PROMPT:
Choose one of the topics listed below. Make sure to write which topic you have chosen at the top of the first
page (e.g., “Topic 2”). For this paper you must cite at least 2 academic articles from the syllabus and a third
source from the syllabus, which could be an additional article, lecture, or video. You may not use The Brain
That Changes Itself, but it could be used in addition.
OPTIONS:
TOPIC 1 — Write about how two specific research conclusions (from the readings, lectures, or the in-class
guests) inter-relate, complement, or contradict each other. Here you have the chance to dig into the details
of these research theories and offer you own analytical commentary. A shortcut to this topic is, “How do two
research conclusions play off each other?” An example: “Willpower theory and choice theory are not only
complements to each other, their pairing is beneficial to effective change in either domain.“
TOPIC 2 — Create a unique, comprehensive model organizing the ideas of positive psychology. We are
not asking you to restate the five areas we covered or to regurgitate things you have read, but to consider a
different model for how positive psychology concepts go together and interact. What do you think should be
at the heart of positive psychology – is it the notion of flourishing, or something else? Can you think of a
new way to unify the components of positive psychology in a novel theoretical framework? A drawing or
figure is very welcome. Make this something that you’re proud of.