5 pts
Organization/Writing Quality/Format: Organization and structure of your paper and
the clarity of writing, including spelling and grammar. Paragraphs and section should
include clear thesis statements. Paper should be formatted according to formatting
guidelines (Use APA style for format citations. Please be sure to add page #s.)
1.5 pts
Introduction: Well-prepared introduction with a description of the topic focus, overall
thesis, and overview of the areas you will cover.
1.5 pts
Article Selection: Select and discuss four relevant research-based articles/references.
Using scholarly books or journal articles will make your paper even stronger. You can
use a text, theoretical source or a web data source for one reference.
9 pts
Research Summary and Discussion: Thoughtful and well-presented comparison
synthesis of research and information. Include some aspects of what you know from this
course in the context of the research paper. If you include any relevant concepts or terms
related to family studies, be sure they are clearly defined and cited. There should be a
summary and conclusion tying ideas together as well.
Assignment: Prepare a literature review paper integrating research and applied practice
related to a family and child topic. Please follow APA format. Paper Length: minimum 8
to 10 full pages, maximum 12 pages (not including title page; see notes on paper length
in format section).
Purpose: The goal of this paper is to prepare a focused literature review of a family
psychology, family studies topic or issue from a psychosocial perspective. Choose a
child-focused family topic of interest to you. If you prefer to write your paper on a topic
that has been or will be extensively discussed in class, take a new angle on the topic or
bring in new research. Your paper should introduce the topic, include and define key
constructs and terms linked to the focus, and present a summary and critical analysis of
the research you reviewed.
Final Paper Format: Areas to include: (1) Title (2) Brief overview/introduction (3)
Literature: discussion of research, and/or theory and practice/treatments (4) Critical
analysis (comparing and synthesizing articles, etc.) (5) Final discussion (issues, lessons
learned, etc.) (6) Conclusion.
Length: 8-10 pages (maximum 12 pages). All papers must be double-spaced, in 12-pt Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
Questions and considerations: Think of this paper as a resource. How will this be useful
to your current and future interests and career plans? Consider relevance of the topic
along with its relation to the field of family psychology and the child in the family
context. Also consider your ability to access the needed research for the paper. Use a
minimum of 4 strong (peer reviewed) journal or research-based references
