RESEARCH IN THE MEDIA ASSIGNMENT (30 POINTS)

Find a media article that reports the findings of an original empirical study
on some psychology or health-related topic that is published in a newspaper,
magazine, or other periodical, or on an Internet news website (CNN,
Reuters, BBC, Vox, WebMD, etc.). The media article should have been
published in the last year. Thoroughly address the following questions (in ~
2-3 double-spaced pages):

 What observation about human behavior/health is being reported? ~1-

2 sentences (2.5 points)

 Describe the study sample (e.g., size, gender, age range, marital
status, racial/ethnic group, SES). (If not discussed, what would be the
most appropriate sample to use for this research question?) ~3-4
sentences (5 points)

 What is the independent variable(s)? ~1 sentence (2.5 points)

 What is the dependent variable(s)? ~1 sentence (2.5 points)

 Are any other relevant variables discussed (e.g., moderators,

mediators, covariates)? (If not discussed, what other variables do you
think should be included in this study?) ~ 2 sentences (2.5 points)

 What type of study is being discussed: experimental vs. non-

experimental, etc.? (If not discussed, what would be the most
appropriate type of study to use for this research question?) ~2
sentences (2.5 points)

 What are some limitations of the study? (e.g., methods used,

conclusions drawn; you must discuss at least 2 limitations) ~4
sentences (5 points; 2.5 points per limitation)

 What are the implications of the study for research, practice, and/or
policy? (If not discussed, what do you think the implications of the
study are?) Discuss at least 2 implications (~3-4 sentences) (5 points;
2.5 points per implication)

 Class presentation (2.5 points)

We will take some time during each class to allow for students to share their
articles and answers to the above questions. This is expected to be an
informal presentation (less than 3 minutes). A sign-up sheet will be passed
around during the first few class periods so that you can sign up for day to
share your research in the media assignment with the class (you also will
hand in a hard copy of your assignment, with the media article attached, to
me on that day).
NOTES:
 Your assignment should be typed, 12-point font, double spaced, 1”
margins.
 Assignments that contain grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors
will lose points.
 If you present in class, you will receive the full 2.5 points. The
remainder of your grade is based on the extent to which you
sufficiently address the above questions in writing (feedback
presented in class does not reflect the grade on your assignment).
 Late assignments will lose 3 points per day – no exceptions.
 If you do not sign up to present by January 23, you will receive zero
points on the assignment.