January 2016 ~ Ms. Norris
Abnormal Psychology Independent Study Unit
What is a psychological disorder?
A psychological disorder, also known as a mental disorder, is a pattern of behavioural or psychological
symptoms that impact multiple life areas and/or create distress for the person experiencing these
symptoms. Relatively recent research has revealed that psychological disorders are far more prevalent
than previously believed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 26
percent of American adults over the age of 18 suffer from some type of diagnosable mental disorder in a
given year. Therefore, it is important, as a part of this course, that we examine some of these conditions
in detail.
THE ASSIGNMENT:
Working in groups of 2, you must prepare a seminar (presentation) to deliver to the class. The seminar
must include a 1-2 page handout for the class plus some type of audio/visual aid. The handout should
include important information from your seminar-essentially a summary of key points.
If you need me to make a class set of copies, you MUST give me the handout ONE DAY PRIOR TO THE
SEMINAR. This will be evaluated in the organization portion of the marking sheet.
LENGTH: 10 minutes maximum. Due to the amount of presentations, I will have to cut you off at 10
minutes. Allow for “set up” time, if you need it.
ACCEPTABLE TOPICS: Only one group will be allowed to do each psychological disorder. Please see me if
you would like do research another disorder.
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Munchausen Syndrome
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder • Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Postpartum Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Multiple Personality Disorder/ Dissociative Identity Disorder
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January 2016 ~ Ms. Norris
KEY POINTS TO COVER IN SEMINAR:
Each group should include:
-a brief overview of the condition,
-how it is medically defined,
-how many people it affects,
-what are some of the problems that exist for people that have this condition (both physically and
socially),
-relevant statistics,
-medication/ treatment available,
-biases or stereotypes that society labels these people with.
You should also include visuals (charts, pictures, statistics) that make your presentation more information
and enjoyable to watch.
All members of the group must be in class to make the presentation on the agreed upon date or a GRADE
OF ZERO will be assigned to the missing group member; however, in the case of one person’s absence, the
remaining members will be expected to present- so be sure to share all information just in case.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Abnormal Psychology Independent research paper
YOU WILL DO THIS PART OF THE ASSIGNMENT ON YOUR OWN
1. Find at least three specific sources that relate to your chosen condition. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA
AS ONE OF YOUR SOURCES (you can use it for additional background information). You must
compile a proper works cited using correct APA format. If you are not sure of the correct format,
check citation machine and click APA.
2. Using your sources, respond to the following.
Part 1- This section must be at least ONE page typed:
In your own words, provide a brief overview of the condition you are studying including a brief
description of SYMPTOMS and resulting BEHAVIOURS.
Outline the treatment available for someone with your disorder. You must use exact names of
pharmaceutical drugs and/or specific treatment options.
Identify THREE STATISTICS related to the condition you are studying. Consider frequency,
gender, onset-age, socio-cultural influences, trends- Are they increasing/decreasing? You must
identify the source of the statistic
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January 2016 ~ Ms. Norris
Part 2- Article
FIND AN ARTICLE from a current (last 3 years) newspaper or a magazine that relates to
the condition that you are studying. Photocopy or print your article and highlight key
points to reinforce ideas expressed in Part A.
Part 3- This section must be at least ONE page typed:
Using one of the scenarios below, CREATE A STORY from the point of view of someone
suffering from your disorder. Put yourself in their shoes- how would it feel to live with
this disorder? Think about the way they might perceive situations that seem quite
ordinary to most people. Think about the inner dialogue or the self-talk that is
happening inside their heads. Your story can start before the scenario and continue
after the stated scenario.
The scenario is your starting point- use your imagination!!!
Scenario #1:
(Your person) is waiting at the bus stop. The bus is running late as usual and there is a crowd starting to
gather at the stop. It is a rainy day and when the bus finally comes, it goes through a big puddle and
splashes (your person).
Scenario #2
(Your person) and their family are going to the beach for the day. The family wakes up early and packs a
picnic. (Your person) packs a bathing suit and a towel and gets ready for the two-hour car ride. They get
into a traffic jam and the trip ends up taking three hours. They eventually arrive at the busy beach.
Scenario #3
(Your person’s) baby has been crying all day. (Your person’s) older child is throwing toys everywhere,
smearing pudding on the floor and drawing on the walls. (Your person’s) husband/wife will not be home
from work for three more hours.
Scenario #4
It is a cold, dark winter day. (Your person) is supposed to meet some friends at a restaurant. (Your
person) possibly feels a cold coming on. They are trying to decide what to wear for dinner and are
spending some time in front of the mirror.
Scenario #5
(Your person) is shopping downtown and gets caught in a demonstration riot. There are police present
and a large, angry crowd. (Your person) gets into a ‘discussion’ with a policeman.
Scenario #6
(Your person) gets a new job as a waiter/waitress at a restaurant. They meet many new people and are
exposed to many new experiences.
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January 2016 ~ Ms. Norris
Abnormal Psychology: Independent Research Rubric
Criteria
Level 4
• overall evidence
of detailed and
accurate research
from multiple
sources
Level 3
• good, accurate
research from
multiple sources
Level 2
• research is
general and quality
of sources is
lacking
Overview and
Statistics
• excellent,
insightful overview
• 3+ relevant and
current statistics
used correctly to
support evaluation
of disorder
• a good thorough
overview of
disorder
• 3 relevant and
current statistics
• some attempt
made to correlate
to disorder
Newspaper article
• relevant choice
of article
• all key points are
highlighted and
related to disorder
• somewhat
relevant choice of
article
•many key points
outlined and
related to article
• a somewhat
thorough overview
of disorder
• less than 3
statistics or 3 noncurrent stats
• unclear
connection
between stats and
disorder
• connection
between article
and disorder is
somewhat unclear
• key points of
article missing
Scenario
• extremely
imaginative and
thought-provoking
examination of
situation
• relevant
connection made
between disorder
and scenario
Works Cited/
Sources
• 3+ relevant
sources used
• works cited
included in proper
APA format with
no mistakes
• somewhat
imaginative and
relevant
examination of
situation
• some
connections have
been made
between disorder
and scenario
• 3 sources used
• Works cited
included in proper
APA format with
major mistakes
Research
TOTAL MARK OUT OF
• examination of
the situation does
not completely
related to disorder
• few connections
have been made
between disorder
and scenario
• 2 relevant
sources used
• works cited
included but in
wrong format with
mistakes
Level 1
• research is
general or missing
• sources are
inaccurate or none
seem to have been
used
• overview is too
general or missing
from project
• less than 2
statistics that are
not relevant
• no attempt made
to connect stats to
disorder
• little connection
between article
and disorder
• key points not
highlighted or
irrelevant to
disorder
• examination of
the situation has
not been explained
such that it relates
to disorder
• lacks connection
between scenario
and disorder
• under 2 sources
or no sources used
• no works cited
/100
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January 2016 ~ Ms. Norris
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER SEMINAR EVALUATION SHEET
Knowledge of Topic:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
(well-researched, ability to speak without notes, answer questions if applicable)
9
10
Interest to Audience: 1
2
3
4
5
6
(presentation of material, communication, choice of information)
7
8
9
10
Organization of Seminar
1
2
3
4
5
(flow of seminar, photocopies complete, appropriate audio/visual)
Two-Page Report
1
(Clearly written, informative)
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Audio-Visual
1
2
3
(Appropriate, video, overheads, poster)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TOTAL MARK OUT OF
2
/40
5