complete a 3-5 page research paper (100 points) addressing a specified topic (list found below).The research paper must be formatted in accordance with APA guidelines.
A minimum of three scholarly references must be utilized with the textbook being counted as one of these sources.
The 3-5 page length requirement, for the research paper, does not include the Title Page or Reference Page. The actual body of the research paper must be 3-5 pages in length.
Each student is to select one topic, for their research paper, from the following list;
Research Topic List
The Nature-Nurture Controversy
Theories of Human Development (Psychoanalytic Theory; Behaviorism; Cognitive Theory; Humanism; Evolutionary Theory)
Thinking During Early Childhood (Piaget’s Preoperational Thought; Vygotsky’s Social Learning; Children’s Theories)
Death and Dying
Research Paper Grading Rubric
ITEM
Far Below Expectations
Below
Expectations
Approaches Expectations
Meets Expectations
Exceeds Expectations
Points Earned
Introduction (up to 10 pts)
Presents main points/summary of information in an organized and thorough manner
Identifies topics/issues be addressed
Engages the reader
2
4
6
8
10
Organization/Structure (up to 15 pts)
Flows well, using effective transitions and paragraph structure
Has a clear beginning, middle, and end
Content/Analysis (up to 50 pts)
Identifies and analyzes information in relation to course content
Demonstrates critical thinking at a level appropriate to this course
Explores/Analyzes/Evaluates/Synthesizes subject as expected and with sufficient depth
Uses text/readings/outside references appropriately
Conclusion (up to 10 pts)
Presents personal, educated opinion or related experience regarding the information presented.
Summarizes information clearly and accurately.
Writing Skills & APA Compliance (up to 15 pts)
Uses APA style formatting accurately, including title page, page numbering, and margins
References selected are appropriate (e.g., relevant, current)
NO plagiarism
Shows advanced writing skills – clear, concise, thorough, analytical, proper sentence structure
Uses appropriate grammar, spelling, punctuation, word-choice, appropriate length
