how to write a psychology essay for university

How to Write a Psychology Essay

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

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Before you write your essay, it’s important to analyse the task and understand exactly what the essay question is asking. Your lecturer may give you some advice – pay attention to this as it will help you plan your answer.

Next conduct preliminary reading based on your lecture notes. At this stage, it’s not crucial to have a robust understanding of key theories or studies, but you should at least have a general “gist” of the literature.

After reading, plan a response to the task. This plan could be in the form of a mind map, a summary table, or by writing a core statement (which encompasses the entire argument of your essay in just a few sentences).

After writing your plan, conduct supplementary reading, refine your plan, and make it more detailed.

It is tempting to skip these preliminary steps and write the first draft while reading at the same time. However, reading and planning will make the essay writing process easier, quicker, and ensure a higher quality essay is produced.

Components of a Good Essay

Now, let us look at what constitutes a good essay in psychology. There are a number of important features.

• Global Structure – structure the material to allow for a logical sequence of ideas. Each paragraph / statement should follow sensibly from its predecessor. The essay should “flow”. The introduction, main body and conclusion should all be linked.
• Each paragraph should comprise a main theme, which is illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).
• Knowledge and Understanding – recognize, recall, and show understanding of a range of scientific material that accurately reflects the main theoretical perspectives.
• Critical Evaluation – arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. Evidence of independent thinking, insight, and evaluation of the evidence.
• Quality of Written Communication – writing clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs, spelling, and grammar. All sources are referenced accurately and in line with APA guidelines.

In the main body of the essay, every paragraph should demonstrate both knowledge and critical evaluation.

There should also be an appropriate balance between these two essay components. Try to aim for about a 60/40 split if possible.

Most students make the mistake of writing too much knowledge and not enough evaluation (which is the difficult bit).

It is best to structure your essay according to key themes. Themes are illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).

Choose relevant points only, ones that most reveal the theme or help to make a convincing and interesting argument.

Knowledge and Understanding

Remember that an essay is simply a discussion / argument on paper. Don’t make the mistake of writing all the information you know regarding a particular topic.

You need to be concise, and clearly articulate your argument. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.

Each paragraph should have a purpose / theme, and make a number of points – which need to be support by high quality evidence. Be clear why each point is is relevant to the argument. It would be useful at the beginning of each paragraph if you explicitly outlined the theme being discussed (.e.g. cognitive development, social development etc.).

Try not to overuse quotations in your essays. It is more appropriate to use original content to demonstrate your understanding.

Psychology is a science so you must support your ideas with evidence (not your own personal opinion). If you are discussing a theory or research study make sure you cite the source of the information.

Note this is not the author of a textbook you have read – but the original source / author(s) of the theory or research study.

For example:

Bowlby (1951) claimed that mothering is almost useless if delayed until after two and a half to three years and, for most children, if delayed till after 12 months, i.e. there is a critical period.

Maslow (1943) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a person seeks to fullfil the next one, and so on.

As a general rule, make sure there is at least one citation (i.e. name of psychologist and date of publication) in each paragraph.

Remember to answer the essay question. Underline the keywords in the essay title. Don’t make the mistake of simply writing everything you know of a particular topic, be selective. Each paragraph in your essay should contribute to answering the essay question.

Critical Evaluation

In simple terms, this means outlining the strengths and limitations of a theory or research study.

There are many ways you can critically evaluate:

Methodological evaluation of research

Is the study valid / reliable ? Is the sample biased, or can we generalize the findings to other populations? What are the strengths and limitations of the method used and data obtained?

Be careful to ensure that any methodological criticisms are justified and not trite.

Rather than hunting for weaknesses in every study; only highlight limitations that make you doubt the conclusions that the authors have drawn – e.g., where an alternative explanation might be equally likely because something hasn’t been adequately controlled.

Compare or contrast different theories

Outline how the theories are similar and how they differ. This could be two (or more) theories of personality / memory / child development etc. Also try to communicate the value of the theory / study.

Debates or perspectives

Refer to debates such as nature or nurture, reductionism vs. holism, or the perspectives in psychology . For example, would they agree or disagree with a theory or the findings of the study?

What are the ethical issues of the research?

Does a study involve ethical issues such as deception, privacy, psychological or physical harm?

Gender bias

If research is biased towards men or women it does not provide a clear view of the behavior that has been studied. A dominantly male perspective is known as an androcentric bias.

Cultural bias

Is the theory / study ethnocentric? Psychology is predominantly a white, Euro-American enterprise. In some texts, over 90% of studies have US participants, who are predominantly white and middle class.

Does the theory or study being discussed judge other cultures by Western standards?

Animal Research

This raises the issue of whether it’s morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. But benefits are almost always to humans and costs to animals.

Animal research also raises the issue of extrapolation. Can we generalize from studies on animals to humans as their anatomy & physiology is different from humans?

The PEC System

It is very important to elaborate on your evaluation. Don’t just write a shopping list of brief (one or two sentence) evaluation points.

Instead, make sure you expand on your points, remember, quality of evaluation is most important than quantity.

When you are writing an evaluation paragraph, use the PEC system.

• Make your P oint.
• E xplain how and why the point is relevant.
• Discuss the C onsequences / implications of the theory or study. Are they positive or negative?

For Example

• Point: It is argued that psychoanalytic therapy is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority.
• Explain: Because psychoanalytic therapy involves talking and gaining insight, and is costly and time-consuming, it is argued that it is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority. Evidence suggests psychoanalytic therapy works best if the client is motivated and has a positive attitude.
• Consequences: A depressed client’s apathy, flat emotional state, and lack of motivation limit the appropriateness of psychoanalytic therapy for depression.

Furthermore, the levels of dependency of depressed clients mean that transference is more likely to develop.

Using Research Studies in your Essays

Research studies can either be knowledge or evaluation.

• If you refer to the procedures and findings of a study, this shows knowledge and understanding.
• If you comment on what the studies shows, and what it supports and challenges about the theory in question, this shows evaluation.

Writing an Introduction

It is often best to write your introduction when you have finished the main body of the essay, so that you have a good understanding of the topic area.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your introduction.

Ideally, the introduction should;

Identify the subject of the essay and define the key terms. Highlight the major issues which “lie behind” the question. Let the reader know how you will focus your essay by identifying the main themes to be discussed. “Signpost” the essay’s key argument, (and, if possible, how this argument is structured).

Introductions are very important as first impressions count and they can create a h alo effect in the mind of the lecturer grading your essay. If you start off well then you are more likely to be forgiven for the odd mistake later one.

Writing a Conclusion

So many students either forget to write a conclusion or fail to give it the attention it deserves.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your conclusion.

Ideally the conclusion should summarize the key themes / arguments of your essay. State the take home message – don’t sit on the fence, instead weigh up the evidence presented in the essay and make a decision which side of the argument has more support.

