Research Paper
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Instructions
PSYC 437 Research Paper
Using the UMUC Library complete a 1250 – 1500 word research paper on a major topic in positive psychology. (Note: You should consult with the instructor on appropriate research topics.) The research paper must:
include a discussion of the relevant theories appropriate to the topic
identify current research efforts
apply the topic
To help you think about your topic, consider the following:
What is (insert topic)?
Address specifics regarding the overall impact of your selected topic within the context of positive psychology.
What theories, past and present, are leading the way?*
What are the current research trends?
Provide clear explanation of the research being conducted.
How are researchers investigating this topic?
Provide details like target populations, study methodology.
What are the pertinent findings thus far?
What are the key strengths and weaknesses of the research you have found?
In what areas is this element of positive psychology being applied?
Current applications? (pros and cons)
Projection for the future?
Conclusions: What is your personal opinion? What you have discovered?
What is your overall impression?
How does this research add to our understanding of positive psychology?
What are the implications for practice in applied settings?
*Theoretical Considerations: You may also consider comparing and contrasting positive psychology theories as a means of addressing a specific topic. In this approach you would utilize the comparison of contrasting theories as a focal point to demonstrate the significance of your topic. For example, what is driving the creation of contrasting theories in this area?
Assignment Guidelines
Title Page: An APA formatted cover page (to include page number) is required.
Format: All papers must be typed, double-spaced, using a legible font, per APA(7th ed.) guidelines (e.g., 1-inch margins, headings, double-spaced, in-text citations, appropriately sized sans serif or serif fonts – e.g., 12 Times Roman, etc.).
Paragraph spacing: Remove extra spacing between paragraphs. In Microsoft Word the default blank (aka “Normal”) template adds space between paragraphs. This results in there being more than double spacing between paragraphs. You will need to turn this option off. To learn how to deactivate the extra spacing following/before paragraphs visit the About.com webpage: http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/microsoftword2007/qt/extraspace2007.htm
Tables and Figures: If tables or figures are used, they too must follow APA guidelines (i.e., tables/figures are placed at the end of the document following your reference section. Examples of how to format tables can be found at the Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/19/).
Content: All papers must contain 1) an introductory paragraph that highlights the topic to be discussed; 2) the body that outlines the details of the topic selected — positive psychology and related theories relevant to the topic, current research efforts, and demonstrated application; and 3) a closing paragraph that summarizes your thoughts, views, etc., on the topic presented.
Resources: All papers must include a minimum of three to four scholarly references beyond the articles and materials presented within the course. Our UMGC Writing Center provides excellent guidance on what research resources are and how to evaluate them. Module 4: The Research Process provides a discussion dedicated to What are Research Resources.
An additional note on resources. Avoid long quotes or chaining quotes from your resources. Papers presented in a cut and paste format will not be accepted. Chaining together long segments of text in quotation marks does not demonstrate mastery of concepts and the practice violates the university’s academic integrity policies.
Length: Research papers should be at least 1250 – 1500 words (five to six pages) in length. When considering this guideline you are not to jeopardize clarity for the sake of brevity. Be sure your arguments/thoughts are clearly presented. It is better to use an extra few words, or even an extra sentence or two, to make sure your points are well presented than to be consumed by word counting. The length suggestion here is the threshold for a paper to be considered, “meets requirements.”
Grammar: Grammar counts. Misspellings, incomplete or run-on sentences, and frequent changes in verb tense distract the reader from the points you are trying to convey. They detract from the overall quality of your work (even if your logic is sound and well presented).
Sound citation practices: Your paper will be submitted to Turnitin for review. The paper you submit must be your own thoughts and words. Any quotes or material used from another source (including the internet) must be cited following the most recent APA Publication Manual guidelines. This means, rewording a sentence from someone else’s work does not make it your own. You have simply rephrased someone else’s thoughts (even if you do agree with them or that you’ve had the same thoughts yourself). Honor and acknowledge an original author for his or her work by citing the source and including the article/resource in your reference list. Note, this does not mean you must catalog every article or other source you read in preparation for writing your paper. Only cite materials used directly in your paper should be included in your reference section.
Submit to your Assignment Folder as a single document in either Microsoft Word, PDF, or RTF format.
Due Date
Jun 22, 2021 11:59 PM
Hide Rubrics
Rubric Name: Writing Rubric
This table lists criteria and criteria group names in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method. You can give feedback on each criterion by tabbing to the add feedback buttons in the table.
