Overview
INTRODUCTION: In this PowerPoint assessment, you'll take on the role of a psychology professional by investigating a real-world issue in a workplace or educational setting. This project is designed to help you bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical application, while sharpening your research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
Using peer-reviewed journals, you will apply two psychological theories, summarize current research findings, identify ethical considerations using the APA Code of Ethics, and propose practical, evidence-based solutions. This is your chance to show what you've learned throughout your psychology degree and how you can use that knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the real world.
This assessment is your capstone project. Articulating how you would approach and solve an issue, and what theories you might apply, is also a great interviewing skill. And giving a presentation on a topic is something you might be asked to do in a work setting.
PREPARATION:
If you haven’t already, use the Capella Library to locate peer-reviewed articles for your assessment. The Bachelor's in Psychology Library Research Guide is a great tool for helping you search. Notice in particular the Capstone Research section, which you'll find listed on the lefthand side.
Refer to the PowerPoint Presentations Library Guide for information about using PowerPoint.
Kaltura Basics Tutorial is a great overview of Kaltura basics. You can also refer to Using Kaltura for more directions on recording and uploading your recording in the courseroom.
INSTRUCTIONS:
For this assessment, you will investigate a real-world psychological issue in a workplace or school setting. This project will allow you to connect psychological theory with real-world application, critically examine research, and present practical, evidence-based solutions.
Present your project as a PowerPoint with audio and presenter’s notes—be creative and clear! Use the provided PowerPoint Capstone Project Template [PPTX] as a guide. Once you’ve created the PowerPoint, open it in Kaltura to record your audio. Then add the Kaltura link to the end of your PowerPoint presentation.
1. Choose Your Topic
Select a current issue related to psychology in a workplace or educational environment. Briefly describe the issue and why it’s important. Include one credible source of demographic statistical information (i.e., Pew Research, U.S Census Bureau, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control) or social opinion research related to your topic that helps explain the topic. Here are some examples to get you thinking.
- Working online and digital fatigue.
- School or workplace accommodations and neurodiversity.
- Social media use and its impact on mental health.
- Work-life balance challenges.
- Leadership.
2. Apply Psychological Theories
Find two psychological theories (e.g., Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Dissonance, Maslow’s Hierarchy) that help explain or relate to your chosen issue. These can come from any area of psychology (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, social, developmental).
For each theory:
- Briefly explain the theory. ( A distinguished presentation would support your explanation with proper peer-reviewed sources—one for each theory.)
- Explain how it applies to your issue.
- Use research to support the connection.
3. Explore the Research
Investigate what the current peer-reviewed research says about this issue. Summarize at least three peer-reviewed articles or scholarly sources.
Explain the following in your summary:
- What has been studied about this issue?
- What are the key findings?
- A distinguished presentation would also explain—How does research inform our understanding?
4. Describe Ethical Concerns
Describe at least two ethical concerns from the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and how they relate to your issue or solutions. Use the principles and standards from the APA Code of Ethics to address the concerns you have identified. For example, you could consider two of the following, or any other concerns important to you:
- Is there a risk of harm or bias?
- Are certain groups disproportionately affected?
- Are there concerns about confidentiality, stigma, or consent?
5. Propose Solutions
Based on the theories and research:
- Suggest realistic, evidence-based solutions or interventions
- Explain how these solutions could be implemented in a school or workplace setting
- A distinguished presentation would also—Address potential benefits and challenges
6. Create Your Presentation
You will present your project using PowerPoint recorded in Kaltura. Use the PowerPoint Capstone Project Template [PPTX] and provide:
- A clear, visually engaging slide deck. 10–15 slides are required—this does not include title or reference slides.
- A minimum of one paragraph of presenter notes for each slide that explains your key points. (Slides and presenter’s notes cannot be the same.)
- Audio narration for each slide—you can read your presenter’s notes verbatim.
- Be creative and professional—your goal is to educate and inform!
- A minimum of five peer reviewed journals and one statistical source. Also cite the APA Code of Ethics.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Written communication: Written communication is in professional style with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
- APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting. All references are supported with proper in-text citations and vice versa.
Remember to consult the scoring rubric to make sure you cover all that will be assessed.
SOURCES:
READINGS
These readings focus on research-oriented careers in psychology and the intentional effort required to succeed in the field. They explore various subfields such as experimental, developmental, social, cognitive, biopsychology, and neuropsychology—highlighting the roles professionals play in advancing scientific knowledge, the training involved, and the settings in which they work. They also explore careers in industrial and organizational psychology, focusing on how psychological principles are used to improve employee well-being, organizational effectiveness, and workplace dynamics. In addition, the readings stress that career success doesn't happen by chance; it requires planning, persistence, and an understanding of the “unwritten rules” like networking, mentorship, and professional behavior. These readings encourage you to be proactive in building a career rooted in research and scientific inquiry.
From MajorIng in Psychology: Achieving Your Educational and Career GoalsLinks to an external site., read the following:
- Part II: Chapter 8, “Careers in Research: Experimental, Developmental, Social, Cognitive, and Biopsychology.”
- Part II: Chapter 9, “Careers in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.”
- Part II: Chapter 14, “Careers in Neuropsychology.”
From Building Your Career in PsychologyLinks to an external site., read the following:
- Chapter 5, “The Unwritten Rules of Success: It Doesn’t Just Happen by Accident.”
- Chapter 7 “Relationships in Your Professional Life.”
CAREER EXPLORATION
If you enjoyed your research methods and statistics courses, consider looking for research assistant jobs. These often require a bachelor’s degree and can be found in a number of psychology sub-specializations. You can learn more about how to become a research assistant in the following reading list:
- Biopsychology and ResearchLinks to an external site. reading list.
There are also jobs available that require graduate degrees. Learn more about careers available in applied research.
- Applied Research. Scroll down for the career exploration information.
Keep the following role distinctions in mind as you explore:
- A school psychologist is a licensed professional trained in both psychology and education, who supports the emotional, social, and academic well-being of students within a school setting.
- An educational psychologist focuses on how individuals learn and develop, often working with children and young people to address learning difficulties, social and emotional problems, and developmental disorders.
- A school counselor is a certified educator who provides academic, career, and personal/social guidance to students, helping them succeed in school and life.
- An academic is someone who teaches and researches in these fields in the post-secondary setting.
Individuals with bachelor’s degrees in psychology can be attractive hires within organizations, especially human resources, sales, and marketing. The knowledge and skills you’ve learned about how people think, feel, and act are critical for careers in HR, sales, or marketing. There are also bachelor’s level jobs available in human factors psychology, sometimes under the name “human factors engineering.” There are many graduate-level career options in industrial and organizational psychology.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Scroll down for the career exploration information.
COVER LETTERS
Many job openings will ask you to submit a cover letter with your application. These can be daunting to write if you haven’t had much practice. Visit the Career Development Center to learn how to write a cover letter:
ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING
While the first step in acting ethically is understanding the ethical requirements, knowledge is not enough for decision-making. Read the article on ethical decision-making and ethical dilemmas:
- In Case of Ethical Dilemma, Break GlassLinks to an external site..
GRADING COMPETENCIES:
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Analyze psychological theory and concepts in relationship to individual, organizational, and social issues.
- Competency 2: Apply critical thinking, scientific analysis, and innovative thinking to problems in the field of psychology.
- Competency 3: Apply cultural competencies and ethical principles to problems, decisions, and behaviors.
- Competency 5: Communicate effectively with diverse recipients in a manner consistent with expectations for psychology professionals.