Also, you might like to suggest what future research may need to be conducted and why (read the discussion section of journal articles for this).

Don”t include new information / arguments (only information discussed in the main body of the essay).

If you are unsure of what to write read the essay question and answer it in one paragraph.

Points that unite or embrace several themes can be used to great effect as part of your conclusion.

The Importance of Flow

Obviously, what you write is important, but how you communicate your ideas / arguments has a significant influence on your overall grade. Most students may have similar information / content in their essays, but the better students communicate this information concisely and articulately.

When you have finished the first draft of your essay you must check if it “flows”. This is an important feature of quality of communication (along with spelling and grammar).

This means that the paragraphs follow a logical order (like the chapters in a novel). Have a global structure with themes arranged in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas. You might want to rearrange (cut and paste) paragraphs to a different position in your essay if they don”t appear to fit in with the essay structure.

To improve the flow of your essay make sure the last sentence of one paragraph links to first sentence of the next paragraph. This will help the essay flow and make it easier to read.

Finally, only repeat citations when it is unclear which study / theory you are discussing. Repeating citations unnecessarily disrupts the flow of an essay.

Referencing

The reference section is the list of all the sources cited in the essay (in alphabetical order). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms every time you cite/refer to a name (and date) of a psychologist you need to reference the original source of the information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites, then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

• Educational and developmental psychology

How to Write a Psychology Paper: An Expert Guide

How to Write Brilliant Psychology Essays

• Paul Dickerson - University of Roehampton, UK
• Description

“This book is one I wish I had bought at the start of my Psychology degree.” – Five-star review Essay writing is a key part of the Psychology degree and knowing how to write effective and compelling academic essays is key to success.  Whether it's understanding how to implement feedback you receive on essays, how to stop procrastinating or what makes an effective introduction, this book covers it all. Drawing on insights derived from teaching thousands of students over a 25-year period How to Write Brilliant Psychology Essays provides the keys that will unlock your writing potential.

Ace your Assignment  provide practical tips to help succeed

Exercises  help try the theory out in practice

Take away  points highlight the key learnings from each chapter

Online resources  provide even more help and guidance.

Supplements

Paul Dickerson, Emma McDonald and Christian van Nieuwerburgh discuss  study skills, wellbeing and employability  and explore   how university lecturers and student welfare teams can better  support Psychology students  through their university journey.

Students enjoyed this text - they found it easy to read and the author's dry sense of humour appealed to many. Not just for psychologists!

A really useful guide for students, breaking down the components of what constitutes a good essay and written from a subject-specific view - highly recommend

I have recommended this to my first year tutorial groups as it provides them with everything they need to know about producing an excellent psychology essay.

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Academic writing for psychology

Tutorial - basics of APA style

An introduction to writing in APA style produced by the American Psychological Society.

Writing in Psychology

This book helps readers become better writers of psychology and better writers in general. More comprehensive than similar texts, this book provides detailed coverage of how to write empirical reports, research proposals, and literature reviews.

Effective writing in psychology: Papers, posters, and presentations

This book helps users produce crisp scientific communication, form concise unambiguous arguments, and render technical information clear and comprehensible.

Succeeding with Your Literature Review

This step-by-step handbook provides comprehensive and practical guidance on the process of researching a range of relevant literature on a subject, as well as planning and writing a literature review. The book takes a student friendly approach to offer complete novices a simple review of a process which is often central to producing a research study.

APA Style Simplified

This book guides young scholars through the labyrinth of APA style. The author highlights the major elements of APA style and shows how to generate a coherent manuscript, as well as how to develop ideas, connect them to what others have written, and express them in a style that reflects a sophisticated knowledge of the subject area. 

An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology

This writing guide offers students an engaging, accessible introduction to the conventions of writing in the psychology discipline.

How to write psychology research reports and essays

Writing the literature review (part 1).

The next video (Part 2) can be viewed by clicking the link at the end of this video.

JCU writing guides

• Assignments

Writing a literature review

Your Liaison Librarian will be able to provide support and advice when you are doing your literature review, so make an appointment with your librarian when you start your research.

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How to Write an Introduction for a Psychology Paper

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

• Writing Tips

If you are writing a psychology paper, it is essential to kick things off with a strong introduction. The introduction to a psychology research paper helps your readers understand why the topic is important and what they need to know before they delve deeper.

Your goal in this section is to introduce the topic to the reader, provide an overview of previous research on the topic, and identify your own hypothesis .

At a Glance

Writing a great introduction can be a great foundation for the rest of your psychology paper. To create a strong intro:

• Research your topic
• Outline your paper
• Introduce your topic
• Summarize the previous research
• Present your hypothesis or main argument

Before You Write an Introduction

There are some important steps you need to take before you even begin writing your introduction. To know what to write, you need to collect important background information and create a detailed plan.

Research Your Topic

Search a journal database, PsychInfo or ERIC, to find articles on your subject. Once you have located an article, look at the reference section to locate other studies cited in the article. As you take notes from these articles, be sure to write down where you found the information.

A simple note detailing the author's name, journal, and date of publication can help you keep track of sources and avoid plagiarism.

Create a Detailed Outline

This is often one of the most boring and onerous steps, so students tend to skip outlining and go straight to writing. Creating an outline might seem tedious, but it can be an enormous time-saver down the road and will make the writing process much easier.

Start by looking over the notes you made during the research process and consider how you want to present all of your ideas and research.

Introduce the Topic

Once you are ready to write your introduction, your first task is to provide a brief description of the research question. What is the experiment or study attempting to demonstrate? What phenomena are you studying? Provide a brief history of your topic and explain how it relates to your current research.

As you are introducing your topic, consider what makes it important. Why should it matter to your reader? The goal of your introduction is not only to let your reader know what your paper is about, but also to justify why it is important for them to learn more.

If your paper tackles a controversial subject and is focused on resolving the issue, it is important to summarize both sides of the controversy in a fair and impartial way. Consider how your paper fits in with the relevant research on the topic.

The introduction of a research paper is designed to grab interest. It should present a compelling look at the research that already exists and explain to readers what questions your own paper will address.

Summarize Previous Research

The second task of your introduction is to provide a well-rounded summary of previous research that is relevant to your topic. So, before you begin to write this summary, it is important to research your topic thoroughly.

Finding appropriate sources amid thousands of journal articles can be a daunting task, but there are several steps you can take to simplify your research. If you have completed the initial steps of researching and keeping detailed notes, writing your introduction will be much easier.

It is essential to give the reader a good overview of the historical context of the issue you are writing about, but do not feel like you must provide an exhaustive review of the subject. Focus on hitting the main points, and try to include the most relevant studies.

You might describe previous research findings and then explain how the current study differs or expands upon earlier research.

Provide Your Hypothesis

Once you have summarized the previous research, explain areas where the research is lacking or potentially flawed. What is missing from previous studies on your topic? What research questions have yet to be answered? Your hypothesis should lead to these questions.

