PSY-470 Topic 1 Research Paper Subject Selection
This week, you will be choosing a subject for your final research paper that is due in Topic 7.
Your subject selection must be within the context of Abnormal Psychology. To help you, look
ahead in your book at each chapter’s descriptive heading. Choose a subject from one of these
chapters that interests you. You will work on this same subject throughout the class. Topic 1
contains the topic selection, Topic 3 is the outline, Topic 5 is the rough draft, and your final
research paper is due in Topic 7. Your subject will focus on the three areas outlined within the
Topic 7 research paper guidelines. These include:
• Provide a comprehensive explanation of the selected subject (e.g., clinical definition,
background information).
• Address the societal and/or cultural implications of the chosen subject.
• Discuss how the subject is related to one or more models of abnormality as discussed in
Chapter 3 of the textbook.
For example, paper subjects could be: “Efficacy of Treatments for Schizophrenia,” “Ethical
Issues in Mental Health,” or “Borderline Personality Disorder.”
Chapter 1: Abnormal Psychology Past and Present
Chapter 2: Research in Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 3: Models of Abnormality
Chapter 4: Clinical Assessment Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chapter 5: Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related
Disorders Chapter 6: Disorders of Trauma and Stress
Chapter 7: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders
Chapter 8: Suicide
Chapter 9: Disorders Featuring Somatic Symptoms
Chapter 10: Eating Disorders
Chapter 11: Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Chapter 12: Sexual Disorders and Gender
Chapter 13: Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
Chapter 14: Treatments for Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Disorders
Chapter 15: Personality Disorders
Chapter 16: Disorders Common Among Children and Adolescents
Chapter 17: Disorders of Aging and Cognition
Chapter 18: Law, Society, and the Mental Health Profession
© 2025. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
This week, you will be choosing a subject for your final research paper that is due in Topic 7.
Your subject selection must be within the context of Abnormal Psychology. To help you, look
ahead in your book at each chapter’s descriptive heading. Choose a subject from one of these
chapters that interests you. You will work on this same subject throughout the class. Topic 1
contains the topic selection, Topic 3 is the outline, Topic 5 is the rough draft, and your final
research paper is due in Topic 7. Your subject will focus on the three areas outlined within the
Topic 7 research paper guidelines. These include:
• Provide a comprehensive explanation of the selected subject (e.g., clinical definition,
background information).
• Address the societal and/or cultural implications of the chosen subject.
• Discuss how the subject is related to one or more models of abnormality as discussed in
Chapter 3 of the textbook.
For example, paper subjects could be: “Efficacy of Treatments for Schizophrenia,” “Ethical
Issues in Mental Health,” or “Borderline Personality Disorder.”
Chapter 1: Abnormal Psychology Past and Present
Chapter 2: Research in Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 3: Models of Abnormality
Chapter 4: Clinical Assessment Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chapter 5: Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related
Disorders Chapter 6: Disorders of Trauma and Stress
Chapter 7: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders
Chapter 8: Suicide
Chapter 9: Disorders Featuring Somatic Symptoms
Chapter 10: Eating Disorders
Chapter 11: Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Chapter 12: Sexual Disorders and Gender
Chapter 13: Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
Chapter 14: Treatments for Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Disorders
Chapter 15: Personality Disorders
Chapter 16: Disorders Common Among Children and Adolescents
Chapter 17: Disorders of Aging and Cognition
Chapter 18: Law, Society, and the Mental Health Profession
© 2025. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
