Each student will select a question (problem) associated with human behavior and examine different explanations for the behavior. (Examples: Why are some people evil? Why are more children diagnosed with ADHD or Autism now than previously? Why do people lie? Why do people XYZ? What causes XYZ in humans? How does XYZ behavior in humans develop?)

Each student will a) research, b) analyze possible explanations, and c) evaluate answers to his/her question using at least two prominent psychological theoretical perspectives that we have studied in this course: biological, evolutionary, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, sociocultural, and humanistic. The student will also form conclusions about which psychological perspective best explains the identified problem and address ethical issues associated with the problem.

The student will document the information in the form of an essay (4-5 pages) using APA style. The essay will be submitted through the assignment link on the course Blackboard site.

Steps to assignment completion:

Statement of the problem: Identify and explain your question of interest regarding human behavior. Why is this of interest to you? Why is this question important? Why is this behavior considered a problem (include supporting data)?
Evidence: Select (and thoroughly describe) two prominent psychological theoretical perspectives which address the problems.

After describing the psychological perspectives, research and identify one source for each perspective (total: 2 sources) which address the question. List and summarize each of the sources. These sources should be written by professionals who have expertise in the subject.

Influence of Contexts and Assumptions: Using the information from these sources, thoroughly explain how a psychologist working within each perspective views the problem, and how she or he would try to answer the question. (IN-TEXT CITATIONS AND REFERENCE PAGE ARE TO BE COMPLETED IN APA STYLE.)
Student’s Position: Evaluate the information you’ve described and form personal conclusions. Explain why you agree with one perspective over the other or offer an alternative psychological perspective as the explanation. You must select only one perspective and support your position with evidence. How do your conclusions impact you? Why are your conclusions important for you?