At the end of your introduction, offer your hypothesis and describe what you expected to find in your experiment or study.

The introduction should be relatively brief. You want to give your readers an overview of a topic, explain why you are addressing it, and provide your arguments.

Tips for Writing Your Psychology Paper Intro

• Use 3x5 inch note cards to write down notes and sources.
• Look in professional psychology journals for examples of introductions.
• Remember to cite your sources.
• Maintain a working bibliography with all of the sources you might use in your final paper. This will make it much easier to prepare your reference section later on.
• Use a copy of the APA style manual to ensure that your introduction and references are in proper APA format .

What This Means For You

Before you delve into the main body of your paper, you need to give your readers some background and present your main argument in the introduction of you paper. You can do this by first explaining what your topic is about, summarizing past research, and then providing your thesis.

Armağan A. How to write an introduction section of a scientific article ?  Turk J Urol . 2013;39(Suppl 1):8-9. doi:10.5152/tud.2013.046

Fried T, Foltz C, Lendner M, Vaccaro AR. How to write an effective introduction .  Clin Spine Surg . 2019;32(3):111-112. doi:10.1097/BSD.0000000000000714

Jawaid SA, Jawaid M. How to write introduction and discussion .  Saudi J Anaesth . 2019;13(Suppl 1):S18-S19. doi:10.4103/sja.SJA_584_18

American Psychological Association. Information Recommended for Inclusion in Manuscripts That Report New Data Collections Regardless of Research Design . Published 2020.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing in Psychology Overview

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Written for undergraduate students and new graduate students in psychology (experimental), this handout provides information on writing in psychology and on experimental report and experimental article writing.

Psychology is based on the study of human behaviors. As a social science, experimental psychology uses empirical inquiry to help understand human behavior. According to Thrass and Sanford (2000), psychology writing has three elements: describing, explaining, and understanding concepts from a standpoint of empirical investigation.

Discipline-specific writing, such as writing done in psychology, can be similar to other types of writing you have done in the use of the writing process, writing techniques, and in locating and integrating sources. However, the field of psychology also has its own rules and expectations for writing; not everything that you have learned in about writing in the past works for the field of psychology.

Writing in psychology includes the following principles:

• Using plain language : Psychology writing is formal scientific writing that is plain and straightforward. Literary devices such as metaphors, alliteration, or anecdotes are not appropriate for writing in psychology.
• Conciseness and clarity of language : The field of psychology stresses clear, concise prose. You should be able to make connections between empirical evidence, theories, and conclusions. See our OWL handout on conciseness for more information.
• Evidence-based reasoning: Psychology bases its arguments on empirical evidence. Personal examples, narratives, or opinions are not appropriate for psychology.
• Use of APA format: Psychologists use the American Psychological Association (APA) format for publications. While most student writing follows this format, some instructors may provide you with specific formatting requirements that differ from APA format .

Types of writing

Most major writing assignments in psychology courses consists of one of the following two types.

Experimental reports: Experimental reports detail the results of experimental research projects and are most often written in experimental psychology (lab) courses. Experimental reports are write-ups of your results after you have conducted research with participants. This handout provides a description of how to write an experimental report .

Critical analyses or reviews of research : Often called "term papers," a critical analysis of research narrowly examines and draws conclusions from existing literature on a topic of interest. These are frequently written in upper-division survey courses. Our research paper handouts provide a detailed overview of how to write these types of research papers.

How to Write a Psychological Essay: 6 Tips for Students

Students who study the field of Psychology often write various written works: reports, term papers, and essays. In the article, we tell you how to write an essay on psychology, what its structure is, and what the rules of writing are.

1. What is a psychological essay?

An essay in psychology is a short paper in which the author describes their thoughts and reflections on a given or free topic. This type of essay is written by college and university students, as well as psychologists, for their professional activities. Sometimes, these people think, "Can I find someone to write my essay for me ?" The reason is that they don't know how such papers should be written. But don't worry, as we are going to tell you how to do it right.

An essay on psychology gives students many useful skills:

• Essay helps develop creative skills in students.
• It helps organize the independent work of students.
• An essay on psychology consolidates and expands students' knowledge.
• This type of work teaches students to express their thoughts.
• The psychology essay teaches students to work with additional sources of information.

2. Psychological essay structure

A psychological essay does not have strict writing requirements; however, it is better to adhere to a certain composition:

• Introduction
• Argumentation
• Conclusion.

In the introduction, you need to tell what the paper will be about. You can start from afar or jump straight to the topic of the essay:

"A person, being a part of society, every day becomes a participant in some kind of relationship. For example, in the morning, they have breakfast with their family; at lunch, they are already among their work colleagues; in the evening – in the company of friends, and in the interval, they manage to meet an acquaintance and exchange a few words with them, then ride on the bus and give up their seat to the old lady, etc.

Moreover, with everyone with whom they had any contact, they had a certain "distance." What does distance in a relationship even mean? This is a certain level of communication, namely the closeness of people between each other, while everyone sets this distance themselves, and it depends on how close a person is ready to let another into their life, how much they are ready to open up to them and trust.

Therefore, the people with whom we communicate should not cause any discomfort or inconvenience; if, after all, there are such individuals in our environment, relations with them are regulated by distance. Namely, it goes to the maximum limit." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," introduction).

In the introduction, you need to write down a thesis - what you will prove throughout the paper:

"Therefore, the people with whom we communicate should not cause any discomfort or inconvenience; if, after all, there are such individuals in our environment, relations with them are regulated by distance, namely, it goes to the maximum limit." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," thesis).

Next comes the argument, which consists of evidence of the thesis. These could be examples from life or literary works, quotes from philosophers, or research works by psychologists:

"Well, what should be the distance between people so that people do not feel pain so that suffering does not take over? Because personal inner life can be empty and monotonous, society brings people together, but their flaws can drive them apart. The average measure of distance that they finally find as the only possible way to stay together is politeness and good morals.

In England, they say to someone who does not observe proper measures when approaching, "Keep your distance!" Although under such conditions, the need for mutual warm participation is satisfied only very imperfectly, the pricks of needles are also felt. Those who have a lot of their own inner warmth should better stay away from society so as not to burden themselves or others." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," argumentation).

At the end, there is a conclusion. Here, you need to summarize what was said above, draw conclusions, and show that the thesis has been proven:

"Of course, distance is needed. I think the most important thing is to be able to understand people. After all, from the first words, you can understand whether this is your person or not, and even if it seems that they are yours, you don't need to immediately let them into your life until you are completely convinced whether this person will be worth your suffering later.

There cannot be many loved ones; each person has their own. They are unique in their own way and perhaps even similar to each other. The main thing is to take care of them and show that you value them, and they will respond in kind. I think it's sad to be alone when there are so many people around who can share all the good and bad with you.

