Develop a research paper based on the portrayal of sexual behaviors in the media. Select an example from the media to use as the focus of your paper. Some examples may include television shows like Three's Company, Will and Grace, or Modern Family, and books/films like the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Use your selected media example to write a 4–5-page paper in which you address the following. You may wish to use the APA Paper Template provided in the Resources to write your paper.

• Identify and describe the sexual behavior.
• Describe to what extent or in what ways the behavior is considered acceptable or deviant.
• Describe how the behavior is addressed in the media, and provide examples.
• Describe the impact that the media portrayal may have on societal perceptions of the behavior.
• Identify a minimum of four sources that support your statements regarding the identified sexual behavior and its impact on society. At least two of these sources must be scholarly sources.
• Explain the findings of these sources and how they support your statements about the identified sexual behaviors.
• Connect what you have learned in your research by integrating and combining information from your sources with the media selection.

Your paper should follow a logical structure and be evidence-based. Use the MEAL plan to help guide the organization of your paper:

• Main Idea: Present the main point/idea that you are making about the portrayal of sexual behaviors in your selected media example.
• Evidence: What does the research say? Support your statements with evidence from the literature.
• Application: Summarize main ideas from articles related to your topic. Apply concepts that relate directly or indirectly to your main point. Make explicit links between source articles and your current paper.
• Link: Integrate and combine information from your source articles with your main point/idea.

Conduct independent research for resources and references to support your paper. Provide a reference list and in-text citations for all of your resources, in APA format. You may cite texts and authors from the unit readings, as well as any additional reputable resources you find on your own.

You are urged to use Capella University's Writing Center, a resource to help you develop clear and effective writing. You will be able to receive feedback on your writing, use writing resources, discover new writing strategies, and explore different ways to draft, revise, edit, and proofread your own work.

Review the Sexual Behaviors Scoring Guide to learn the grading criteria for this assignment.

Submission Requirements

• Written Communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA Formatting: Resources and in-text citations should be formatted according to APA (6th edition) style and formatting.
• Length: The research paper should be 4–5 pages in length. Include a separate title page and a separate references page.
• Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 point, double spaced. Use Microsoft Word.
• Number of Resources: Use a minimum of four scholarly resources.