Does violence in the media contribute to violent      be in children? 

Final Paper
The summative assessment for this course is a Final Paper that is due in Week Five.  For your Final Paper, you must demonstrate an understanding of a topic in psychology beyond the information presented in the course textbook.  Incorporate material from across the course, by describing and applying psychology knowledge as you integrate new research findings, into a cohesive and well-written paper.  This learning activity will facilitate the development of research techniques, critical thinking, and writing skills that are necessary to be successful in the field of psychology.  You may include personal experiences as examples to explain concepts and inform your audience.
You will have already selected a research topic from the list below in Week Three of the course.  You must continue to use your selected topic.  The topics include:

• Is corporal punishment needed to discipline children?
• Does violence in the media contribute to violent      be in children?
• What techniques have professionals used to treat      insomnia, and how effective are those treatments?
• What does research show about the effectiveness of the      major techniques for promoting weight loss?
• Are intelligence and personality stable across adulthood      and into old age?

To begin, research the chosen topic using scholarly resources and craft a thesis statement regarding your selected topic.  For assistance with creating a thesis statement, visit the Ashford Writing Center or the Ashford University Library.  Your Final Paper must contain at least five references from scholarly sources that were published within the last five years and are cited according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.  Examples of scholarly sources include: peer reviewed journal articles, research studies, professional websites with authored material, and government websites.  Popular internet sites (Wikipedia, Newsweek, New York Times, etc.) are not considered scholarly sources.
Then, address the following criteria as you write your Final Paper:

• Include a well-written introduction with a succinct      thesis statement and a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
• Integrate research findings that address the selected      topic.
• Discuss the key issues and controversies surrounding      your selected topic.
• Discuss multiple perspectives on the selected topic, so      that the discussion is balanced and not one-sided.
• Include a summary and analysis of the findings from the      research.
• Include any additional research that could be done in      the future, and provide solutions that could be implemented in the present      regarding your selected topic.
• Consider the cognitive and behavioral implications      might play a role in your selected topic.  What learning principles      could factor into the topic?  What theories of motivation and      personality could influence your insights into the topic?

Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length      (excluding title and references pages), and formatted according to APA      style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   1. Title of paper
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a      succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical      thought.
5. Must end with a conclusion that summarizes your      research and reaffirms your thesis.
6. Must use at least five scholarly sources.
7. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in      the Ashford Writing Center.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted      according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

The Ashford Writing Center (AWC) has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

• Live Chat      – If you have writing-related questions about a topic before you draft a      discussion post or submit a written assignment, you will now be able to      chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute) conversation. Live      Chat will be available Monday through Friday from 10:00-11:00 am and      4:00-5:00 pm (PST). AWC Live Chat
• Email Paper Review      – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if you’re having trouble      getting started, you can complete a submission form and email your paper      to the AWC for review.
  • Writing Tutors will do their best to return your paper       with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays.       Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an       assignment due date. AWC Email Paper       Review

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.