Lord Voldemort

Research the subject’s background:

Conduct as thorough research as possible into the background of your subject. For real subjects, your research may be based on newspaper reports, books, films, etc. For fictional subjects, your research will be based on the book or film in which your subject appears.

It is likely that you will discover significant gaps in your subject’s history, especially if you have a fictional subject. If this occurs, you may fabricate believable and reasonable information about your subject. Your report may not consist entirely of fabricated information. For this reason, it is suggested that you choose a subject for whom ample background information is available.

This portion of your paper should be approximately 4-5 pages long.

Discuss the theories:

Based on your background information, discuss in detail the various psychological theories which may account for your subject’s criminal behavior. Use the theories we have discussed in this class. Make sure you discuss theories from different modules. For example, don’t rely exclusively on mental disorders or on biological theories.

You will find that several different psychological explanations are possible; discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these theories as they apply to your subject. In general, it works best to discuss 3 to 5 theories. This section should be lengthy, and should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the theories. This is the section that’s most important to your grade.

This section of your paper should be approximately 10-12 pages long.

Make a recommendation:

Based on your theoretical conclusions, make a recommendation as to what should be done with your subject. What kind of treatment (if any) might be appropriate? Explain your recommendations.

This section of your paper should be approximately 1-2 pages long.

Present your findings:

You must turn in a report containing all of the above information. The report should be well-written, well-thought-out, and substantial in length. The information should be divided into the sections described above. The report must be double-spaced, with page numbers on each page and normal margins and font size. Please use a font that’s easy to read.

You should include a references page, on which you list any references you have used. References should be in APA format. If you’re not comfortable with APA format, this guide will be helpful: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
(Links to an external site.)
Your paper does not need an abstract.

Plagiarism in your written report is unacceptable and will result in a failing grade. Plagiarism is any time you use someone else’s words or ideas without giving them credit. If you’re not sure whether something constitutes plagiarism, ask the instructor.

Your written report is due on October 29.