Writing Assignment
100 Points
In this assignment I want you to examine, in depth, a hot button topic.
This paper is a FORMAL literature review. The audience is not your friend in the example, but other
developmental psychologists.
I want you to: (1) Define the problem of interest; (2) review the empirical evidence and (3) propose a
research idea.
I want you to TAKE A PERSPECTIVE and DEFEND it. However, remember that not all topics have a correct
yes or no answer. Therefore, a key part of this assignment is to use empirical evidence to support,
defend, and make A CLEAR ARGUMENT regarding your position.
I do not want an article about “This is what Alzheimer’s is”. A better topic is, “how close are we to a cure
of Alzheimer’s”.
Other topics: Does midlife crisis actually exist? Can older adults learn from technology (ipads) or do they
learn better from pen and paper? Do those brain training apps actually work? Do supplements like
gingko biloba work to improve older adult memory?
As you can see…These are all questions. I want you to ask a question, and answer it.
The purpose of this assignment is to become more proficient in reading and discussing empirical articles
on the topics of adult development.
Things your paper needs to do:
Follow APA format
Be around 7 pages of TEXT (not counting title page/references), in a normal font (times new
roman) and normal font size (12).
Use at least 5 empirical articles
o No wikipedia, no google articles, no buzzfeed posts.
o Review articles are ok to start from, but you should dig deeper into the papers that they
cite.
Provide a strong introduction and conclusion
Propose a research idea
o This does not need to be a full methods section. But I do want a section about “ok, given
the current research this is what I would like to do. “I would have two groups. These
would be the variables. “this is what I expect to find”
If you have questions on using the UNCP library website to find articles, LET ME KNOW. We can talk
about it. If you have a question about what a good article is LET ME KNOW.
The actual topic of the paper can be ANYTHING related to class.
Also remember plagiarism will not be tolerated. Look to the syllabus for any questions regarding the
schools plagiarism policy.
Rubric:
Introduction (10Pts): Has citations. A good clear thesis statement. Clearly defines what the paper is
about. Not overly Casual.
Body of Paper (20Pts): Clearly talks about the literature. Has a clear progression. Focuses on the science.
Paragraphs clearly relate to one another. Using information well. Is it logical. Are you sticking to the
science?
Proposal (10 Pts): Has a proposal. Has a clear research question it is asking. Idea is logical. Provides
expected conclusions of their research and what it would add
Conclusion (10 Pts): Clearly raps up the paper in a satisfying way
Writing Quality (25 Points total)
10 Points- Is free of major grammar and spelling errors (more errors loses more points)
15 points- Scientific tone. This should be a formal paper. No contractions or casual language.
Each instance loses a point, maximum 10 points
APA Format: 15 Points
(NO abstract needed)
Title Page
Reference List
In text citations
Page number
Running header
Points will be lost for any of these things shown. A paper that is not at all in APA format will lose
Enough citations
Other: 10 Points
Does your paper start and finish strong? I want a good introduction/opening line/conclusion
Does the paper seem like time and effort was spent on it
Is the paper an appropriate length to feel like it was a full investigation of the issues.
can it follow this format
Introduction
A. What retirement is
B. how people feel after retirement
C. main idea of paper
II. What Retirement is Like
A. What is retirement how does it happen
B. Why people do retire
C. Good and bad news
about retirement
III. Feelings After Retiring
A. How people think and feel when they get older
B. How retirement can make people feel happy or sad
C. People brain changes after retirement
IV. How People Deal with Retirement
A. Stress that comes with retirement
B. Its important to have friends and family around
C. professional help is needed
V. staying happy in retirement
A. the effect on the body
B. how to keep your mind and body in shape
C. How they can do thing still after retirement
VI. Real life examples
A. stories of retired people
B. talk about the good and bad parts of retirement
C. learning advice to give based on what others experienced
VII. Future outlook
A. What else needs to be learned
B. rules and laws about retirement
C. Advice for people about to retire
VIII. conclusion
A. Summarizing the main point of view
B. The importance of why people retire
C. Final thoughts
Paper title
Transition to Retirement: Psychological and Adjustments in late adulthood
add these 3 citations
Portacolone, E., & Halpern, J. (2016). Move or Suffer: Is Age-Segregation the New Norm for
Older Americans Living Alone? Journal of Applied Gerontology, 35(8), 836-856.
https://doi.org/10.1177 0733464814538118
Ravensbergen, L., Newbold, K. B., & Ganann, R. (2024). ‘It’s overwhelming at the start’:
transitioning to public transit use as an older adult. Ageing and Society, 44(1), 43-60.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X22000010
Kayla Regan, Brittany Intzandt, Karli Swatridge, Anita M. Myers, Eric Roy, & Laura E.
Middleton. (2016).Changes in Physical Activity and Function with Transition to
Retirement Living: A Pilot Study. Canadian Journal on Aging, 35(4).
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0714980816000593