And no formal relationship can fill that inner emptiness that pushes us to communicate with people because you can get rid of it only by filling it with the warmth of people and feelings that formal relationships can never give, only if the formality disappears." (Essay on the topic: "Distance in relationships between people," conclusion).

3. Tips on how to write an essay on psychology

When you write an essay on psychology, use our tips:

• 1. Try to keep within the recommended amount. Typically, this is 2-4 pages of printed text.
• Do not jump to other topics; strictly adhere to the topic of the paper.
• Psychology is a science, so support all your opinions and thoughts with examples and quotes.
• 4. Do not overuse unclear scientific terms and abbreviations.
• Do not use other people's thoughts; an essay is an author's work; it should reflect the students' thoughts.
• At the end of your paper, check the text for errors and consistency of presentation.

4. Essay on psychology: example for students

If you don't know how to write an essay on psychology, look at the ready-made example:

4.1 Essay on the topic "E. Fromm "The Art of Loving"

Only after reading Erich Fromm's book "The Art of Loving" did I fully understand its title. At first, it seemed that the author used this phrase more as a pun. But no. The author examined the phenomenon of love so deeply and multifacetedly that it cannot be called anything other than "art."

Perhaps I would think more about the term "science." The science of love... But no. Yet behind this feeling, there is much more emotion and creation. It cannot be calculated, proven, or described according to laws and axioms.

After reading Erich Fromm's book "The Art of Love," I gained a better understanding of what love really is. Fromm's idea views love in its true light. He begins with a few facts about the meaning in which people usually view love.

Two strangers meet, they break personal boundaries between each other, and they feel so close, like one whole. And here, many can say, "Yes, this is true love, genuine, without conditions!" But Fromm writes that this is not true love; this is an infatuation.

The author of the book describes this feeling as "one of the most exciting events in life." Fromm argues that this is an initial craze, and it has a natural tendency to gradually fade away as people get to know each other better and better and understand that not everything is so simple and magical.

Fromm discusses what has disappeared from love in our time. One of the most common and familiar reasons for the distortion of love is the distortion of its perception. For the average person, love is about creating the perfect union, where you find yourself together against the rest of the world. But we must understand that the surrounding reality is not created for us personally, and it is not a computer program.

The art of love requires courage, maturity, self-discovery, and, inevitably, hard work. This book is an excellent starting point for those who want to find genuine answers to how the concept of the Art of Love coincides with the concept of the Art of Living.

At the end of the book, Fromm comes to the conclusion that love is not an emotion or even a feeling; it is a decision, and it is a judgment, a promise. To love means to trust another without expecting any guarantees in return. Love is an act of boundless extreme faith. After reading this book, I feel like I have a better understanding of what true love is.

It seems to me that if more people read this book, they would come to understand that true love is not about being loved but about loving yourself and being in this feeling. Then, it seems to me this world would be much better and more honest.

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Help with writing assignments

You can improve your skills at writing assignments for your subject area in a number of ways: 

• Read the guidance or view the online tutorial on this page.  They both go through the TIME model (Targeted, In-depth, Measured, Evidence-based) to explain what's required in academic writing.
• Come along to one of our Succeed@Tees workshops. We run a workshop on academic writing, as well as on other types of writing (including critical writing, reflective writing, report writing).  See the http://tees.libguides.com/workshops  for more information, including a list of dates and times.
• Book a one-to-one tutorial with a learning advisor  at the Learning Hub. We can provide guidance on your structure and writing style.

Guidance on academic writing

Evidence-based.

• Bringing it all together
• Finally ...

• Writing an assignment takes time, more time than you may expect.  Just because you find yourself spending many weeks on an assignment doesn’t mean that you’re approaching it in the wrong way.
• It also takes time to develop the skills to write well, so don’t be discouraged if your early marks aren’t what you’d hoped for.  Use the feedback from your previous assignments to improve.
• Different types of assignments require different styles, so be prepared for the need to continue to develop your skills.

We’ve broken down TIME into 4 key elements of academic writing: Targeted, In-depth, Measured and Evidence-based.

• What is an academic piece of work

Your assignment needs to be targeted .  It should:

• Be focused on the questions and criteria
• Make a decision
• Follow an argument
• How to be targeted
• Academic keywords or clue words

Your assignment needs to be in-depth .  You should consider your questions and criteria thoroughly, thinking about all possible aspects, and including the argument both for and against different viewpoints.

You should:

• Identify topic areas
• Plan your assignment
• Think about your introduction and conclusion
• How to be in-depth
• How to read quickly

An academic writing style is measured. By this, we mean that it’s:

• Emotionally neutral
• Formal – written in the third person and in full sentences
• How to be measured

Your assignment needs to be evidence-based . You should:

• Reference all the ideas in your work
• Paraphrase your evidence
• Apply critical thinking to your evidence
• How to be evidence-based
• How to paraphrase

Once you’ve found all your evidence, and have decided what to say in each section, you need to write it up as paragraphs.  Each paragraph should be on a single topic, making a single point.  A paragraph is usually around a third of a page. 

We find Godwin’s (2014) WEED model very helpful for constructing paragraphs.

W is for What

You should begin your paragraph with the topic or point that you’re making, so that it’s clear to your lecturer.  Everything in the paragraph should fit in with this opening sentence.

E is for Evidence  

The middle of your paragraph should be full of evidence – this is where all your references should be incorporated.  Make sure that your evidence fits in with your topic.

E is for Examples

Sometimes it’s useful to expand on your evidence.  If you’re talking about a case study, the example might be how your point relates to the particular scenario being discussed.

D is for Do

You should conclude your paragraph with the implications of your discussion.  This gives you the opportunity to add your commentary, which is very important in assignments which require you to use critical analysis. 

So, in effect, each paragraph is like a mini-essay, with an introduction, main body and conclusion.

Allow yourself some TIME to proofread your assignment.  You’ll probably want to proofread it several times. 

You should read it through at least once for sense and structure, to see if your paragraphs flow.  Check that your introduction matches the content of your assignment.  You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve been concise in your writing style. 

You’ll then need to read it again to check for grammatical errors, typos and that your references are correct.

It’s best if you can create some distance from your assignment by coming back to it after a few days. It’s also often easier to pick out mistakes if you read your work aloud.

• How to proofread

Online tutorial for writing assignments

We have an online tutorial to support academic writing. Click on the image below or go to Academic writing  to view the tutorial.

Further Reading

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Essay and dissertation writing skills

Planning your essay

Writing your introduction

Structuring your essay

• Writing essays in science subjects
• Brief video guides to support essay planning and writing
• Writing extended essays and dissertations
• Planning your dissertation writing time

Structuring your dissertation

• Top tips for writing longer pieces of work

Advice on planning and writing essays and dissertations

University essays differ from school essays in that they are less concerned with what you know and more concerned with how you construct an argument to answer the question. This means that the starting point for writing a strong essay is to first unpick the question and to then use this to plan your essay before you start putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

A really good starting point for you are these short, downloadable Tips for Successful Essay Writing and Answering the Question resources. Both resources will help you to plan your essay, as well as giving you guidance on how to distinguish between different sorts of essay questions. 

