Bachelor theses in the Department of Social and Legal Psychology at the JGU are usually empirical
or meta-analytical studies. Empirical studies are conducted as lab, field or online experiments.
Meta-analytical theses are usually literature studies opening up a new perspective on current
research literature and typically go bewyond mere narrative reviews.
Topics are suggested by the faculty or the student. Possible topics could be, amongst others:
- Stereotypes of first names – a data-driven approach
- Conspiracy mentality and reactions towards powerful groups
- Conspiracies of or against Big Pharma
- Differentiations between conspiracy mentality and paranoia
- Cross categorization in conflicts: of traitors and currying favors.
- Categorization and linguistic intergroup-bias
- Determinants of attributed paternity after one night stands
- Social costs of regretting motherhood
- Intergroup-attitudes (anti-Semitism, Islamophobia)
- Biases in and because of Wikipedia
- Medial Ethnocentrism
- Judgement errors in law context
- Contigency of witness' declarations
Exceptional cases: students may also suggest their own topics. Please contact the respective advisor, if you are considering this.
Extent
For lab experiments, 30-50 subjects need to be tested, depending on the requirements of the study. Data for more complex designs requiring more subjects can also be collected by more than one candidate as long as the research questions remain divergent. For all studies requiring large samples we suggest conducting online experiments.
Modus Operandi
Course classes are not held on a weekly basis, but on appointed dates where issues concerning all candidates are discussed. Additional supervision is provided in personal meetings with the respective tutor.
Before registering the thesis a 2-3 pages long exposé has to be submitted.
Formalia
Specific length requirements and processing times can be found in the study regulations; for information about the layout requirements please refer to the usual guidelines for manuscript designs (APA or DGPs).