Master’s paper for MSc Psychology of the Arts, Aesthetics and Creativity. 2000 words, no abstract needed but references in APA style.
Compare theoretical frameworks covered in the module (files supplied) and apply them creatively to provide different explanations as to how aesthetic experience works. You should be familiar with the empirical studies covered in the lectures that support/refute these theoretical frameworks.
Referring to material from the recommended and further readings or to articles you have read independently would be particularly impressive.
Provide appropriate “real life” examples for illustration.
Compare evidence from behavioural and neuroimaging methods to support/refute a theory /your view and demonstrate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods used, for example TMS vs. fMRI, or 2AFC vs. rating scales.
Avoid stating facts without providing evidence from the literature, for example saying: “There is a ventral and a dorsal stream for visual processing” without providing an appropriate citation to support this statement.
Simply listing a series of studies without explaining them. Less is more! Only cite studies that are relevant to the point that you want to make and explicitly link them back to the question set.
You should avoid unnecessary “rhetorical flourishes”, irony, ambiguity (intentional or otherwise), and informal language (for example using the first person).