You may find it helpful to watch this seven-minute video on six tips for essay writing which outlines how to interpret essay questions, as well as giving advice on planning and structuring your writing:

Different disciplines will have different expectations for essay structure and you should always refer to your Faculty or Department student handbook or course Canvas site for more specific guidance.

However, broadly speaking, all essays share the following features:

Essays need an introduction to establish and focus the parameters of the discussion that will follow. You may find it helpful to divide the introduction into areas to demonstrate your breadth and engagement with the essay question. You might define specific terms in the introduction to show your engagement with the essay question; for example, ‘This is a large topic which has been variously discussed by many scientists and commentators. The principle tension is between the views of X and Y who define the main issues as…’ Breadth might be demonstrated by showing the range of viewpoints from which the essay question could be considered; for example, ‘A variety of factors including economic, social and political, influence A and B. This essay will focus on the social and economic aspects, with particular emphasis on…..’

Watch this two-minute video to learn more about how to plan and structure an introduction:

The main body of the essay should elaborate on the issues raised in the introduction and develop an argument(s) that answers the question. It should consist of a number of self-contained paragraphs each of which makes a specific point and provides some form of evidence to support the argument being made. Remember that a clear argument requires that each paragraph explicitly relates back to the essay question or the developing argument.

• Conclusion: An essay should end with a conclusion that reiterates the argument in light of the evidence you have provided; you shouldn’t use the conclusion to introduce new information.
• References: You need to include references to the materials you’ve used to write your essay. These might be in the form of footnotes, in-text citations, or a bibliography at the end. Different systems exist for citing references and different disciplines will use various approaches to citation. Ask your tutor which method(s) you should be using for your essay and also consult your Department or Faculty webpages for specific guidance in your discipline. 

Essay writing in science subjects

If you are writing an essay for a science subject you may need to consider additional areas, such as how to present data or diagrams. This five-minute video gives you some advice on how to approach your reading list, planning which information to include in your answer and how to write for your scientific audience – the video is available here:

A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.

Short videos to support your essay writing skills

There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing, including:

• Approaching different types of essay questions  
• Structuring your essay  
• Writing an introduction  
• Making use of evidence in your essay writing  
• Writing your conclusion

Extended essays and dissertations

Longer pieces of writing like extended essays and dissertations may seem like quite a challenge from your regular essay writing. The important point is to start with a plan and to focus on what the question is asking. A PDF providing further guidance on planning Humanities and Social Science dissertations is available to download.

Planning your time effectively

Try not to leave the writing until close to your deadline, instead start as soon as you have some ideas to put down onto paper. Your early drafts may never end up in the final work, but the work of committing your ideas to paper helps to formulate not only your ideas, but the method of structuring your writing to read well and conclude firmly.

Although many students and tutors will say that the introduction is often written last, it is a good idea to begin to think about what will go into it early on. For example, the first draft of your introduction should set out your argument, the information you have, and your methods, and it should give a structure to the chapters and sections you will write. Your introduction will probably change as time goes on but it will stand as a guide to your entire extended essay or dissertation and it will help you to keep focused.

The structure of  extended essays or dissertations will vary depending on the question and discipline, but may include some or all of the following:

• The background information to - and context for - your research. This often takes the form of a literature review.
• Explanation of the focus of your work.
• Explanation of the value of this work to scholarship on the topic.
• List of the aims and objectives of the work and also the issues which will not be covered because they are outside its scope.

The main body of your extended essay or dissertation will probably include your methodology, the results of research, and your argument(s) based on your findings.

The conclusion is to summarise the value your research has added to the topic, and any further lines of research you would undertake given more time or resources. 

Tips on writing longer pieces of work

Approaching each chapter of a dissertation as a shorter essay can make the task of writing a dissertation seem less overwhelming. Each chapter will have an introduction, a main body where the argument is developed and substantiated with evidence, and a conclusion to tie things together. Unlike in a regular essay, chapter conclusions may also introduce the chapter that will follow, indicating how the chapters are connected to one another and how the argument will develop through your dissertation.

For further guidance, watch this two-minute video on writing longer pieces of work . 

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Psychology 130: Argumentative Essay

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Help with Writing

CSULB University Writing Center

"We offer a variety of tutoring services and workshops for students across the campus, from one-on-one in-depth consultations where you can get answers to your writing questions to workshops on . . . writing strong arguments, and proofreading for error-free writing."

Office Hours -- Zoom

FAQ: When will the Zoom link become available? A: The Zoom link will be added a minute or two before my availability begins Thursday, April 4, 12:00PM-1:00PM

Getting Help: In-Person

If you would like to meet with me in-person you can find me at the University Library's Research & Information Desk (first floor, across from the elevators) on these dates and times (updates as they occur):​

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Sunday, April 28, 2PM-5PM

Tuesday, May 7, 4PM-6PM Tuesday, May 14, 4PM-6PM

There are numerous resources available for writing argumentative essays.  Purdue University's OWL website offers a detailed discussion . The same website also offers this basic overview of the essay and its structure:

" A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach . . . If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion. "

Depending upon the specific instructions of your assignment, including a discussion of opposing views, and rebutting those views, is crucial to writing a strong argumentative essay .

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The Guide to Writing a Psychology Essay

There are different opinions on what type of essay is the hardest one to write. The majority of students agree that the psychology essay is not one of those. However, writing a proper psychology essay demand selecting a good topic, planning, outlining, all the stages of preliminary research and analysis, editing, and proofreading, just like any other type of essay. Besides, this type has some peculiarities of its own. Here, we are going to discuss the similarities and differences between a psychology essay and others. You will find out how to write an excellent psychology essay with minimum effort.

The very first lines of your psychology essay should include ‘a hook.’ Its goal is to make readers read the essay to its end. This is not a persuasive essay, so you don't have to shock anybody with the opening, but it still has to capture attention. To interest your readers in the topic, you are to provide them with some valuable data. You can use any numbers that concern the topic to represent your problem and make your readers eager to find the solution: those who have addictions, those who experience problems with staying focused during their work, those who have family issues influencing their health, etc.

Some students think that planning before starting to write is a simply wasting one’s time. So, they decide to start acting immediately. This, however, has some consequences. It is hard to estimate the time you have to spend on this or that stage of work in the process of writing. Especially, when you have neglected the preliminary work on your topic. You will soon get stuck and may miss your deadline. That is why it is vital to plan everything. Look at your topic. Think of the point of view you are going to analyze it from. If you don't understand something - ask or at least make a list of questions to ask later. Consider the approximate time each stage will take you. You have to be totally prepared and feel like a great commander before the attack.

