Research paper about brain development during adolescence and emerging adulthood
There is a great deal of research regarding brain development during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Utilizing at least one peer reviewed journal article, discuss how changes in the brain during these stages of life may influence thought and behavior.
Hint: The link regarding neuroscience and the at look at 20 ” somethings” in the emerging adulthood section of the study guide may be a helpful start point. You however must use your own reference when discussing this topic.
CRITICAL THINKING: Discussion posts and article critiques
What is and is Not Critical Thinking?
Fundamental critical thinking skills underlie effective academic work in all disciplines including psychology. As part of this emphasis, the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences places particular value on empirical evidence and critical thinking. Critical thinkers evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information using the vocabulary and process of critical thinking.
An article critique is not a summary of an article and it is not a personal opinion. Critical thinkers avoid hasty conclusions, overgeneralization, stereotyping, and unsupported assumptions. (See Characteristics of Critical Thinkers and Critical Thinking Errors links below).
Characteristics of Critical Thinkers
http://www.criticalthink.info/Info1371/characts.htm
Critical Thinking Errors
http://www.criticalthink.info/Info1371/cterrors.htm
Article critique requirements
Organizational clarity: Your post or article critique has a clear sense of organization. There is a clear beginning and end. The first sentence states your main point. You elaborate, cite an example or illustration, and conclude in a clear and understandable way. Make sure to provide references for articles!!
Accuracy – You justified your statements and pointed out how your statements could be verified.
Precision – You are specific and provide details. Examples or illustrations are tied well to conceptualization.
Depth/Cognitive Complexity – You provide statements that demonstrate an understanding of the complexity and underlying factors beyond a superficial understanding. What are the underlying factors that influence your conclusions regarding this topic?
Critical Thinking – You explore the topic by pointing out another way to look at the conclusions of this study. Do we need to consider another point of view? Why or why not?
Article Critique Organization
As thought organizers, any one of the following formulas may be helpful:
While the research suggests that ______________, a close and careful reading shows ______________.
One of the controversial issues in this article is whether ______________. Some people believe ______________, however, my own view is ______________. This issue is important because______________.
Some researchers who write about this topic say ______________. Others who write about the topic disagree. My own idea about the topic is ______________.
Students may use one or more of the sentences above as organizing structure for their posts. Think of your posts as short answer essays.
Critical Thinking Score Sheet
Student Name:
Section:
Question number
Points
1. What is the purpose of this study?
Student demonstrated a clear understanding of the purpose of the study 2 points
Student demonstrated a fair understanding of purpose of the study 1 point
Student demonstrated a poor understanding of purpose of the study 0 points
2. What point did the author of the article want you to know?
Student demonstrated a clear understanding of the author’s point 2 points
Student demonstrated a fair understanding of author’s point 1 point
Student demonstrated a poor understanding of author’s point 0 points
3. What statements in the article or text could be considered “evidence” for your position on the topic?
Student demonstrated a clear justification for his/her point of view 2 points
Student demonstrated a fair justification for his/her point of view 1 point
Student provided no justification for views on this topic 0 points
4. What were limitations in the research methodology use for this study?
Student demonstrated a clear understanding of research limitations 2 points
Student demonstrated a fair understanding of research limitations 1 point
Student demonstrated a poor understanding of research limitations 0 points
5. What are the implications of this article?
Student demonstrated a clear understanding of implications of the study 2 points
Student demonstrated a fair understanding of implications of the study 1 point
Student demonstrated a poor understanding of implications of the study 0 points
