Perspective Paper: There are 5 main perspectives in Psychology (Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Humanistic, Cognitive, and Biological.) Most people favor one of these views over the others. This paper is a critical thinking exercise where you examine how, on occasion, a differing viewpoint may better explain a certain topic. You can pick the psychological topic that you want to cover. After several weeks in the course, you will likely think that one perspective does a better job of explaining behaviors. Look for a specific exception to your general belief when you write this paper. A good way to start your paper is

“I primarily believe in the __________ perspective. However, on the topic of __________ I find that I favor the ____________ perspective.”

For example: “I primarily believe in the behavioral perspective. However, on the topic of schizophrenia I find that I favor the biological perspective.” (Please do not use this particular example.)

Once you have written your topic sentence, the rest of your first paragraph (½ page maximum) needs to explain why you favor the one perspective overall, but the remaining 2+ pages must focus on explaining your exception to that perspective. You may use your own examples and opinions. This is not a research paper! However, you do need to give sufficient thought to your argument. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins (top, sides, and bottom.) You may need to reset your default margin. DO NOT justify (line up) your right margin. MLA or APA format is not necessary. Please use only Times or Times New Roman font, set at 12 points. With the correct font and spacing there will be 23 lines per page. Print out a draft copy and double-check your spacing, margins, and length before turning it in!

Length: 2 ½-3 full pages. As the length requirement is quite short, 1 point will be subtracted from your overall score for each ¼ page short. (This may lead to you earning a negative score.) Include a title page with your name and class. The title page is separate from the 2 ½ – 3-page requirement.

Papers will receive one of the following scores, with the points added to or subtracted from each test:

5 (+5%–assignment has been done correctly.)
1-4 (+1-4%–assignment has some structural problems. For example, not sufficiently supporting
your argument, spelling/grammatical errors.)
0 (+0%–assignment was not done correctly. For example, turning in a research paper or not
typing it in the proper format.)
-5 (-5%–assignment was not turned in)