Unfortunately, a lot of students limit their research to reading Wikipedia and sources like that. It is great for self-education, but such an approach is NOT university level. You should base your research only on credible academic sources. There are psychology databases at university libraries. Check yours. After that, you may turn to ACADEMIC resources on the Internet.

If students spent as much time on creating outlines as they spend on thinking whether they are worth creating at all, they would get straight A’s for their papers. Seriously, a lot of people are curious if it is possible not to write an outline. We have a plan, after all. We know already what we are going to write about and have a clue how to do it. But it is essential for you to see the difference between the plan of your work and the outline of your essay. A good outline is a ready-to-go pattern of your psychology essay. And if you give this pattern to a person who knows nothing about your topic, he or she should get the feeling that they read your essay in short. Each part of the essay has to be indicated on your outline with the key ideas, data, sources, etc. The outline should lead you through the essay logically. And if in the middle of your writing you feel so exhausted that you forget what on earth you were leading to, the outline has to help you out and make you go faster.

As it has been mentioned, the proper outline dwells the time you spend writing a psychology essay to a minimum. But no matter whether you have an outline or not, or if you want the essay to have subheadings or just to be divided into paragraphs, you must stick to the structure. In most cases, a psychology essay includes the following stages.

A paper that starts with anything else but the introduction is hard to find. The introduction is aimed at attracting the reader's attention and states the topic. In other words, as an old saying goes, in this section you will tell readers about what you are going to tell them. You have to underline the relevance of the topic. Besides, mention what new ideas, approaches, and views your essay contains. You may write, for example, that although many neurobiologists today claim that the poses of power don't really increase the level of testosterone. Therefore, there is more to find out about how these poses still work on the psychological level and make a lot of people more confident.

It is now time to narrow down the area of your research to a subject matter. You have to define research question you are going to answer. If your paper is based on quantitative research, there should also be a research hypothesis.

Since researching the literature on the topic is an essential part of essay writing , there is a special section for it. In a literature review, you can't simply enumerate your sources and highlight the main ideas and data that is relevant for your research. Reviewing should be done in the form of critical analysis. This is the only case when you will be able to produce proper references.

Traditionally, the conclusion is a summary of your paper. You tell your readers what you have already mentioned. In addition, you give some final remarks and give a perspective on the further research of the subject matter. The conclusion is often the most cliched section of the essay. However, if you do it right, the readers will be convinced that it has been a credible research worth their time and attention.

Pay attention to the format in the very first stages of your writing. If you have any questions about how to format your paper right, you are better to ask them immediately. After that, you can turn to the Purdue website and other sources helping with formatting in accordance with the most common styles. In case of a psychology essay, there is a great chance that it will be the APA format, but it could also be Harvard or MLA, for example. Mind that it only seems that the content of your essay is more important than its form. It may be more valuable, but an essay is an integral work in which each aspect is graded. If you fail to format your text properly, your grade will be much lower than it could have been.

Different students spend different time on this two aspects. Some don't spend any at all. Handing in the paper which you haven't even reread after writing is a display of total lack of respect to your teacher. Don't be surprised if your grade will get worse because of the abundance of small mistakes and typos. Spell checkers are a great tool but don't trust them blindly. Besides, proofreading is not enough for a psychology essay. You should read each sentence to make sure YOU understand it and OTHERS will be able to do so. A sentence should not be too long or wordy. It can't contain unnecessary terms and excessive cliches.

We have stated above that a psychology essay has both similarities and differences with other essay types. The stages of writing, sections, formats, and grammar requirements are all the same. Which can seem really different to those who are used to writing essays in other areas is that your opinion really matters when it comes to the literature review. As long as you keep it in the boundaries of the research format, you can give some interpretations of the information given in the sources you use.

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How to Write Psychology Essay: Comprehensive Guide

September 1, 2022

Choosing a Good Topic for Your Psychology Essay

The process of writing a psychology essay begins with selecting a compelling and appropriate topic. A good topic sets the stage for a well-crafted and engaging essay. When choosing a topic, it is essential to consider your interests, the guidelines provided by your instructor, and the scope of your assignment. Aim for a topic that is specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis, yet broad enough to provide ample research material. It is also helpful to consider current trends, controversies, or unanswered questions in the field of psychology. Your topic should be thought-provoking, relevant, and capable of generating insightful discussions. By carefully selecting a strong topic, you lay the foundation for a successful and impactful psychology essay.

Possible Psychology Essay Topics:

• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• The Role of Parenting Styles in Child Development
• The Influence of Cognitive Biases on Decision Making
• The Effects of Stress on Psychological Well-being
• The Relationship between Sleep and Memory Consolidation
• The Role of Nature vs. Nurture in Personality Development
• The Impact of Trauma on Psychological Functioning
• The Psychology of Social Influence and Conformity
• The Influence of Technology on Human Behavior and Communication
• The Psychological Factors behind Addiction and Recovery

Writing a Thesis Statement for Your Psychology Essay

Crafting a strong and clear thesis statement is essential for delivering a focused and well-structured psychology essay. The thesis statement serves as the central argument or claim that guides and organizes your entire essay. It is essential to carefully construct a thesis statement that is specific, concise, and reflective of your main argument. Here are some tips to consider when writing your thesis statement:

• Identify the main purpose: Determine the main objective of your essay. Are you attempting to explain a concept, analyze a theory, or argue a particular viewpoint?
• Summarize your main argument: Clearly state the position or argument you will be defending in your essay. Make sure it is clear and concise, providing a roadmap for your reader.
• Be specific: Avoid vague or general statements. Instead, focus on a specific aspect of the topic you will be addressing in your essay.
• Consider the significance: Highlight why your topic and argument are important within the field of psychology. What is the broader implication or relevance of your argument?

Remember, your thesis statement should be debatable and open to discussion. It should provide a clear direction for your essay while capturing the essence of your overall argument. By creating a strong and focused thesis statement, you lay the foundation for a coherent and persuasive psychology essay.

Example: “The increasing use of social media among adolescents has significant implications for their mental health, as it contributes to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and increased risk of developing anxiety and depression.”

Structuring the Essay

A well-structured psychology essay is crucial for conveying your arguments clearly and effectively. Here are a few tips on how to structure your essay:

• Develop an outline: Before starting to write, it is essential to develop an outline that lists the key points you will be addressing in your essay. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your writing and ensure that you maintain a focused and coherent flow throughout the essay.
• Introduction: Begin your essay with an introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides context for the topic you will be addressing. The introduction should end with a clear and concise thesis statement that identifies the main argument of your essay.
• Body: The body of your essay should be structured around the main points you identified in your outline. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and provide evidence and examples to support your argument.
• Conclusion: Conclude your essay with a summary of the main points and restate your thesis statement in a new way. Finally, leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or question that encourages them to consider the broader implications of your argument.
• Edit and proofread: Once you have finished writing your essay, take some time to edit and proofread it. Check for any grammar or spelling errors, ensure that your arguments are coherent and well-supported by evidence, and that the overall structure flows smoothly.

