and 6 (communicates effectively). Essay Topics Choose ONE of the five topics listed below. This is the topic you will also be writing your Essay (Assessment 2) on, so make sure you think carefully before making your decision. 1. Describe the trait theory of personality. Select one "factor" or "trait" from a prominent trait theory and discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of someone who strongly exhibits this trait. 2. Jean Piaget proposed a step-wise sequence of mental development during childhood. Provide an overview of Piaget’s core ideas, discussing the evidence for and against these ideas. 3. Discuss the factors that affect the likelihood that people will engage in prosocial behaviour. What is the evidence for these effects, and how might changes in our society affect the likelihood of people acting pro-socially? 4. Describe the main social factors that influence attraction between people. Select one of these factors and describe the empirical support for its influence. 5. Select a psychological disorder that features in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Describe this disorder, providing evidence for the major contributing factors to the onset of the disorder. The Essay Synopsis will be given a mark out of 15% of the total course grade, and you will be graded on the following criteria: 1. Topic analysis 2. Coherence and structure of plan 3. Clarity of expression 4. Adherence to word length (800 words) 5. Relevance of references