Psychology of Cults
Introduction to the issue and related psychological concepts:
In this section, you will explain your topic/issue and identify a key psychological concept that claims to explain the causes and/or effects of the issue. This section should contain reference citations to the authors whose theories or concepts you are using. For example, if you are discussing immigration fears, you would cite those researchers who claim to understand why people fear immigration. You aren’t giving your personal opinion, but rather the opinion of those who have studied it and found certain “truths”.
Current Trends in the Data / Literature Review:
In this section, you will continue to look at current information (no more than 10 years old), from empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals, that explain the link between the issue and psychological concepts discussed in the introduction section. Most topics require 2-3 empirical studies that you will summarize in this section. An empirical study means the authors used the scientific method in their research.
Thinking Critically
In this section, reexamine the issue in light of the research. Summarize the data and present your summary using a visual aid (e.g., graph, table, etc.). Does the data support the “mainstream” view of this issue? You may discuss the “for and against” positions. Does the data provide evidence “for” or “against”? Does the data provide evidence of the cause of the issue?
Social Responsibility
In this section, consider sociocultural factors that influence this issue, if not noted before. Relate the issue and the data to individual responsibility within our society. Consider personal choice (point of view) versus “mainstream” thinking. How could we fulfill our individual social responsibilities? Support your argument rationally with what you have learned. You will have the ability to include personal opinion here, but it should be based on your findings from the literature you reviewed.
Conclusions
In this final section, you will summarize your research project.
References
A separate page with a complete listing of references cited within the project must be included in APA format at the end of the project. All references on this page should link to the in-text citation (see resources on citing references).
Psychology of cults – why do people join and stay in cults; why do they leave
Describe and define “cults” in general. Review the psychological concepts related to cults and members of cults, such as persuasiveness, group dynamics, obedience, trauma after leaving, etc.
Find and discuss research findings from at least 2 studies. Why do researchers believe people join and stay in cults, even when they experience abuse? What psychological effects do people experience after leaving a cult?
Summarize the data and findings in your own words.
Create your own graph to represent your findings.
Social responsibility: think of this issue as a social responsibility issue.
How can we address the problems related to this in our society? How have other cultures/societies handled it?