By following these tips, you can create a well-structured psychology essay that communicates your arguments clearly and effectively.

Sample Outline for a Psychology Essay

I. Introduction A. Hook or attention grabber B. Background information on the topic C. Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraph 1: Impact of Social Media on Mental Health A. Explanation of the link between social media and mental health B. Discussion of the negative effects, such as increased anxiety and depression C. Supporting evidence or examples from research studies

III. Body Paragraph 2: Effects of Parenting Styles on Child Development A. Explanation of different parenting styles (authoritative, permissive, authoritarian) B. Discussion of how each style impacts a child’s psychological development C. Supporting evidence or examples from studies on parenting styles

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Cognitive Biases and Decision Making A. Explanation of common cognitive biases (confirmation bias, availability heuristic, etc.) B. Discussion of how these biases influence decision making C. Supporting evidence or examples from psychological research

V. Conclusion A. Summary of the main points discussed B. Restatement of the thesis statement C. Final thoughts or call to action for further research or consideration

Note: This is just a sample outline and can be modified based on the specific requirements or focus of your psychology essay. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and provides supporting evidence or examples to back up your claims.

Writing Style and Tone

When writing a psychology essay, it is important to pay attention to your writing style and tone to effectively communicate your ideas and engage your readers. Here are some key considerations for your writing style and tone:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas. Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms that may confuse your readers. Clearly define and explain any specialized terminology you do use.
• Formality: Maintain a formal and professional tone throughout your essay. Avoid using slang or informal language. Aim for an objective tone that focuses on presenting evidence and arguments in a logical manner.
• Precision and Accuracy: Be precise and accurate in your language and statements. Use specific terms and examples to support your arguments. Avoid generalizations or sweeping statements without proper evidence.
• Objectivity: While it is important to present and support your own arguments, maintain objectivity in your writing. Avoid personal opinions or biases that may weaken the credibility of your essay. Back up your claims with evidence from reputable sources.
• Cohesion and Coherence: Ensure that your essay flows smoothly between paragraphs and sections. Use clear transitions to connect ideas and maintain a logical progression throughout your essay.
• Proper Citations: When referencing research or sources, use proper citation styles such as APA or MLA. Follow the guidelines for in-text citations and include a comprehensive list of references at the end of your essay.

By embracing these writing style and tone guidelines, you can effectively convey your ideas, maintain credibility, and engage your readers in your psychology essay.

Writing an Introduction

The introduction of your psychology essay sets the stage for your entire paper and captures the reader’s attention. It should provide crucial background information and present your thesis statement. Here are some tips for writing an effective introduction:

• Grab the reader’s attention: Start with an attention-grabbing hook or opening sentence that piques the reader’s curiosity. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling anecdote.
• Provide context: Give a brief overview of the topic and its significance in the field of psychology. Explain why it is important to study or discuss this particular topic and how it relates to broader psychological concepts or theories.
• Background information: Provide relevant background information to give the reader a foundation for understanding your essay. This could include a historical overview, a summary of previous research findings, or a discussion of current debates or controversies.
• Thesis statement: Clearly state your thesis statement – the main argument or claim you will be making in your essay. Make sure it is concise, specific, and provides a clear focus for your essay.
• Preview the main points: Briefly outline the main points or arguments that you will be discussing in the body paragraphs. This helps the reader anticipate the structure of your essay and understand the key aspects you will be addressing.

By following these tips, you can craft an engaging and informative introduction that sets the tone for your psychology essay and captures the reader’s attention from the start. Remember to keep it concise and focused on the main objective of your paper.

Incorporating Theories and Concepts

When writing a psychology essay, it is essential to incorporate relevant theories and concepts to support your arguments and convey a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Here are some guidelines for effectively incorporating theories and concepts into your essay:

• Choose relevant theories: Identify the theories or concepts that are most applicable to your topic. Select those that are widely recognized and have empirical evidence supporting their validity.
• Explain the theories: Provide a clear and concise explanation of the chosen theories or concepts. Define key terms and outline the fundamental principles underlying the theories.
• Connect theories to your arguments: Demonstrate how the theories or concepts align with your arguments or claims. Explain how they provide a framework for understanding the phenomenon you are discussing.
• Provide examples and evidence: Support your discussion of theories with relevant examples or empirical evidence. These could come from research studies, case studies, or real-life examples that illustrate the application or relevance of the theories.
• Compare and contrast theories: If applicable, explore different theories or perspectives related to your topic. Highlight similarities and differences between theories and discuss their implications for understanding the topic.
• Critically analyze theories: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the theories you are incorporating. Discuss any controversies or alternative viewpoints within the field.

By incorporating relevant theories and concepts into your psychology essay, you strengthen the foundation of your arguments and demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Remember to cite your sources properly and use specific examples to enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your essay.

Presenting and Analyzing Data

Data analysis is a critical component of a psychology essay, showcasing your ability to draw meaningful conclusions from research findings. Here are some guidelines for presenting and analyzing data effectively:

• Choose appropriate data: Select data that directly supports your arguments or research question. Ensure it is reliable, relevant, and from reputable sources.
• Data presentation: Organize and present your data in a clear and concise manner. Visual aids like graphs, charts, or tables can enhance understanding. Use proper labeling and titles to provide context.
• Interpret the data: Analyze the patterns, trends, or relationships within the data. Explain what the data implies or reveals about the topic being discussed.
• Use statistical analysis: If applicable, employ appropriate statistical analysis techniques to derive meaningful conclusions from the data. This may include calculating means, standard deviations, correlations, or performing inferential tests.
• Link data to your arguments: Connect the data to your main arguments or research question. Explain how the data either supports or challenges existing theories or concepts.
• Discuss limitations: Acknowledge any limitations or constraints of the data analysis. Address potential biases, sample size issues, or methodological limitations that may affect the interpretation of the data.
• Incorporate citations: Properly cite the sources of your data and any statistical analysis methods used. Ensure you adhere to the appropriate citation style, such as APA or MLA.

By effectively presenting and analyzing data, you can demonstrate your ability to interpret research findings and draw valid conclusions in your psychology essay. Remember to provide clear explanations, relate the data to your arguments, and critically evaluate any limitations of the data analysis.

