PSYC 105 PSYCHOLOGY JOURNAL REVIEW PAPER

Fall 2014
INSTRUCTIONS:
I. Read the research article (in Bb9.1.)

II. Write a 4-page (double-spaced, 12 point font, 1 margins) research paper comparing and
contrast the articles. The paper should be formatted in the following manner: title page (Does not
count as part of the 4 pages); Introduction; Comparing the Research; Conclusion; and Reference
page (Does not count as part of the 4 pages.). Points will be deducted for improper format and
submission. (See rubric below). The Review is worth 100 points.

Part I -- Introduction
Briefly describe the important aspects of the research.
What was the hypothesis of the article?
What were the major independent and dependent variables?
Discuss the importance of the sample and sample size(s) in the article.
How were data recorded and for how long?
Was this a priming study or a behavioral study?
Was it an experiment, a correlational study, or something else?
Part II Comparing the Research to the Textbook material in chapters 1 and 3.
Consider all of the above when comparing the research hypotheses and conclusions.
What was the nature of the research strategy for each article? (How did the research design help
to determine the answer to the research question/s)?
Part III Conclusion(s)
Summarize the results and conclusions of the studies.
What should future research in this area examine?
III. Submission
Papers must be submitted electronically (Bb9.1) as an attachment to Dr. CTs CCBC e-mail by Tuesday,
November 25
th
before the beginning of class. Late submissions will receive standard deductions.

Psychology 105
Journal Review Research Paper
Grading Rubric (Maximum 100 points)
**Additional points may be deducted if directions are not followed.
Written communication skills Content knowledge Critical thinking skills Independent Learning
25 points
Exceeds
expectations



No more than 8 different spelling,
grammar or punctuation errors with
readability not being affected. If
uncommon words are used, they
are defined. Paper is composed of
3 content pages; 1 title page; at
least 1 bibliography page.
No more than 2 ideas lack
detail and relevant support, but
ideas demonstrate application
of course content to paper
topic; no more than 1
psychological term used
inaccurately.
Demonstrates ability to
distinguish subjective from
objective claims; evaluates
source and validity of
information; analyzes
information and synthesizes
ideas from both sources.
Demonstrates the following
3 objectives throughout the
essay: understands the
assignment, follows
directions, and uses
learning resources internal
and external to the course.
20 points
Meets
expectations



No more than 10 different spelling,
punctuation, and/or grammatical
errors that have a minor effect on
readability. Most information flows
logically with weak transitions.
Paper is composed of 3 content
pages; 1 title page; at least 1
bibliography page.
No more than 3 ideas lack detail
and relevant support, but ideas
demonstrate application of
course content to paper topic.
No more than 2 psychological
terms used inaccurately.
Demonstrates ability to
distinguish subjective from
objective claims; evaluates
source and validity of
information; analyzes
information and synthesizes
ideas from 1 of the sources.
Demonstrates .the following
3 objectives in most of the
essay: understands the
assignment, follows
directions, and uses
learning resources internal
and external to the course.
17.5 points
Needs some
improvement



Spelling, grammar, or punctuation
errors moderately affect readers
ability to understand content. Many
sentences are run-ons, awkward,
or unclear. Paper is composed of 2
content pages; 1 title page; at least
1 bibliography page.
No more than 4 ideas lack
detail and relevant support, but
ideas demonstrate application
of course content to paper
topic. No more than 3
psychological terms used
inaccurately.
Demonstrates awareness of
subjective and objective
claims, but incorrectly
evaluates source and
validity of information.
Demonstrates 2 of the
following 3 objectives in
parts of the essay:
understands the
assignment, follows
directions, and uses
learning resources internal
and external to the course.
15 points
Needs
significant
improvement




Spelling, grammar or punctuation
errors make paper unintelligible,
lacking structure, content and/ or
clarity. No citations included in the
paper. Paper is composed of 2 or
less content pages; either title
page or bibliography (not both).
Main ideas are not detailed or
are supported by research;
lacks application of course
content to paper.
Does not demonstrate
ability to distinguish
subjective from objective
claims. Incorrect analysis
leads to faulty conclusions.
Demonstrates 1 of the
following 3 objectives in
parts of the essay:
understands the
assignment, follows
directions, and uses
learning resources internal
and external to the course.
12.5 points
Well below
expectations



Paper is written in 1-3 paragraph
format with no evidence of
distinction between paragraphs.
Evidence that paper has been
plagiarized.
Main ideas are not detailed or
are supported by outdated
research; consistent misuse of
psychological concepts.
No valid objective claims
made; conclusion
inconsistent with data
presented; conclusion
based on invalid sources.
Demonstrates none of the
following objectives:
understands the
assignment, follows
directions, and uses
learning resources internal
and external to the course.
TOTAL
POINTS

GRADE =
Revised 9/16/14