Psychology in the media You will be required to write a research paper in APA format, it should be double spaced, minimum 5 pages (Not counting the TITLE page and REFERENCE page). You don’t have to have an Abstract. SKIP the abstract and after the title page go to the body of your work and follow the steps outlined.
QUESTION
Details of Media Assignment
(APA RESEARCH PAPER)
Psychology in the media
You will be required to write a research paper in APA format, it should be double
spaced, minimum 5 pages (Not counting the TITLE page and REFERENCE page). You
don’t have to have an Abstract. SKIP the abstract and after the title page go to the body
of your work and follow the steps outlined.
The purpose of the assignment is for you to gain a broader understanding of how
psychology is applied to everyday situations. Therefore, you will need to be a kind of
“mini-expert” on the topics about which you are writing.
STEP 1: Choose a psychological disorder (you can Google them or refer to Chapter 14
in your book titled “Psychological Disorders.”
STEP 2: Research the disorder and tell me what is it? What are the symptoms and
characteristics of the disorder? What can be done to prevent the disorder? What are the
treatment methods for the disorder?
STEP 3: ALL of the above MUST be in APA format. Purdue University OWL is my
favorite site to copy formatting and learn about APA Style:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Walden University also has Excellent guidelines on how to write in APA style
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/apa
STEP 4: Choose a movie (Can be a documentary or a fiction), book, a biography of
someone famous (must be someone known to the public (Angelina Jolie, Socrates,
Hilary Clinton etc.). Writing about your uncle or niece will not suffice.
STEP 5: Your movie. Book, documentary character must have the disorder you will be
writing about. In this section you will show if your character has the disorder and how is
it displayed?
Write specific examples of how the disorder or the exceptional abilities are displayed
according to various scenes. Show using specific scenes from the movie, book or
documentary, how his/her behavior conforms to the disorder discussed? So I know you
understand the subject you are writing about. DO NOT tell me the whole movie, ONLY
talk about the relevant scenes where the disorder of the character is “Shown” and
expressed in his/her behavior.
STEP 6: In few words tell me how your perception and understanding have changed
about that particular disorder and how did that character influence YOU as a person?
(Such as made you more open minded and understanding, or fueled your curiosity to
study it more etc.).
How did your character influence or change social understanding and perception of the
disorder presented?
ANSWER
Exploring Psychological Disorders through Media: A Case Study
Introduction
Psychological disorders are complex conditions that affect individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They have a significant impact on people’s lives and are often misunderstood by the general public. This research paper aims to delve into a specific psychological disorder, examine its symptoms and characteristics, explore preventive measures, and discuss treatment methods. Additionally, we will analyze a character from a movie, book, or documentary who portrays this disorder, highlighting specific scenes that depict their behaviors. Lastly, we will reflect on the personal impact of studying this disorder and discuss how the character influenced social understanding and perception of the presented disorder.
Step 1: Choose a Psychological Disorder
For this research, we will focus on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform.
Step 2: Research and Understanding of OCD
To understand OCD thoroughly, we will review the symptoms and characteristics of the disorder. OCD often involves persistent, unwanted thoughts or fears that lead to repetitive behaviors or rituals. These behaviors are performed in an attempt to alleviate anxiety or prevent something negative from happening. Common symptoms include excessive handwashing, checking behaviors, and a need for symmetry or orderliness. Preventive measures for OCD may involve early intervention, psychoeducation, and addressing environmental factors that contribute to the development of the disorder. Treatment methods for OCD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and support groups.
Step 3: APA Format
In this research paper, we will adhere to APA format guidelines, including proper in-text citations and references. The Purdue University OWL and Walden University websites offer comprehensive resources on APA style, which will be utilized to ensure accurate formatting.
Step 4: Choosing a Movie/Book/Documentary
The movie “As Good as It Gets” directed by James L. Brooks will serve as the basis for our analysis. The character we will focus on is Melvin Udall, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Melvin exhibits symptoms of OCD throughout the movie.
Step 5: Portrayal of OCD in “As Good as It Gets”
In several scenes, Melvin displays obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. For instance, he repeatedly locks and unlocks his apartment door, avoids stepping on cracks on the sidewalk, and demands a specific arrangement of cutlery in a restaurant. These scenes effectively demonstrate the distressing and disruptive nature of OCD in his life.
Step 6: Personal Impact and Influence on Social Understanding
Studying OCD through the portrayal of Melvin Udall has broadened my perception and understanding of the disorder. It has highlighted the immense challenges individuals with OCD face and the impact it has on their daily lives. Melvin’s character has influenced me by fostering empathy and compassion for individuals living with OCD. It has sparked my curiosity to learn more about the disorder and encouraged me to challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental health.
Furthermore, the character of Melvin Udall in “As Good as It Gets” contributed to a better understanding of OCD within society. By depicting the disorder’s symptoms and the impact it has on an individual’s behavior, the movie raises awareness and promotes dialogue about mental health. It challenges stereotypes and encourages a more compassionate and inclusive perspective toward individuals with psychological disorders.
Conclusion
This research paper explored the psychological disorder OCD, examining its symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment methods. Through the analysis of the character Melvin Udall in “As Good as It Gets,” we gained a deeper understanding of how OCD is portrayed in media. This study has enriched our personal perception, fostering empathy and curiosity, while also contributing to a broader social understanding and acceptance of individuals with psychological disorders. By combining research and media analysis, we can bridge the gap between psychological knowledge and public awareness, promoting a more inclusive and supportive society.
