250+ Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

Psychology courses often require students to engage in reflection papers, encouraging critical thinking, self-awareness, and the application of psychological concepts to personal experiences. These assignments allow students to delve into various psychology topics and analyze their relevance. This comprehensive guide will explore the essential steps and considerations for crafting a compelling psychology reflection paper tailored for college students.

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Psychology Reflection Paper

Writing a psychology reflection paper can be a rewarding experience for college students. It offers an opportunity to delve into various psychological concepts, theories, and research findings while reflecting on their relevance. In this introduction, we will explore the essence of psychology reflection papers, highlighting their significance and the process of selecting and discussing psychology topics for reflection. Whether you are tasked with investigating a specific psychological concept or have the freedom to choose a matter of personal interest, this guide will help you navigate the journey of crafting a thought-provoking and insightful psychology reflection paper tailored for college-level assignments.

Psychology reflection papers encourage critical thinking, self-awareness, and the application of psychological principles to real-life situations. They challenge students to understand psychological concepts and analyze and reflect on their implications in personal experiences. In this guide, we will find out the steps and considerations that will help you create a well-structured and compelling psychology reflection paper.

Let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery, exploration, and academic growth as we explore psychology reflection paper topics for college students. Whether you’re passionate about positive psychology, stress management, interpersonal relationships, or any other area within psychology, you’ll find valuable insights and guidance to craft a reflection paper that showcases your understanding and personal reflections.

Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

Psychology reflection papers for college students can encompass various topics, allowing individuals to explore and reflect on various aspects of human behavior and mental processes. Here are some types of psychology reflection paper topics for college students that you can consider:

Personal Growth and Development:

How have your childhood experiences shaped your self-esteem and self-concept?
Reflect on the role of resilience in your personal growth during challenging times.
Explore the impact of your cultural background on your values and beliefs.
Discuss the concept of self-efficacy and its influence on achieving personal goals.
Reflect on your journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
How has your educational experience contributed to your personal growth and development?
Explore the psychological benefits of pursuing hobbies and interests outside of academics.
Reflect on the role of mentors or role models in your personal and professional development.
Discuss your experiences with setting and achieving personal milestones.
How has your perspective on success and achievement evolved?
Reflect on the impact of significant life transitions, such as moving to a new city or starting college, on your personal growth.
Explore the relationship between personal values and decision-making in your life.
Discuss the influence of social media and digital technology on your self-image and self-esteem.
Reflect on moments of failure or setbacks and the psychological lessons learned from them.
How have your friendships and social connections contributed to your personal development?
Explore the concept of self-reflection and its role in personal growth.
Discuss the importance of setting boundaries for self-care and well-being.
Reflect on the role of gratitude in fostering a positive mindset and personal growth.
How has your exposure to diverse perspectives and worldviews influenced your personal development?
Explore the psychological aspects of goal setting and motivation in your life.
Reflect on your experiences with mindfulness and its impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Discuss the concept of self-compassion and its role in overcoming self-criticism.
Explore the influence of family dynamics on your personal growth and identity.
Reflect on your experiences with volunteering or community service and their effects on personal development.
Discuss your journey of overcoming fears and phobias and the psychological strategies employed.
How has your time management and organization understanding influenced your personal growth?
Reflect on the concept of self-care and its importance in maintaining mental and emotional health.
Explore the role of self-expression through art, writing, or creativity in your personal development.
Discuss your experiences with setting and achieving career-related goals.
Reflect on the impact of positive affirmations and visualization techniques on your mindset and personal growth.

