This final assignment has two components.
Part A: First, I’d like you to discuss your ” theoretical orientation.” You might wonder what is meant by “theoretical orientation” — In a nutshell, it’s the theory to which you find yourself oriented, i.e., the one you think stands above the others as most useful or valid.
This task is not about developing a theory of your own; it’s about forming a sort of intellectual commitment to an existing theoretical framework and providing an explanation about why you endorse that theory. Evaluation will not be based on which theory you choose. Please choose that which appeals to you.
Spend some time thinking about everything you’ve learned and consider one approach from the book that seems especially valid and/or useful to you.
*Please assume the reader is already quite knowledgeable about the theory. Do not devote space to summarizing the theory! Instead, focus on explaining why you are drawn to the theory, what aspects of the theory you agree with and especially why. Think about its explanatory or practical utility.
Also examine any aspects of the theory you might disagree with, and why.
*The key task is to present a coherent description of how you’ve come to favor this theory as a result of your personal experiences and/or worldview. Therefore, a first-person narrative style is recommended.
Part B: The second component is to compare/contrast the theory you favor with any other theory. You may choose to select a comparison theory that has some shared features or one that is substantially different. Discuss possible applications of each theory, noting any specific situations in which the comparison theory may be more useful than your preferred theory.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Read and Reflect
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Review all the theories youโve covered in class.
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Think about which theory resonates most with your values, worldview, and personal/professional experiences.
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Ask yourself: Which theory feels most practical or useful for me? Why?
Step 2: Structure Your Paper
Your paper will have two main parts (A & B) plus an introduction and conclusion. Aim for around 4โ6 pages double-spaced unless your instructor specifies otherwise.
Introduction (ยฝ page)
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Briefly introduce the purpose of the assignment.
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State which theory you are most oriented toward (your theoretical orientation).
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Provide a roadmap: explain that Part A will describe your theoretical orientation and Part B will compare/contrast it with another theory.
Part A: Theoretical Orientation (2โ3 pages)
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Why this theory appeals to you:
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Explain what aspects you agree with (e.g., its focus on human behavior, practical applications, worldview alignment).
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Relate it to your personal experiences, values, or observations.
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What you might disagree with:
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Acknowledge any weaknesses or limitations of the theory.
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Explain why these donโt outweigh the strengths for you.
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Personal narrative style:
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Use first-person language (โI am drawn to this theory becauseโฆ,โ โIn my experienceโฆโ).
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Show how your orientation developed over time.
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Part B: Compare/Contrast with Another Theory (2โ3 pages)
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Introduce your comparison theory. Choose one that either:
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Shares some overlap (making similarities and differences clear), or
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Is very different (highlighting contrasts).
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Comparison points to cover:
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Key differences in focus (e.g., individual vs. social, conscious vs. unconscious, scientific vs. humanistic).
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Similarities, if any.
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Practical applications โ when each theory might be more useful.
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Example:
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If you favor Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT), you could compare it with Psychoanalytic Theory.
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You might argue CBT is more practical for short-term treatment, while Psychoanalysis may be more useful for uncovering deep-seated issues.
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Conclusion (ยฝโ1 page)
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Reaffirm your theoretical orientation.
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Summarize why it fits best with your worldview and experiences.
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Briefly restate what your comparison revealed โ acknowledging that while your preferred theory works best for you, other theories also have valuable contributions.
Step 3: Writing Style and Requirements
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Use first-person narrative (especially in Part A).
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Stay analytical โ avoid summarizing the theory itself (assume the reader already knows it).
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Focus on your reasoning, perspective, and application.
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Proofread for flow and clarity.
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Follow your professorโs formatting requirements (APA, MLA, etc.).
โ Final Checklist Before Submission
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Title page (if required)
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Introduction with clear orientation
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Part A: Why you favor your theory (strengths + personal reasoning)
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Part A: What you might disagree with
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Part B: Comparison with another theory (differences, similarities, applications)
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Conclusion with reflection
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Proper formatting and citations if sources are used
Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.
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