Writing the Body of a Psychology Essay

The body paragraphs of your psychology essay provide an opportunity to delve deeper into your arguments and present supporting evidence or research. Here are some guidelines for effectively writing the body of your essay:

• Develop a clear structure: Organize your body paragraphs in a logical and coherent manner. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or argument related to your thesis statement.
• Present supporting evidence: Support your arguments with relevant evidence, such as research studies, experiments, or case examples. Use reputable sources and cite them appropriately.
• Discuss research findings: Summarize and critically analyze the research findings that support your arguments. Explain how these findings contribute to the understanding of the topic.
• Provide examples: Use real-world examples or case studies to illustrate your points. These examples help to make your arguments more concrete and relatable to the reader.
• Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and address counterarguments or alternative perspectives on the topic. Assess the validity of opposing viewpoints and explain why your arguments are more persuasive or credible.
• Use clear and concise language: Write in clear and concise language to effectively convey your ideas. Use appropriate terminology and define any specialized terms you introduce.
• Use transitional words and phrases: Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs by using transitional words and phrases. These help to maintain coherence and guide the reader through your arguments.

Remember to focus on one main idea per paragraph, provide sufficient evidence and analysis, and maintain a logical flow throughout the body of your psychology essay. With a well-structured and well-supported body, you can effectively present and substantiate your arguments.

Writing a Conclusion

The conclusion of your psychology essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should effectively summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your argument. Here are some guidelines for writing a strong conclusion:

• Summarize your main points: Briefly recap the main arguments or findings presented in the body of your essay. Ensure that the summary is concise and reflects the key aspects of your paper.
• Restate your thesis: Reinstate your thesis statement in a slightly different way, emphasizing the main points you have made throughout the essay. Avoid simply copying and pasting your original thesis statement.
• Provide a final thought or reflection: End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement, reflection, or possible implication of your argument. This can encourage the reader to consider the broader implications of the topic you have discussed.
• Address the significance: Highlight the significance of your research or argument in the broader context of psychology. Explain how your findings contribute to the existing knowledge or understanding of the topic.
• Avoid introducing new information: The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence. It should only summarize and synthesize the information already presented.
• End with a strong closing sentence: Finish your conclusion with a memorable and impactful closing sentence. This can leave a lasting impression on the reader and provide a sense of closure to your essay.

By following these guidelines, you can write a strong conclusion that effectively wraps up your psychology essay and leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction and understanding.

Psychology Essay Example: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Introduction:.

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of people spending a significant amount of time on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. While social media offers numerous benefits, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health. This essay will explore the influence of social media on mental well-being, examining both the positive and negative effects.

One significant positive aspect of social media is its ability to foster social connections and support networks. Platforms like Facebook enable individuals to stay connected with friends and family, irrespective of geographical distance. Research has shown that maintaining strong social ties has a positive impact on mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving overall well-being (Grieve et al., 2013). Moreover, social media platforms can serve as spaces for individuals to seek emotional support and find communities with shared interests or experiences.

However, the excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on mental health. One prominent negative impact is the increased risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have found a correlation between heavy social media usage and higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms (Primack et al., 2017). The constant exposure to carefully curated, highlight-reel versions of others’ lives can lead to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. Moreover, cyberbullying and online harassment on social media platforms can contribute significantly to psychological distress and adversely affect mental well-being.

Furthermore, the addictive nature of social media poses another concern. Studies have shown that the reward mechanisms triggered by social media use can lead to compulsive behaviors and online addiction (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). Excessive use of social media can result in neglecting real-world relationships, declining academic or occupational performance, and experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when unable to access social media platforms.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, social media has both positive and negative effects on mental health. While it can enhance social connections and support networks, excessive and addictive use can lead to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage. Individuals should be mindful of their social media consumption, manage their online interactions, and seek support offline when needed. Additionally, future research should focus on developing strategies to mitigate the negative impact of social media and promote mental well-being in the digital age.

References:

Grieve, R., Indian, M., Witteveen, K., Tolan, G. A., & Marrington, J. (2013). Face-to-face or Facebook: Can social connectedness be derived online? Computers in Human Behavior, 29(3), 604-609.

Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311.

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., … & Colditz, J. B. (2017). Social media use and depression and anxiety symptoms: A cluster analysis. American Journal of Health Behavior, 41(6), 670-678.

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7 Surefire Signs That ChatGPT Has Written an Essay Revealed

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have revealed the seven telltale signs that a piece of written content was generated by ChatGPT , after carefully analyzing more than 150 essays written by high school students and undergraduates.

They found that ChatGPT loves an Oxford Comma, repeats phrases and spits out tautological statements practically empty of meaning at a much higher frequency than humans.

While the findings are interesting, the sample size is quite small. There's also no guarantee that the linguistic habits and techniques identified couldn’t and wouldn't be used by a human. What’s more, AI content detection tools are largely unreliable; there’s still no way to know for certain that any given written content is AI-generated.

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The 7 Telltale Signs Content is AI-Generated

The researchers at Cambridge analyzed 164 essays written by high school students with four essays written with a helping hand from ChatGPT.

The ChatGPT-assisted essays were generally more information-heavy and had more reflective elements, but the markers at Cambridge found that they lacked the level of comparison and analysis typically found in human-generated content. 

According to UK-based publication The Telegraph , which broke the story, the researchers identified seven key indicators of AI content:

• Frequent use of Latin root words and “vocabulary above the expected level”
• Paragraphs starting with singular words like “however”, and then a comma 
• Lots of numbered lists with colons
• Unnecessary clarificatory language (e.g. “true fact”)
• Tautological language (“Lets come together to unite”)
• Repetition of the same word or phrase twice 
• Consistent and frequent use of Oxford commas in sentences

Are There Any Other Ways to Spot ChatGPT Plagiarism?

Yes and no. There are many tools online that claim to be able to detect AI content, but when I tested a wide range of them last year, I found many to be wildly inaccurate.

For instance, OpenAI’s own text classifier – which was eventually shut down because it performed so poorly – was unable to identify that text written by ChatGPT (effectively itself) was AI-generated.

Even Turnitin has been using automated processes to detect plagiarized content in academic work for years, and they’ve also developed a powerful AI content checker. The company has always maintained that verdicts arrived at by their tools should be treated as an indication, not a cast-iron accusation.

“Given that our false positive rate is not zero” Turnitin explains in a blog post discussing its AI content detection capabilities.

“You as the instructor will need to apply your professional judgment, knowledge of your students, and the specific context surrounding the assignment”.

None of these tools are infallible – and worse still, many of the free ones you’ll find lurking at the top of the Google Search results are completely and utterly useless.

Is It Wrong to Use AI for School or College Work?

While asking AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to write you an essay isn’t quite “plagiarism” in the same way copying content written by other people and passing it off as your own is, it’s certainly not advised.

Whether it’s objectively plagiarism or not is likely irrelevant – the educational institution you’re enrolled in has probably created guidelines explicitly banning generative AI. Many universities have already taken a similar approach to peer review and other academic processes.

Besides, the whole point of writing an essay is to consider the range of ideas and views on the topic you’re writing about and evaluate them using your head. Getting an AI to do it for you defeats the whole point of writing the essay in the first place.

Our advice – considering the consequences of being accused of plagiarism while at university – is to stick to the rules. Who knows – you might learn something while you're at it!

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