Psychology has been influenced by many competing theories that have attempted to explain and predict behavior. In the previous unit, you learned about the foundations of these theories. Theories lead to hypotheses, which lead to research and observation. Peer-reviewed research has withstood the rigorous evaluation of a board of recognized experts in the field, while being extensively reviewed for ethics by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Here is an example of a current peer-reviewed research article that you could find in the Purdue Global Library:

Bailey, T. L., & Brown, A. (2016). Online student services: Current practices and recommendations for implementation. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 44(4), 450–462. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&AN=115184368&site=eds-live

Peer-reviewed research is not easy to understand, but by focusing on the abstract and the introductory section, students can often get the information they need to understand the main point of the research.

• What topic would you like to know more about concerning a behavior that you witness in yourself or others?
• Choose a research method that you think would be best suited to study the behavior and use the scientific method to help you break down the steps of your proposed research.
• Describe what ethical considerations you would need to keep in mind, referencing APA ethical principles.

Background: Go back to the “Globe Airlines” case and review it. In particular, review the criteria for the reply to Lyn Smith set out by your immediate supervisor Rita Simmons. Ms. Simmons has now told you that you cannot offer the E-TUVs to the customers. 

Assignment: Prepare a draft letter to Lyn Smith, in which you attempt to refuse her specific requests while doing everything you can (within the criteria/limitations you are working under) to persuade her to return to Globe as a customer in future. Forward your draft letter to your supervisor, Rita Simmons, as an attachment to a short transmittal memorandum, in which you submit your draft letter to her for review, give a very brief explanation of your approach, and ask her for comment and approval to proceed to send the letter to the customer. Resources: Locker/Findlay Chapters 7 and 8; 

Assignment Case: “Globe”; Units 4 and 5 Lecture notes; your own Diagnostic Essay, previously submitted and returned with comments Primary Audience for 

Assignment #2: Lyn Smith (for the draft letter); Rita Simmons (for transmittal and draft letter) 

Assignment Format: Draft letter – Globe to Lyn Smith, appended to a transmittal memorandum (you to Rita Simmons) 

Word Count: up to 1000 words for draft letter and transmittal memorandum