Term Paper
For this paper, you should think about a psychological theme (e.g., beliefs about death, expression of emotion, attitude towards mental health treatments, etc.) that is particular to your cultural group (defined loosely, not necessarily based on a geographical location) and that you find interesting and meaningful. Review at least two scientific sources in psychology, located via PsychInfo database that may help you to shed light on the topic. Interview your parent/someone who knew you as a child, or grew up in the cultural community that your topic is about. In your paper, include the following:
Review of the scientific literature (at least two scientific sources – either articles or book chapters) on the chosen topic (note that the literature does not have to deal with your specific cultural group, but should be able to shed some light on your topic). Review the findings of the past research and explain what they say about the psychology of people in this cultural group. You can also discuss socio-historical circumstances that may have shaped the mentality of people in the culture.
Description of what you have learned from the interview. With your interviewee, you can discuss some themes that came up in your literature review, but also ask them about specific socialization practices that have shaped your way of being and thinking in a particular way. Include at least one direct quote from the interview (but do not over quote).
Reflection on the ways that growing up in your culture have affected you (keep the focus on your topic). In your reflection, integrate the information that you have learned from the research and interview with your own thoughts and intuitions. Are there some inconsistencies between these different sources of information? You can also discuss the complexities of identifying or fitting in with a particular cultural group, diversity of beliefs within the culture, and the way you may have embraced or resisted some aspects of your culture.
you can make up an interview or not at that part at all.
The paper is due in end of the course (August 20th). It should be 3-4 pages long, and cited in the APA format. The guidelines for using PsychInfo, citing sources in the APA format, and grading criteria for the paper will be provided during the semester.