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Human Development
Research Paper
Your task is to explore a controversy or
complex issue in human development,
taking into consideration various points of view and what
research has to say on the subject. It isn’t necessary to
take sides. You may come to your own conclusions, just be sure
your conclusions make sense given the facts you present.
Important note on topic selection: I
DO NOT want encyclopedic papers that just reports facts. You should
write on a topic you are interested in thinking about.
An Annotated Bibliography is
required for this paper. See your syllabus for the due date.
Paper Requirements:
All papers are to have a professional appearance. They are to
be typed and free of grammatical and spelling errors. Papers
should be about 1250 words long (5 pages). You must use the equivalent of
2 journal
articles. Most articles in the popular press count as less than 1
source. Cite your sources using APA
style.
Begin by introducing the topic, explaining why it is a
controversy and its relevance to human development. Include relevant
background information from the textbook.
Explain the different points of view in the controversy and
the relevant evidence. For example, if one side argues that
people are influenced by experiences they had before the age of
3, what experiments demonstrate that such memory exists? What
experiments demonstrate that such memories have lingering
influence?
Summarize the points of view. If you have formed a conclusion
of your own, state it and state how you came to your conclusion.
If you have not formed a conclusion of your own, say why not. Do
you need more information? If so, what questions remain in your
mind?
Grading Rubric
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Source
quality |
Relevance |
Thoroughness |
Insight |
Writing/mechanics |
| Exceeds Expectations
|
Psychology Journals only |
Topic is complex and allows for multiple points of view;
topic is clearly related to Human Development |
Sources represent a variety of points of view, and include
the results of scientific research; each is fully described; information
from the textbook is integrated into the paper |
Conclusion demonstrates thought and reflection; a
synthesis of information from various sources is evident |
Consistently follows rules of standard English; Writing is
organized, clear and coherent; Sources cited using APA style correctly
in text and in Works Cited |
| Meets Expectations
|
In-depth articles in the New York Times, news
magazines , or Psychology Today and at least 1 Journal article |
Topic has at least 2 points of view; is related to
Human Development |
Sources represent at least 2 points of view and are of
high quality (describe scientific research, provide strong logic
and evidence; avoid anecdotes); each source is described; the textbook
is used in the analysis |
Conclusion is logical and follows from information
presented in the paper |
No major errors in English usage; Organized for
readability; Sources cited using APA style |
| Approaches Expectations
|
Brief articles in the New York Times,
news magazines, or Psychology Today |
Topic is "encyclopedic" (there is only one point
of view to have); relation to Human Development is tangential |
Sources represent only one point of view or are simplistic
(simply listing information and not providing sources, logic, or
contradictory points of view); the textbook is mentioned, but not used
in the analysis |
Conclusion does not follow from information presented or
reflects no new thought |
Significant errors in English usage; some organizational
problems; Citations are inadequate |
| Does Not Approach Expectations
(failing grade)
|
.com sources with no author or references |
Topic is "encyclopedic"; topic is not related to
Human Development |
Sources represent only one point of view and are
simplistic; the textbook is not used |
Conclusion is weak, unclear, or illogical |
Multiple significant errors in English usage; poorly
organized; fails to cite sources; is not stapled |
Use me as a resource at any point in your paper. I’m glad
to help. I may have relevant articles in my office.
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