2009 TOPSS Essay Competition Winners
For the Summer 2009 Psychology Teacher Network

The APA TOPSS Committee congratulates the student winners of the 2009 APA TOPSS Essay Competition. Arzina Alam of Avenel, New Jersey, Sharon Hecker of Sparta, Michigan, and Meghan Christine Zeitter of Grand Rapids, Michigan each received $500 scholarships for their winning essays. Sara Berlin of Miami, Florida received an honorable mention award for her essay

The 2009 essay question asked students to focus on techniques advertisers use to encourage consumers to purchase their products. Students were asked to create an advertising campaign on behalf of a fictitious company that sells new athlete shoes, explaining how principles of compliance and techniques of persuasion were used. Students also had to discuss at least two potential ethical issues in using compliance in advertising, and develop a conclusion on the value of using psychological principles and techniques in adversing in general. Finally, students were asked to make a recommendation for prospective consumers that would aid them in making good decisions about future purchases.

Information about the 2010 TOPSS Essay Competition will be included in the Fall 2009 PTN.