Mental Health Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

The Role of Resilience in Mental Health: Reflect on personal experiences of overcoming adversity and how resilience contributes to mental well-being.
Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction: Explore the practice of mindfulness and its impact on reducing stress.
The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health: Reflect on how social media use affects your mental well-being.
Coping with Academic Pressure: Discuss strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental health during college.
Self-Compassion and Mental Well-Being: Reflect on the concept of self-compassion and its role in mental health.
Impact of Physical Activity on Mood: Explore the relationship between exercise and mental well-being.
Creativity and Emotional Expression: Discuss how creative outlets like art, music, or writing can improve mental health.
The Connection Between Nutrition and Mood: Reflect on dietary choices and their influence on mental well-being.
Coping with Grief and Loss: Share personal experiences and coping strategies related to grief and loss.
The Power of Positive Psychology: Explore the principles of positive psychology and their application to daily life.
Sleep and Mental Health: Reflect on the importance of sleep for maintaining mental well-being.
Technology Addiction and Mental Health: Discuss the impact of excessive screen time on mental health.
Seeking Professional Help for Mental Health: Reflect on the decision to seek therapy or counseling and its benefits.
Nature and Mental Well-Being: Explore the therapeutic effects of spending time in nature.
Loneliness and Its Effects on Mental Health: Reflect on the experience of loneliness and strategies for combatting it.
Coping with Trauma: Share personal experiences of trauma and resilience in the healing process.
The Influence of Childhood Experiences on Adult Mental Health: Reflect on how early life experiences shape mental well-being.
Coping with Anxiety Disorders: Discuss strategies for managing and reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders.
The Role of Gratitude in Mental Health: Explore the practice of gratitude and its impact on well-being.
Gender and Mental Health: Reflect on the unique mental health challenges faced by different genders.
Coping with Change and Transitions: Share experiences of major life changes and the emotional challenges they bring.
Cultural Identity and Mental Health: Discuss the intersection of culture, identity, and mental well-being.
Coping with Perfectionism: Reflect on the pressure of perfectionism and strategies for self-acceptance.
Coping with Burnout: Share experiences of burnout and strategies for preventing it.
Coping with Impostor Syndrome: Explore feelings of self-doubt and strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome.
Coping with Relationship Stress: Discuss the impact of relationships on mental health and strategies for healthy communication.
The Influence of Music on Mood: Reflect on the emotional impact of music and its role in mental well-being.
Digital Detox and Mental Health: Share experiences of disconnecting from screens for improved mental well-being.
The Impact of Volunteering on Mental Health: Explore the benefits of giving back to the community.
Coping with Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Reflect on the emotional challenges of living with a chronic condition and strategies for resilience.

Read Also: Psychology Reflection Paper Topics: Nurturing Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Relationships Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

- The Impact of Active Listening on Relationship Quality.
- Exploring the Dynamics of Trust in Friendships.
- The Role of Empathy in Building Strong Relationships.
- Navigating Conflicts Constructively in Interpersonal Relationships.
- The Influence of Childhood Friendships on Adult Relationships.
- The Significance of Boundaries in Healthy Relationships.
- Cultural Differences in Relationship Expectations.
- Coping with Social Isolation and Loneliness.
- The Effects of Technology on Modern Relationships.
- Building and Maintaining Trust in Romantic Relationships.
- The Impact of Family Dynamics on Interpersonal Skills.
- Love Languages and Effective Communication.
- Unpacking the Dynamics of Codependent Relationships.
- The Psychology of Forgiveness in Repairing Relationships.
- Building and Sustaining Healthy Workplace Relationships.
- The Impact of Social Media on Relationship Satisfaction.
- Exploring Jealousy and Insecurity in Romantic Partnerships.
- Parent-Child Relationships and Attachment Styles.
- The Role of Gender Roles in Relationship Expectations.
- Peer Pressure and Its Influence on Relationships.
- Long-Distance Relationships: Challenges and Rewards.
- Building Healthy Friendships in College.
- Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Success.
- The Psychology of Love and Attachment.
- Attachment Styles and Their Impact on Adult Relationships.
- Conflict Resolution Skills in Family Relationships.
- The Influence of Personal Values on Relationship Choices.
- Managing Relationships and Academic Stress.
- Online Dating and Its Psychological Impact.
- The Role of Communication Styles in Conflict Resolution.

These topics offer a range of options for college students to explore and reflect upon various aspects of interpersonal relationships from a psychological perspective.

