Essay

The findings of psychological research have been applied to many areas of modern life. Choose ONE topic area of study in psychology from the list below and then write a short essay critically examining these two questions:

1. To what extent can psychological research in your chosen topic area be used to improve human life? Use specific examples of actual or possible applications of psychological research to illustrate your answer.
2. What are the ethical issues involved in applying the results of psychological research from the topic area you have chosen? Consider questions of who should decide when and how to apply it and issues around the application of psychological knowledge in real world settings.

You should spend roughly two thirds (1,000 words approximately) of your essay addressing question 1 and roughly one third of your essay (500 words approximately) addressing question 2.

Possible topic area of study*:

• Neuropsychology
• Behavioural Genetics
• Learning
• Intelligence
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Motivation
• Happiness
• Human Development (with a particular focus – e.g., cognitive, psychosocial, moral, etc.)
• Psychological Disorders