Identify a current controversy or societal issue

PSYC 3480: Social Cognition Final Paper: Applying Social Cognition to Current Events

Worth 200 points | Due: Tuesday, December 5th by 11:59pm Paper Requirements:

• The paper must be formatted in APA style, 6th edition (i.e., double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and have 1-inch margins).

• The majority of the information included in the paper must be in your own words. I am not looking for textbook information. I’m looking for your work and applications. Still, all sources either paraphrased or quoted are required to be properly cited.

• The paper must have at least 750 words (Acceptable range: 750-1000 words).

• English language conventions/grammar & flow will be graded. Paper Instructions & Required Content:

1. Introduction: Identify a current controversy or societal issue.

o Discuss a brief history of your chosen issue and where the issue stands today.

o Identify the two (or more) “sides” to the argument or issue & discuss the main argument(s) from each side.

2. Cognitive Limitation/Biases: For each side, identify and discuss 3 cognitive limitations/biases that have impacted the controversy (This means that you’ll need 6 total). Be sure to do the following for each:

o In your own words, describe the cognitive limitation or bias.

o Clearly describe how the cognitive limitation/bias has had an impact on the thinking or spread of misinformation on that side of the controversy

3. Conclusion: Reflect on some of the small and realistic things that can be done on both sides to begin to try to overcome these cognitive limitations to improve understanding and improve this issue moving forward.

o For example, how can people change their approach? What can one do to improve how they understand the news and information they receive from social media? What can be done in a home or classroom setting?