AP Psychology Pop-Culture Armchair-Psychologist Project
An armchair psychologist is a person who gives advice for mental disorders but has no
formal training in psychology. For this project, you are going to play armchair
psychologist to a fictional pop culture character who is need of some psychological
help: you will determine what psychological disorder(s) the character has and develop
a prescription for treatment. To assist you in your endeavors, you will conduct research
on the “diagnosed” disorder(s) and the actual treatment for the disorder(s). You will
write a letter to your character that outlines your findings, and then consult with your
fellow armchair psychologists in class to discuss your “diagnosis” and treatment plan.
Step 1: Choose a Character
Choose a fictional character from pop culture that is in need of a psychological evaluation (no two
students in a class can select the same character). Selecting a character that you are familiar with (from a
favorite movie, TV show, book, etc.) is best – the more familiar you are with the character’s behavior and
personality, the easier the project will be!
Please note: You may not select an actual celebrity or star of a reality TV show – you are not licensed to
diagnose real live human beings 
Step 2: Conduct Research
Determine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors the character exhibits that are indicative of a particular
disorder(s). Determine which disorder(s) you believe the character has. Then conduct research on the
signs and symptoms, prevalence, and possible course of treatment for the disorder(s). Create a
bibliography that lists all sources used.
Step 3: Determine a Course of Treatment
Develop a prescription for treatment for the patient based on your research and his/her unique set of
traits and symptoms (as well as any other relevant circumstances).
Step 4: Write a Letter to the Character
Write a letter to the character that explains why you selected him/her for a psychological evaluation, why
you “diagnosed” him/her with the selected disorder(s), and your recommended prescription for treatment.
Your letter must demonstrate a complete understanding of the disorder(s), its symptoms, and detailed
examples that prove ways in which the character’s personality and behavior demonstrate those
symptoms, as well as a thorough understanding of the appropriate course of treatment and the reasoning
behind it.
Step 5: Participate in Peer Conferences
Participate in a conference with your fellow armchair psychologists to present and discuss your findings.
Take notes on the cases presented by your peers and evaluate the recommended courses of treatment.
Project Schedule
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
6/3
6/4
6/5
6/6
Computer Lab – begin research on disorder(s), symptoms, and treatment(s)
Computer Lab – complete research & begin letter to character
Computer Lab – complete letter to character & prepare for peer consult/presentation
Classroom: Peer conferences | Turn in peer evaluations | Turn in letter to character
Grading Rubric
Four Peer Evaluations (completed in class on 6/6)
 Thorough notes for each case that indicate the symptoms, behaviors, and
treatment presented
 An evaluation of the recommended course of treatment and why
_______ / 20
Letter to Your Character
 Thoroughly explains why you selected him/her for a psychological
evaluation
 Clearly explains why you “diagnosed” him/her with the selected
disorder(s), and your recommended prescription for treatment
 Demonstrates a complete understanding of the disorder(s), its
symptoms, and detailed examples that prove ways in which the
character’s personality and behavior demonstrate those symptoms
 Explains a thorough understanding of the appropriate course of
treatment and the reasoning behind it
 Typed or neatly hand-written
_______ / 40
Bibliography
 Complete list of all sources used
 APA format
 Appropriate title and heading
Total
_______ / 5
_______ / 65
Name ______________________________________
AP Psychology Pop-Culture Armchair-Psychologist Project Peer Evaluations
Armchair Psychologist:
Character:
Notes on symptoms, behaviors, and treatment
presented:
Your evaluation of the recommended course of
treatment and why:
Armchair Psychologist:
Character:
Notes on symptoms, behaviors, and treatment
presented:
Your evaluation of the recommended course of
treatment and why:
Armchair Psychologist:
Character:
Notes on symptoms, behaviors, and treatment
presented:
Your evaluation of the recommended course of
treatment and why:
Armchair Psychologist:
Character:
Notes on symptoms, behaviors, and treatment
presented:
Your evaluation of the recommended course of
treatment and why: