SNHU PSY 510 Milestone Two: Literature Review and Hypothesis Brief

Scholars must critically evaluate how digital environments alter traditional social cues. Systematic reviews of peer-reviewed literature indicate a significant shift in peer-pressure dynamics within virtual spaces. Examining these variables requires a robust methodological framework to ensure data validity.

Assessment Overview

For this Milestone Two assignment, you will build upon the research topic identified in Milestone One. Your primary task involves conducting a focused literature review of three to five peer-reviewed articles and developing a formal research hypothesis. This 1,050 to 1,400-word paper serves as the foundation for your final Research Proposal in the Social Sciences.

Assignment Instructions

Review the feedback provided on your Milestone One topic selection. You are required to locate current empirical research that supports or challenges your proposed area of study. Follow these specific structural requirements:

I. Introduction and Problem Statement

• Identify the specific psychological phenomenon under investigation.
• Explain the social relevance of the problem in a 2026 context.
• Define the scope of your review and the population of interest.

II. Literature Review

1. Synthesis of Research: Integrate findings from at least three peer-reviewed sources. Do not simply summarize; compare and contrast methodologies and conclusions.
2. Methodological Analysis: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the research designs used in your chosen articles (e.g., longitudinal vs. cross-sectional).
3. Gap Identification: Pinpoint what is currently missing in the literature that your proposed study will address.

III. Hypothesis Development

• State a clear, testable, and falsifiable hypothesis based on the literature reviewed.
• Identify the Independent Variable (IV) and the Dependent Variable (DV).
• Provide a rationale for your prediction using the theories discussed in your synthesis.

Grading Rubric and Marking Criteria

• Paper follows APA 7th Edition or Harvard formatting with zero errors.

Criteria	Exemplary (100%)	Proficient (85%)	Needs Improvement (55%)
Literature Synthesis	Integrates 3+ sources with sophisticated analysis of themes.	Integrates 3 sources with clear summary and some analysis.	Summarizes sources individually without synthesis.
Hypothesis Logic	Hypothesis is highly specific and logically derived from the review.	Hypothesis is testable and related to the review.	Hypothesis is vague or lacks theoretical support.
Critical Thinking	Demonstrates deep insight into methodological gaps.	Identifies basic limitations in current research.	Fails to address research limitations or gaps.

Learning Materials and Resources

• Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. New York: Penguin Press.
• Orben, A. (2020). The Sisyphean cycle of technology panic. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(5), pp. 1140-1146. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620919372
• Valkenburg, P. M. (2022). Social media use and well-being: A differentiated person-specific model. Current Opinion in Psychology, 44, pp. 18-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.08.015
• Twenge, J. M., Haidt, J., Blake, A. B., McAllister, C., Lemon, H., & Le Moine, A. (2021). Worldwide increases in adolescent loneliness. Journal of Adolescent Health, 69(2), pp. 258-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.06.010