Cognitive Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

- The Influence of Cognitive Biases on Decision-Making.
- The Role of Memory in Problem-Solving.
- Cognitive Development in Childhood: Piaget’s Theory Revisited.
- Cognitive Factors in Learning and Education.
- Cognitive Psychology and the Digital Age: The Impact of Technology.
- The Psychology of Attention: Selective Attention and Multitasking.
- Cognitive Strategies for Enhancing Memory and Recall.
- Cognitive Psychology in Everyday Life: Memory Errors and Misinformation.
- The Cognitive Science of Creativity: Insights and Challenges.
- The Psychology of Language Processing and Comprehension.
- Theories of Intelligence: From Traditional IQ to Emotional Intelligence.
- Cognitive Approaches to Understanding Human Emotions.
- Cognitive Load Theory and Its Implications for Learning.
- The Impact of Stress on Cognitive Functioning and Decision-Making.
- Cognitive Psychology and Mental Health: Anxiety and Depression.
- Memory Enhancement Techniques: Mnemonics and Memory Palaces.
- The Cognitive Basis of Stereotyping and Prejudice.
- Cognitive Factors in Problem Gambling and Addiction.
- Cognitive Development in Adolescence: Challenges and Milestones.
- The Psychology of Cognitive Dissonance and Attitude Change.
- The Influence of Culture on Cognitive Processes and Perception.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Strategies for Brain Injury Survivors.
- Cognitive Psychology in Advertising and Persuasion.
- The Role of Cognitive Schemas in Perception and Memory.
- Cognitive Psychology and the Study of Expertise and Mastery.
- Cognitive Factors in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- The Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Performance and Memory Consolidation.
- Cognitive Aging: Myths, Realities, and Cognitive Interventions.
- Cognitive Psychology and the Exploration of Artificial Intelligence.
- Cognitive Factors in Creativity and Problem-Solving: Divergent Thinking.

Positive Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

The Science of Happiness: Exploring the Fundamentals of Positive Psychology.
Gratitude and Well-Being: Reflecting on the Benefits of Thankfulness.
Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth: Lessons from Adversity.
Positive Psychology Interventions: Strategies for Enhancing Life Satisfaction.
The Role of Positive Emotions in Mental Health and Coping.
Authenticity and Self-Identity: The Pursuit of a Genuine Life.
The Power of Mindfulness: Mindful Living and Psychological Well-Being.
Character Strengths and Virtues: Discovering Your Personal Qualities.
Positive Relationships: Nurturing Meaningful and Fulfilling Connections.
The Psychology of Flourishing: Understanding Optimal Human Functioning.
Positive Psychology and Work: Finding Meaning and Engagement in Your Career.
Happiness and Societal Well-Being: The Impact of a Positive Society.
Positive Psychology in Education: Fostering Resilience and Growth in Students.
Positive Aging: Thriving in Later Life and Embracing Wisdom.
Positive Psychology and Personal Goals: Pursuing What Truly Matters.
Empathy and Compassion: The Human Connection to Altruism.
Positive Psychology and Creativity: Unleashing Your Creative Potential.
Positive Parenting: Strategies for Raising Happy and Resilient Children.
Flow and Optimal Experiences: Finding Passion and Fulfillment in Activities.
Positive Psychology and Stress Management: Building Resilience in Adversity.
Positive Psychology and Health: The Mind-Body Connection.
Positive Psychology and Cultural Diversity: Exploring Global Perspectives.
Positive Psychology and Mindset: Cultivating a Growth Mindset for Success.
Positive Psychology and Environmental Sustainability: Creating a Positive Planet.
Positive Psychology in the Digital Age: Navigating Social Media and Well-Being.
Positive Psychology and Creativity: Nurturing Innovative Thinking.
Positive Psychology and Positive Aging: Embracing Later Life with Optimism.
Positive Leadership: Inspiring and Motivating Teams for Success.
Positive Psychology and Decision-Making: Optimizing Choices for Happiness.
Positive Psychology and Personal Growth: Transformative Insights for a Fulfilling Life.

