Instructions
The final paper is a capstone assignment consisting of an in-depth exploration of an advanced topic in cognitive psychology documented in APA style. You have been given four topics to choose from, along with a number of references to get you started. The general format is that of an essay consisting of 7-10 pages and referencing at least five scholarly sources; it is intended to provide an opportunity to more fully describe, explain, and analyze the readings provided, as well as the topical materials you find via your own literature searches. The paper is worth 10% of your final grade.
Each completed paper must be 7-10 pages, double spaced, 12 pt. font, using APA style citations/references. A title page, reference page, and any included materials are not part of the page total. Be sure to include your name, the date, course name, and instructor name on the final paper. The instructor expects that you use APA style when referencing. This includes both in-text citations and a References page. Please refer to the resource entitled How Do I Use APA Style to Cite my Sources for more information.
2. Applying Cognitive Psychology to Learning
The testing effect, engaging in retrieval practice rather than passively restudying to improve long-term learning, is one of the most robust findings in cognitive psychology. For this topic, deep-dive into what cognitive psychologists know about the testing effect. How would students implement this study strategy? Are there any limitations to this approach? What other study strategies have cognitive psychologists found to be effective?
Roediger, H. L. & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249-255.
Roediger, H. L. & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Science, 15(1), 20-27.
2. RESEARCH
In addition to the references provided to get you started, find AT LEAST three more references for a total of at least five references for your paper. You will first utilize these references in your Annotated Bibliography due at the end of Module 5. You can locate information on Library and Research Resources for your topics within the Research Resources section of the course labeled “Course Information”.
You can find scholarly or academic sources to support your paper at the SUNY Empire Library website linking under “Research Guides”. If you are not familiar with the SUNY Empire library, go to the Library Self-Help page for helpful hints. You can also get help from the online Ask a Librarian link on the library website.
3. WRITE
The main body of your paper should be between seven and ten pages double-spaced. Your paper must address all of the questions within the chosen topic and display advanced knowledge of the terms, concepts, and theories within the field of Cognitive Psychology.
4. ADD REFERENCES
The list of references goes into a separate page(s), after the body of the paper, alphabetically ordered by author. They are single spaced and must follow APA style. At least five references must be consulted for the paper.
Do not use your textbook as a source
Do not use Wikipedia or other secondary sources
In-text citations: all references selected for your paper must be cited in the text of the paper whenever you are commenting or paraphrasing statements drawn from these sources.
5. SUBMIT
SUBMIT. Check that your essay meets all of the above criteria and submit in the drop-box below.
Format: PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word document or RTF document if you do not have Word.
Academic style for Referencing: American Psychological Association (APA)
