You are required to complete a research paper on a topic you select that is related to the field of positive psychology.
Topic: What factors* contribute to marital happiness? (*Factors identified by positive psychologists)
Length: Total 5 pages min, 7 max (Body should be 2-3 pages only)
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Description of the Assignment
The paper should consist of the sections listed below, with suggested lengths indicated for each part, and with additional description of what is to be included in each section. Including the References list, your paper should be a minimum of about 5 pages and a maximum of about 7 pages.
-Introduction (10 points) Length ½ – 1 ½ pages (about 1-4 paragraphs)
Include the primary question you have about the topic. Explain why the question is of significance to the field of psychology and/or its practical relevance and importance)
Discuss and/or define key theories, terms and research findings presented in the course content that are relevant to your chosen topic. (Read ahead if related materials are covered later in the term.). Cite your sources of information–including at least ONE from our course content in this section. Note: You must cite a minimum of at least two sources from the weekly course materials at some point in your paper. If you have chosen a topic that does not relate to specific theories, terms and/or research presented in this course, you do not have a suitable topic! A plus is if you can relate to other psychology courses as well.
If you have any preliminary ideas as to what you might find in your research explain how you came to those ideas, based on what you have learned from this (or other psychology courses or specific personal observations) that relate to this topic. (Provide citation of all reference sources).
-Body (20 points) Length: 2 – 3 pages (about 3-9 paragraphs)
Include at least 3 articles you have found in peer-reviewed journals, appropriately cited according to current APA Guidelines..
Summarize each of these three articles. (Include: Purpose, Methodology, Number and type of subjects used or type of research reviewed, Findings and Conclusions, Significant shortcomings of the research noted by the authors or the papers or that you see). Use short quotations, only when necessary. What might explain differences or similarities (if any) in findings or conclusions. How reliable or relevant are the findings and conclusions to your initial question?
Relate your new-found knowledge to the research question that you identified in the introduction and to materials in this class. Include at least 1 reference from the content section of our positive psychology class, appropriately cited, in your discussion. Again, do the findings/conclusions of the research articles you found support/refute/extend what we have learned in class? Why or why not? Overall, what do the findings of the journal articles, and any information from our course or other psychology courses, suggest re: the answer your research question.
-Conclusion (10 points) ½ – 1 ½ pages (about 2-4 paragraphs). Summarize what you have attempted to do in this paper, along with the most important conclusions (or explain lack of such). Include any additional significant ideas you have come to that relate to the topic or to the research that you have reviewed. Do you now have any new thoughts about the topic and/or our course materials or suggestions for future research that might shed light on the topic.
Writing Mechanics and Style (10 points) (List of sources used in presented in APA format. Be sure to include the 3 specific references you have found beyond those presented in the course materials, as well as the 2 or more references (minimum) to the course materials you use in your paper.)
Note: The length guidelines are suggestions, not mandates. A shorter paper is highly unlikely to include enough depth of information and explanation to be satisfactory (70% or above). A much longer paper is likely to include unnecessary and unfocused detail and explanation. And, in some cases, some of the information to be included may not be of importance. Students are expected to use knowledge and wisdom in determining what particulars are not useful to their presentation and argument. I expect these papers to be well-written, well-focused, logical, analytical, and carefully organized, and to be clearly related to the field of positive psychology and to the content of this course. You will not be penalized for length–whether longer or shorter than suggested or if you minimize or add to the contents of the paper–provided that what you have written is appropriate and relevant and meets the criteria described in the previous sentence.
Resources from the class:
Positive Psychology: https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/learn-more/readings-and-“¦
https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_seligman_on_the_s”¦

https://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_on_spag”¦