Developmental Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for college students

Nature vs. Nurture: Examining the Role of Genetics and Environment in Development.
Attachment Theory: Reflecting on the Impact of Early Attachment on Relationships.
The Stages of Erikson’s Psychosocial Development: Lessons for Personal Growth.
Cognitive Development in Childhood: Piaget’s Theory and Its Relevance Today.
The Adolescent Brain: Understanding Cognitive and Emotional Changes.
Identity Formation in Adolescence: The Search for Self.
Parenting Styles and Their Influence on Child Development.
Sibling Relationships: Dynamics, Rivalries, and Bonds.
Moral Development: The Evolution of Ethical Beliefs.
Social Development in Childhood: Peer Influence and Friendships.
The Impact of Divorce on Child Development: Coping and Resilience.
Gender Development: The Role of Society and Biology.
Adolescence and Risk-Taking Behavior: From Rebellion to Responsibility.
Language Development in Infancy and Childhood: From Babbling to Communication.
Early Childhood Education: The Influence of Preschool on Cognitive Development.
Cultural Influences on Development: Identity, Values, and Beliefs.
Parenting Challenges: Balancing Work and Family Life.
Developmental Milestones: Celebrating Growth and Achievements.
Emotional Intelligence: Nurturing Emotional Awareness and Regulation.
Parent-Child Relationships in Adulthood: Autonomy and Support.
Aging and Memory: Understanding Cognitive Changes in Older Adulthood.
The Empty Nest Syndrome: Coping with Children Leaving Home.
Midlife Crisis or Transition? Reflecting on Middle Adulthood.
Death and Dying: Psychological Perspectives on End-of-Life Issues.
Grandparenting: Roles, Relationships, and Legacy.
Developmental Disabilities: Supporting Individuals and Families.
Positive Youth Development: Empowering Adolescents for Success.
Multicultural Identity Development: Navigating Diverse Backgrounds.
Emerging Adulthood: Defining and Navigating a Unique Life Stage.
Theories of Aging: Perspectives on Growing Older Gracefully.

Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

Cultural Identity: Reflect on Your Cultural Background and How It Shapes Your Perspectives.
Stereotypes and Prejudices: Analyzing Their Impact on Intercultural Communication.
Cultural Competence: The Importance of Understanding and Respecting Differences.
Acculturation and Assimilation: Personal Experiences and Challenges.
Multiculturalism in Society: Benefits and Challenges.
Cultural Influences on Mental Health: Stigma and Seeking Help.
Communication Styles: How Cultural Norms Affect Interactions.
Cultural Perspectives on Happiness and Well-Being.
Cross-Cultural Relationships: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Diversity.
The Influence of Culture on Parenting Styles and Child Rearing.
Cultural Adaptation: Personal Stories of Living Abroad.
Cultural Influences on Decision-Making: Collectivism vs. Individualism.
Cultural Differences in Conflict Resolution: Strategies for Effective Communication.
Ethical Dilemmas in Cross-Cultural Psychology Research.
Cultural Relativism vs. Universal Values: A Reflection on Moral Frameworks.
Cultural Influences on Gender Roles and Expectations.
Cultural Influences on Education: Approaches and Attitudes.
The Role of Language in Shaping Cultural Identity.
Cultural Influences on Health and Wellness Practices.
The Impact of Globalization on Traditional Cultures.
Cultural Celebrations and Traditions: Reflections on Holidays and Festivals.
Immigration and Acculturation: The Challenges of Cultural Integration.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation: Coping Strategies and Resilience.
Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health Disorders and Treatment.
Cultural Influences on Body Image and Beauty Standards.
Cultural Influences on Leadership Styles and Work Ethics.
Cultural Influences on Art, Music, and Creativity.
The Influence of Religion and Spirituality on Cultural Norms.
Cultural Perspectives on Aging and Eldercare.
Multicultural Counseling: Ethical Considerations and Competencies.

General Psychology Reflection Paper Topics for College Students

These psychology reflection paper topics for college students offer a broad spectrum of possibilities for self-reflection and exploration. Choose a topic that resonates with your interests and experiences, and use it as a canvas to blend psychological theories with personal insights in your reflection paper.

