Updated March 5, 2008 - - - CHECK
PERIODICALLY FOR ADDITIONAL OR REVISED QUESTIONS
Psychology 415, Spring, 2008
PAPER
SPECIFICATIONS
You are to write a scholarly essay on a topic related to the course material. In other words, this paper is not like the more narrative, descriptive, or reaction essays appropriate for other assignments. It is to be between 1000 and 1200 words not including references and should be printed, double-spaced, in a standard, consistent, non-footnoted format (New Times Roman 12 suggested font). Use of the American Psychological Association format is required. This can be applied by modeling your paper after any APA journal. The American Psychologist is readily available and is a good place to start. Headings and subheadings are highly recommended.
The specific topic should be one that interests you, although your paper should draw on specific concepts, theories, and findings covered in the course. Choose from the topics below or suggest alternatives to me. The papers should discuss in 4-6 empirical research studies addressing the topic chosen (most should be recent – last 2-3 years). Specifically, you need to choose a topic such as one developed from the following (other examples will be given in class). Remember that there are many ways of applying psychological, anthropological, ethological, neuroscience, evolutionary, and other empirica/objective approaches to religious phenomena, as science is an ever-evolving field and not set dogma. Still, you need to be critical in looking at the methods used, not just in the results obtained.
You need to get off your duff and into the library. Check with the reference staff. Stuff on the web, Wikipedia, etc. is often not reliable. Se below for more comments.
Note that some of these
questions/issues may not yet have generated much research attention. If you
have trouble finding papers/sources, contact me. Be sure to look at the
journals I sent you that focus on religion related research, although much fine
work is published elsewhere. Remember that all published research is not solid
or thorough so you need to read critically, especially the methods sections and
how data were analyzed, presented, and interpreted.
Also, all these questions can be
looked at using a comparative perspective in which different denominations,
sects, or grand divisions (Christianity, Hinduism, etc.) are employed. Individual
differences are also important to consider.
Musical experiences are being increasingly studied scientifically. What psychological and brain processes may be involved? What role does music play in religious rituals and is it important? Is all religious music alike and why not?
What is modern neuroscience able to tell us about the brain and one or more of the following: religious experiences, spirituality, ethical decision-making, morality, meditation, fear, hatred, love, altruism?
How are ancient pagan or heretical beliefs incorporated in current religious ceremonies or rituals of the Protestant Christianity, Roman or Orthodox Christianity, Mormonism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Native American religions? What psychological functions do they serve?
Are there modern versions of the inquisition being implanted currently in
the
How does upbringing influence the nature and extent of a child’s religiosity? What does this tell us about divine forces?
What kind of religion do you think we need to effectively address the various serious problems the world faces? (war, poverty, disease, global warming, overpopulation, pollution, extinction, genocide) Pick one problem and explore possible solutions and how religious views and/or organizations could help
Are there psychological differences between secular, spiritual, and conventionally religious people? This is a large topic and can be focused down
Critically review experimental studies on the efficacy of prayer either on the prayer or the prayed for.
Is there a relationship between happiness and religion/spirituality?
How does religiosity affect mental health? Do different religious traditions lead to people dealing with psychological and behavioral disorders differently?
Is there a relationship between religiosity and dealing with personal tragedy and/or grief?
Do towns/cities with more ‘born again’ Christians differ in levels of crime, murder, child or family abuse, altruism, or other measures reflecting godly behavior? If ot, why not?
Are their any data indicating moral improvements in cites where there have been large revivals, crusades, etc.?
How do scientists use evidence in supporting claims about God, religion, religious institutions, spirituality, etc.?
Do nonhuman animals have not only rudiments of morality but also spirituality and/or religion? Why or why not?
Evaluate the empirical evidence for the views of Allport, Frazer, Freud, Jung, Darwin, Durkheim, James, Maslow, Dennett, Gould, Gordon Kaufman, or other theorists on religion, including recent people, some mentioned in class.
Does genetics/heritability influence individual differences in religiosity?
Relate age, gender, and or race to religiosity/spirituality.
What is the role of music in religion and spirituality?
Are religious people more or less prone to support wars?
Compare the role/outcome/methods of clinical psychologists and priests/pastors in dealing with troubled persons
Do religious persons aid others more than non-religious people (altruism)?
Al Gore claims that global warming is a moral issue? Why? Evaluate
Torture and mistreatment of prisoners similar to what went on during the inquisition seems to be occurring even in cultures, such as our own, that claim to be moral and god-fearing. What studies are available on the religious aspects of this phenomenon?
In all papers make sure that you consider
alternative hypotheses and consider the appropriateness and validity of the
data used - In other words, look at the details of the work, not just the
findings as summarized in the papers.
You should have at least four - six research articles that are cited, discussed, and turned in with your paper or sent as pdf files (only include relevant sections of books). All factual assertions must be documented with references - web sources do not count unless from a legitimate scientific site. If in doubt, see GMB.
Organization, style, grammar, spelling, clarity of thought and expression, use of sources, objectivity, and your ability to fairly represent alternative views will all be considered in grading. All use of paraphrased or quoted material must be clearly acknowledged, with page numbers for any direct use of four words or more from another author (and flagged or highlighted in the sources handed in). It is expected that you have read all material cited, not just abstracts. Plagiarism of all types is completely unacceptable. If in doubt what this entails see me before you hand in your paper.
Remember that all papers are due no later
than class-time on April 22, with a bonus of 5 points for all papers turned in
by April 15.