Research Assignment:
For the research assignment, you will be asked to show your level of competence in
understanding abnormal psychology and abnormal behaviour. First, please read
through the vignette titled “Disco Di”, as well as the supplemental document regarding
Disco Di’s historical information (both documents can be found on eClass under the
Research Paper Topic). After reading the vignette, I would like for you to research and
discuss content in 3 areas – 1. Diagnostic Features/Differential Diagnosis; 2.
Cultural/Gender and Social/Environmental Factors; 3 Paradigm & Treatment
Methods. You will also be asked to write an introduction and conclusion for the paper.
The paper must be no more than 5-6 double spaced typed pages (12-point font)
excluding the title page and references. You must have at least 5 scholarly, peer
reviewed, journal references in your research paper and (e.g., American Psychologist,
Psychological Bulletin). They must be current (i.e., within the last 10 years). The paper
must be in APA style; consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (APA, 2019) or www.owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/. You will
also be asked to cite and reference your arguments with pertinent theories and research
in abnormal psychology. Research support is a good thing!!
Essay Grading Key
1. Diagnostic Features/Differential Diagnosis (5 points)
a. Why do you agree or disagree with the diagnosis given to Disco Di? Please
indicate the diagnostic features that accompany the disorder or the features that
are not present from the vignette (2 points)
b. What other disorder(s) do you believe Disco Di is experiencing? Please
indicate the diagnostic features and overlapping features of the disorders (3
points)
Be sure to support your thoughts with research-based evidence about the disorder’s
features and overlap.
2. Cultural, Gender, Social Environmental Factors (5 points)
a. How does culture shape the diagnosis and the diagnostic features/symptoms?
(2 points)
b. How does gender shape the diagnosis and the diagnostic features/symptoms?
(2 points)
c. How does our social environment shape the diagnosis diagnostic
features/symptoms? (1 point)
The diagnosis or diagnostic features can be from the diagnosis given to “Disco Di”or the
diagnostic features of other related disorders. Be sure to support your thoughts with
research-based evidence.
3. Paradigm/Treatment Methods (5 points)
a. Which 20th century paradigm best examines the nature of Disco Di’s
behaviour?(3 points)
b. How should her disorder be treated? Which current treatment methods or
potential treatment methods would help with the client’s diagnostic features/
symptoms? (2 points)
Be sure to support your thoughts with research-based evidence.
4. Introduction/Conclusion & APA Formatting (5 points)
a. Introduction – purpose, objectives of the essay (1 point)
b. Conclusion – Summarize your overall findings (2 points)
c. APA Format – title page, references, 12 point font, 1 inch margins, etc. (2
points)
Some Additional History:
Disco Di was born in Toronto and was raised primarily by her mother (immigrated
to Toronto from Ecuador), as her father (immigrated to Toronto from Kenya) left
the home when she was 3 years old. Her mother and father reunited when she
was 12 years old. Disco Di currently lives with her mother and her father in
downtown Toronto. She had a younger sister, Carol, who was killed by a drunk
driver when Disco Di was 11 years old. During the intake interview, Disco Di
reported a difficult childhood, having few friends and often relied on her sister for
companionship and safety. During the interview, Disco Di reported feeling anxious
(increased heart rate, sweaty palms, hands shaking). She reported feeling the
same way each day when working at her father’s company. She indicated that she
has extended family living in Welland, Ontario (who she visits once a year during
the winter holidays) and has no other family contact. After her last impatient
hospitalization, Disco Di was given a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and a
diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.
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Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