The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem: Reflect on how the use of social media platforms affects your self-esteem and body image, and explore the broader implications for college students.
Managing Stress and Anxiety in College Life: Share your personal strategies for coping with stress and anxiety as a college student and discuss their effectiveness.
The Influence of Family Dynamics on Personal Identity: Reflect on your family background and dynamics and how they have shaped your sense of self and personal identity.
Navigating Diversity and Inclusion on Campus: Discuss your experiences with diversity and inclusion efforts at your college and explore their impact on your perceptions and attitudes.
The Role of Empathy in Effective Communication: Reflect on instances where empathy played a crucial role in your interactions with peers, professors, or others in the college community.
Identity Development in Emerging Adulthood: Share your personal experiences related to identity development during the college years, including aspects of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
The Psychology of Procrastination and Time Management: Reflect on your experiences with procrastination and time management challenges in college and discuss strategies for improvement.
Exploring the Impact of Positive Psychology: Discuss the principles of positive psychology and how they can be applied to enhance well-being and personal growth in college life.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Reflect on moments when you’ve felt like an imposter in college and discuss strategies for recognizing and combating imposter syndrome.
The Power of Mindfulness and Self-Care: Share your journey with mindfulness and self-care practices and discuss how they have contributed to your mental health and well-being.
The Role of Relationships in College Life: Explore the significance of friendships, romantic relationships, and social connections during your college years.
Academic Challenges and Motivation: Reflect on your experiences with academic challenges, such as motivation, time management, and study habits, and discuss strategies for academic success.
The Psychology of Decision-Making in College: Discuss significant decisions you’ve made as a college student and analyze the psychological factors that influenced those choices.
Exploring Cognitive Biases in Everyday Life: Reflect on instances where cognitive biases influenced your perceptions and decision-making, both academically and personally.
The Impact of Sleep and Nutrition on College Performance: Explore the connection between sleep quality, dietary choices, and academic performance in college.
Stress Management Techniques for College Students: Share your insights into effective stress management techniques that have helped you navigate the demands of college life.
The Psychology of Leadership and Teamwork: Reflect on experiences in leadership roles or team settings and discuss the psychological dynamics at play.
Managing Time and Technology in the Digital Age: Explore the challenges of managing time and technology use in an era of constant connectivity and distractions.
The Intersection of Mental Health and Academic Success: Discuss the relationship between mental health, well-being, and academic achievement, drawing from your own experiences.
Personal Growth and Development in College: Reflect on how your experiences in college have contributed to your personal growth, values, and future aspirations.
The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Mental Health: Reflect on how early experiences, both positive and negative, shape an individual’s mental health and well-being in adulthood.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Self-Identity: Explore how social media platforms influence college students’ self-identity, self-esteem, and overall mental health.
The Psychology of Stress Management: Share your personal experiences and strategies for managing stress effectively in the college environment.
The Influence of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making: Reflect on instances where you felt pressured by peers to make specific choices and discuss the psychological factors at play.
Coping with Grief and Loss: Share your personal journey of coping with grief and loss, discussing the emotional and psychological processes involved.
The Power of Resilience in Overcoming Adversity: Reflect on a challenging life experience and discuss how resilience played a role in your ability to overcome it.
The Psychology of Procrastination: Explore your personal experiences with procrastination and delve into the psychological reasons behind this common behavior.
The Impact of Exercise on Mental Health: Reflect on your experiences with physical activity and how it has influenced your mental health and overall well-being.
Navigating the Transition to College Life: Share your personal insights on the challenges and adjustments you faced when transitioning from high school to college.
The Role of Psychological Support in Academic Success: Discuss the importance of seeking psychological support and counseling services for college students’ academic achievement and mental health.
The Influence of Family Dynamics on Mental Health: Reflect on the dynamics within your family and how they have shaped your psychological well-being.
The Psychology of Motivation: Share your experiences with motivation and explore the psychological theories that explain what drives individuals to achieve their goals.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Reflect on moments when you’ve felt like an imposter and discuss strategies for combating imposter syndrome.
The Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Functioning: Explore the relationship between sleep patterns and cognitive functioning, drawing from your own experiences as a college student.
The Psychological Effects of Technology Addiction: Reflect on your relationship with technology, including smartphones and social media, and discuss the potential psychological consequences.
Cultural Identity and Mental Health: Share your experiences as a college student from a diverse cultural background and discuss the impact of cultural identity on mental health.
The Psychology of Decision-Making: Reflect on significant decisions you’ve made in college and analyze the psychological factors that influenced those choices.
The Power of Mindfulness and Meditation: Share your personal journey with mindfulness and meditation practices and discuss their positive effects on mental well-being.
The Psychological Impact of Academic Pressure: Reflect on the stress and pressure associated with academic performance in college and discuss strategies for managing these challenges.
Building Healthy Relationships in College: Share insights into your experiences with forming and maintaining healthy relationships while navigating the college environment.
The Impact of Positive Psychology Practices on Mental Well-Being
Analyzing Personal Stressors and Coping Strategies Through the Lens of Stress Theories
Exploring the Role of Empathy in Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Identity Development and the College Experience: A Psychological Perspective
The Influence of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Body Image: Personal Reflections
Personal Growth and Emotional Intelligence: Lessons from Psychology
Overcoming Procrastination: Insights from Behavioral Psychology
The Power of Mindfulness and Its Application to Stress Reduction
The Psychology of Decision-Making: Reflecting on Significant Life Choices
The Intersection of Psychological Resilience and Adversity in College Life

