C/PS/59. Freud: Psychoanalytic Concept of Self

The paper examines the psychoanalytic view of the self discussing its component parts, i.e. the ego and self representations. Related research over the last few decades is considered reflecting on the ambiguity of the terminology and arguing whether Freud's approach is helpful in explaining behavioural disorders.

S/P/300. Kobena Mercer, the cultural critic, argues that 'Identity only becomes an issue when it is in crisis'. Discuss

The paper reviews the ideas of Kobena Mercer about personal identity and its evolution comparing them to the ideas of Karl Marx, Michel Foucault, Stuart Hall, McGraw, etc. It is argued whether difficulty and distress rather than love and discipline influence a person's identity.

C/PS/52. Psychoanalytic Concept of Self

The paper examines the psychoanalytic concept of 'self' discussing its component parts, i.e. the ego and self representations. Related research is reviewed evaluating approaches used to explain behavioural disorders.

C/PS/53. Recreational drugs and reasons for their use

The paper examines why people take recreational drugs describing the nature of recreational drugs and reviewing the theories that account for the use of recreational drugs from the psychological perspective. The factors of enjoyment and curiosity are discussed.

C/PS/58. Is personality a mere social construct?

The paper examines the extent to which a personality is socially constructed reviewing the social constructionist approach suggested by Foucault and Derrida and arguing its inability to understand behaviour as innate or individual.

S/PS/128. Comparing and Contrasting Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

The paper examines the differences between verbal and non-verbal communication reviewing the theory of Mehrabian, outlining communicative codes of the dress, body language, etc. Theoretical underpinnings of the domination and positive/negative attitudes in verbal and non-verbal communication are discussed.

S/PS/118. Discuss the way in which attachment patterns may influence the function of love relationships and evaluate the role dysfunctional patterns may have in the breakdown of love relationships

The paper looks at adults' close relationships from an attachment perspective explaining them through the bonds formed in infancy with the caregiver and the resultant positive or negative views of oneself and others. Secure and insecure attachment patterns are described; conflict damage to relationships is argued; criticism of the attachment theory is reviewed.

S/PS/116. Experiment to investigate whether people conform when there are existing ticks present on a questionnaire

The paper examines the psychological reactions to filling in a questionnaire reflecting on the nature of conformity with reference to related research studies. An experiment is conducted to study the reactions of the participants to a crime story and to see whether their choice of the punishment conforms to the existing ticks in the follow-up questionnaire.

S/PS/104. Describe and discuss the contribution which the psychologist can make to one of the areas dealt with in the fields of applied psychology module. Discuss one example in detail including the relevance of research as well as evidence of practical applications

The paper addresses the problems of forensic psychology examining the features of human behaviour related to the legal process. Literature is reviewed on evaluating the eyewitness testimony, the competency for trial, etc.

S/N/114. Does 'SMARTS' goal-setting work?

The paper examines the principles of SMARTS in goal setting analysing their benefits and drawbacks. Academic literature is reviewed on the theories of motivation, sport psychology, performance measurements, etc. The role of goal setting in increasing an individual's performance is highlighted.

S/PS/74. Unrealistic Optimism

The paper examines the concept of unrealistic optimism (UO) identifying the reasons for UO thinking and discussing whether UO could be considered as self-defence and adaptive behaviour. Related psychological studies are reviewed; a case study is conducted among British University students using the methods of primary research (questionnaire).

S/N/116. Explore and state your position on one contemporary issue within the 2004 Athens Olympics from a discipline of your choice

The paper addresses the problem of performing under pressure in athletes offering a review of psychological literature on the negative and positive impacts of pressure on the performance, and analysing the effects of pressure on athletes in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

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