Content
Exceptional
8 points
Exceeds Expectations
6.8 points
Meets Expectations
5.6 points
Meets Some Expectations
4.4 points
Meets Minimal Expectations
3.2 points
Not Done
0 points
Criterion Score
All topics were discussed in clear detail
Central idea is well developed and clarity of purpose is exhibited
throughout the paper; abundant evidence of critical, careful thought and analysis and/or insight; evidence and examples are vivid and specific while focus remains tight
Central idea is developed and clarity of purpose is exhibited
throughout the paper; strong evidence of critical thought and analysis present; evidence and examples are relevant
Central idea and clarity of purpose are generally evident throughout the paper; evidence of critical thought and analysis present; evidence and examples are presented and generally support topics discussed
Central idea is expressed though it may be vague or too broad; some sense of purpose noted; some evidence of critical thought and
analysis presented; there are some examples and evidence, though general
Central idea is expressed though it may be vague or too broad; little or no evidence of critical, careful thought or analysis; there are too few examples or evidence, or they are mostly irrelevant
Central idea and clarity of purpose are absent or incompletely expressed
and maintained
Score of All topics were discussed in clear detail,/ 8
Assertions supported correctly
Defensible and complex assertions
provide distinct support for the thesis of the paper; sequence of assertions is intentional and
logically advances arguments; assertions are clarified when
necessary
Defensible assertions
support the thesis; sequence of assertions is logically organized and advances arguments; assertions are clarified when
necessary
Defensible assertions provide support for the thesis; sequence of assertions is intentional
but may not effectively advance the
argument; attempts to clarify assertions is made when necessary.
Some assertions support thesis;
sequence of assertions may be arbitrary;
some assertions are clarified in
scope
Effort to build assertions and logically sequence them is limited; attempts to provide clarification are few and/or have minimal impact
Effort to build assertions and logically sequence them is absent; attempts to provide clarification are not made.
Score of Assertions supported correctly,/ 8
Ideas were interrelated coherently and logically
Overall, ideas/content are interrelated coherently and logically, revealing insightful
and sophisticated depth of understanding
and analysis
Overall, ideas/content are interrelated coherently and logically, revealing reveal strong depth of understanding and analysis
Overall, ideas/content are interrelated coherently and logically, revealing reveal a foundational level of understanding and analysis
Ideas/content are joined through plausible logic that demonstrates rudimentary understanding
Some ideas/content are joined through plausible logic, yet fail to
demonstrate basic interpretation/understanding of key concepts/relationships
Ideas were not interrelated and/or joined coherently; depth of understanding and analysis not demonstrated
Score of Ideas were interrelated coherently and logically,/ 8
This table lists criteria and criteria group names in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method. You can give feedback on each criterion by tabbing to the add feedback buttons in the table.
Organization
Exceptional
16 points
Exceeds Expectations
13.6 points
Meets Expectations
11.2 points
Meets Some Expectations
8.8 points
Meets Minimal Expectations
6.4 points
Not Done
0 points
Criterion Score
An introduction previews main points of reflection, body of paper develops and elaborates main ideas, conclusion summarizes main points
Paper is masterfully organized; easily followed; effective, smooth, with compelling, logical transitions
Paper is logically organized; easily followed; effective, smooth, with logical transitions
Paper has a clear organizational structure with some digressions, ambiguities or irrelevances; easily followed; basic transitions
There is some level of organization though digressions, ambiguities, and irrelevances are many; occasionally difficult to follow; ineffective transitions
Organization lacking; digressions, ambiguities, irrelevances are pervasive; difficult to follow; ineffective transitions; rambling format
There is no apparent organization to the paper; difficult to follow; no or poor transitions
Score of An introduction previews main points of reflection, body of paper develops and elaborates main ideas, conclusion summarizes main points,/ 16
This table lists criteria and criteria group names in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method. You can give feedback on each criterion by tabbing to the add feedback buttons in the table.
Writing Mechanics and Style
Exceptional
5 points
Exceeds Expectations
4.25 points
Meets Expectations
3.5 points
Meets Some Expectations
2.75 points
Meets Minimal Expectations
2 points
Not Done
0 points
Criterion Score
Paper free of mechanical errors (e.g., misspellings, typos, etc.) AND paper grammatically sound (proper sentence structure)
Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free
Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning; minor writing mechanics errors
Uses language that generally conveys meaning but lacks clarity; writing mechanics includes several, or consistent small errors
Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage; level of mechanical errors are occasionally distracting and/or periodically interrupt flow of communication
Uses language that impedes meaning because of significant errors in usage; errors in writing mechanics consistently distract and/or impede flow of communication
Pervasive language and usage errors prevent a meaningful understanding of writing
Score of Paper free of mechanical errors (e.g., misspellings, typos, etc.) AND paper grammatically sound (proper sentence structure),/ 5
Citations and references in proper APA style
Flawless use of APA style (title page, structure, headings, subheadings, references, etc.)
Minor errors in APA style (title page, structure, headings, subheadings, references, etc.)
Utilizes basic APA style but includes consistent errors (title page, structure, headings, subheadings, references, etc.)
Pervasive errors in APA style (title page, structure, headings, subheadings, references, etc.)
Missing key components of an APA style paper (title page, structure, headings, subheadings, references, etc.)
Fails to utilize APA style
Score of Citations and references in proper APA style,/ 5
Rubric Total Score
Total
Score of Writing Rubric,/ 50
Overall Score
Overall Score
Exceptional
45 points minimum
Exceeds Expectations
40 points minimum
Meets Expectations
35 points minimum
Meets Some Expectations
30 points minimum
Meets minimal expectations
25 points minimum
Not Done
0 points minimum