Understanding the Assignment

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to understand the assignment’s objectives and requirements:

Review the Prompt: Carefully read the assignment prompt or guidelines provided by your instructor. Pay attention to specific instructions, such as the length of the paper, formatting style, and any suggested or required topics.
Identify the Focus: Determine the main focus of your reflection paper. Are you asked to reflect on a particular psychology concept, theory, or research findings? Or do you have the freedom to choose a psychology-related topic of personal interest?

Selecting a Psychology Topic

If your assignment allows you to choose a psychology-related topic, consider these steps:

Brainstorm Topics: Generate a list of psychology-related topics that intrigue you. Think about the concepts or areas within psychology that have resonated with you during the course.
Narrow Down Your Choice: Select a specific topic or concept that you can explore in-depth within the scope of your reflection paper. Ensure that it aligns with the assignment’s objectives.
Consider Personal Relevance: Reflect on personal experiences or situations where the chosen topic has relevance or has impacted your life.

Structuring Your Reflection Paper

A well-structured reflection paper is key to effectively conveying your thoughts and insights. Follow this structure:

Introduction: Begin with a concise introduction that introduces your chosen psychology topic and provides context for your reflection. Clearly state your thesis or the main point you intend to explore.
Body Paragraphs: Organize the body of your paper into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or point related to your topic. Use the following guidelines for each paragraph:
- Topic Sentence: Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
- Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence or examples from your personal experiences or observations that illustrate or relate to the topic.
- Analysis: Analyze the significance of the evidence in the context of your chosen psychology concept or theory. Explain how it connects to psychological principles or research.
Personal Reflection: Intersperse your analysis with personal reflection. Share your thoughts, feelings, and insights regarding the topic. Explain how your personal experiences align with or challenge the psychological concepts discussed.
Conclusion: Summarize your key points and the insights gained from your reflection. Restate your thesis and emphasize the significance of the topic in both your personal life and the field of psychology.

Writing Style and Tone

Maintain a clear and concise writing style throughout your reflection paper. Use formal academic language and appropriate terminology when discussing psychological concepts. However, when sharing personal experiences and reflections, maintain an informal and authentic tone.

Editing and Proofreading

After completing your reflection paper, take time to revise and proofread it. Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. Ensure that your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers or a writing tutor to refine your paper further.

Citing Sources

If your reflection paper incorporates information from external sources, such as psychology textbooks or research articles, be sure to properly cite them using the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA). Ensure that you follow the citation guidelines provided by your instructor.