Cognitive Psychology

Term Project Requirements and Project & Presentation Rubric

You will complete an original research paper addressing one of the schools of thought from your textbook. The Term Paper is to be 12 pages in length (minimum, NOT including title page, abstract, or references, with all text double-spaced and in Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1″ margins). This paper is to be written in American Psychological Association 6th edition format, and is to include:

(a)    A title page with name, affiliation, and running head;
(b)    An abstract in which you summarize the entire paper in one to two paragraphs;
(c)    An introductory paragraph in which you will introduce the topic of interest at the macro-level;
(d)    Eight to twelve well-developed paragraphs in which you present the body of your paper;
(e)    One to three summary paragraphs where you summarize the findings of your paper;
(f)    One to three “implications” paragraphs in which you describe the importance of this research for the field of psychology as well as for the improvement of humans in general; and
(g)    A reference page in APA format in which you include all sources used in your paper.

Because this is a 400-level course, those papers that receive satisfactory grades will be well-written, thoughtful, and worthy of submission to either a peer-reviewed professional journal or conference.  Failure to submit this assignment by the due date will result in a grade of zero.

You must cite at least 3 books and 5 psychology journal articles in your paper. The assignment requires the accessing of relatively old journal articles and books so you should begin early trying to locate them. Internet citations are not acceptable for a term paper. Your textbook, similarly, is a supplement, and is not one of the 3 books minimum. It is, in fact, best to avoid citing an undergraduate textbook in your paper. A plagiarized document will be dealt with according to the academic honor code, and will result in a minimum penalty of an “F” for the paper (zero points).

A paragraph stating your topic is due on the date listed in the timetable (at the end of this syllabus). The paper should demonstrate understanding and thoughtful reflection on a topic that speaks to the mission of this course. That is, it should reflect your ability to place the topic into the context of daily life.

Term papers will be graded on the basis of content, clarity, and overall quality of work. The paper is an important part of this course. Term papers will be due on the date noted in the timetable below. Late papers will not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. You may, at your discretion, hand in a term paper early. If you wish to do so, with time permitting, the instructor will offer comments for revision and accept the revised version no later than the due date.

All students will submit their papers to the course Dropbox. (The Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.) A plagiarized document will result in a minimum penalty of an “F” for the paper (zero points). Please review the Academic Honesty information contained within the syllabus.

Students sometimes stress over writing term papers, but try to make this a project something you do for your personal learning and growth as a student/scholar. Start early and try to enjoy the process!

Additionally, a portion of the term paper grade is based upon the creation of a presentation related to the actual Term Paper. Beyond the use of a slide presentation (PowerPoint, Prezi), the presentation requires an audio narration. [For additional information on adding audio, please see: http://office.microsoft.com/enus/powerpoint-help/add-and-play-sounds-in-a-presentation-HA010336707.aspx.] As a recommendation, please keep your presentation to approximately 10 slides and 10 minutes in length. Please see the Term Paper scoring rubric for additional information regarding the requirements of this presentation.

PSY499 — Project & Presentation Rubric

Student Name(s):  _____________ _____________     _____________

Presentation:   PowerPoint            Prezi          Other:__________________________

Professionalism (worth 10%)                            Poor                              Excellent
Organized (presented clearly with beginning, middle and end)          1     2     3     4     5     ____
(weighted conversion)  x2

Total section points:   ____
Quality of Presentation Program (worth 40%)
Non-distracting background (easy to read text with background color)     1     2     3     4     5
Captures attention (visually engaging with pics, music, or video)          1     2     3     4     5
Use of  good quality images that reinforce message            1     2     3     4     5
Includes only essential information (not wordy)               1     2     3     4     5 ____
Easily readable (overuse of italics, large fonts)                    1     2     3     4          5
Non-overuse of special effects/flashy transitions/sounds          1     2     3     4     5
Non-overuse of bullets                               1     2     3     4     5
Approx. one slide per minute (10 min max)                     1     2     3     4     5
(weighted conversion)            x1.0

Quality of Spoken Presentation (worth 50%)                     Total section points:   ____
Opening statement captures attention (interest in topic)           1     2     3     4     5
Speak with conviction (knows the information)                1     2     3     4     5
Logical flow of ideas (tells a good story by using example, activity)     1     2     3     4     5
Appropriate pace (not too fast, not too slow)                    1     2     3     4     5 ____
Easy to understand (concise, relevant info., good use of ex., pics, story)     1     2     3     4     5 Demography/References (Slide 1 – dem. of presenter(s) & last slide – Refs) 1     2     3     4     5
(weighted conversion)       x1.6667

Total section points:   ____

SCORE:   __________   out of 100 Total Possible Points

Project Title:______________________________________________________
Thorough understanding (historical roots of theory/concept)          10     20     30     40     50
Current relevant application with empirical support (lit. review info.) 10     20     30     40     50
Future relevant applications (realistic examples)                10     20     30     40     50
Content engaging (questions and/or reflection from/for audience)          10     20     30     40     50 ____
Artistic Form (project creativity, relevant props, activities, videos or music) 10     20     30     40     50
Overall Quality (general overview)                         10     20     30     40     50
Substantial (considerable length/depth, connections made for careers, grad school, life)     10     20     30     40     50

SCORE:   __________   out of  350 Total Possible Points

Groups Only: All members present and participated?       Yes   No      If No (-) 50pts.

**Copies of any data, surveys, and etc. must be submitted at the time of presentation.
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By admin in Essays on July 30, 2016