Biography of a Psychologist

Biography of a
Psychologist
The class is required to
write a biography of a psychologist specializing in the field of psychology and
critically reflect on their contributions to the field.
Overview
1. Select a
psychologist whose theories you find interesting. Some examples include Pavlov,
Watson, Skinner, Bandura, Piaget, Kohlberg, Kinsey, Masters, Johnson, Gottman,
Sternberg, and Lee. A great place to research psychologists is using our
textbook and/or google search
2. Read
about the psychologist and his/her theories using the textbook, internet
websites, and or books in the library.
3. In one
or more pages (you may write more than one page…your choice) discuss the
background of the psychologist and their theory. Total assignment is two pages
including the bibliography.
Page One
Paragraph
One “Background Information”: discuss background information including: education, country of
origin, birth date (and date of death if applicable), marital status and
marital information, family background information, and any other interesting
information about their life such as winning a Nobel Prize.
Paragraph
Two “Theory”: discuss their theory.
Choose a stage, level, or aspect of it that interests you and write about it.
For example: if discussing Skinner be sure to explain a part of his theory such
as shaping, or positive and negative reinforcement. Since this is a short assignment,
you do not have to cover the entire theory.
Paragraph
Three “Critique”: discuss the importance
of this theory in the field of psychology, and how this theory is applied
today. If the theory is controversial, then discuss the controversies regarding
the theory and arguments for and against it. For example: Kohlberg’s theory is
considered controversial because he had only male participants in his study
which makes it challenging to apply some of his conclusions to females.
Page Two
“Bibliography/Works
Cited”: cite any sources used
in your paper using APA format.
Additional Important
Information:
Must have one full page (you may write more
if desired).
1-inch margins (right, left, upper, lower).
Cover page is not needed.
Please do not add name to the page where the assignment is written since
it will take up space and will not meet the full one-page requirement.
Standard English grammar, punctuation, and
appropriate capitalization.
Font: Times New Roman; 12 point.
Double spaced (even between paragraphs).
If using direct quotes or summarization of
another’s thoughts, you must cite within the paper.
You do not need to use APA format with the
the essay section of the assignment since my guidelines are the aspects of APA
the format that you need to use.
Bibliography/Works Cited on the second page using APA format. This is the only part of the assignment that needs to be in APA format. Google is a great place to search how to cite sources using
APA format.
Canvas uses Turnitin to determine
plagiarism.
Please note cutting and pasting from the
internet, use of another author’s thoughts and/or words from any resource
without citation in the essay and bibliography, using sentences such as
“Scientists/Researchers say that…” or “According to current research”
Citations may be used but sparingly.

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