PSY 323: Final Paper Guidelines and Rubric
Overview
The final project for this course is the development of a case analysis with a research component. For this assignment, you will:
Analyze the case of Anne through a constructionist lens (review Module One for constructionism).
Choose a minimum of five theories, concepts, models, and/or processes you have learned this term to explain the behavior of each family member as
well as the dynamics between family members in the case.
Be sure to include both nature (biological) and nurture (environmental) influences, such as culture and behavior.
Throughout the analysis, explain why the constructs you chose are best to understand the complexities of this case at an individual, family, and societal
level.
Utilize support material from a minimum of four chapters from the text and make clear how the videos and articles you read this term informed your
analysis of this case.
Milestones
Outline of Final Paper
In task 6-2, you will submit an outline of your final paper. Review the case of Anne (found in the Assignment Guidelines and Rubrics folder) and begin to think
about the situation as a whole, each character, the possible influences on the person that led to the situation you read about, and some of the theories/concepts
you have learned that support your ideas of what is happening/has happened in the case of Anne.
Develop an outline of this information that will be most helpful to you for the final paper. You do not have to follow this outline when you write your final paper,
but organizing your information in a two-dimensional form with all ideas in one place is a starting point to developing clearer thoughts when it is time to write
that paper.
Acceptable outline formats are noted in the resources below:
The Purdue OWL: Sample Outlines
Mind Maps: A Powerful Approach to Note-Taking
Additionally, you are required to submit a reference page and make clear in the outline where that reference fits. A minimum of two reliable (no wikis) references
beyond the text are required.
This milestone is graded as a pass/fail assignment. It is either complete (100 points if completed by the deadline) or not complete (zero points). Make sure to
review your instructor’s feedback on your outline to incorporate into the final paper.
Final Paper
In task 8-1, you will submit your final paper. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the main elements of the final product. It should reflect
the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This submission is graded separately using the Final Paper Rubric (below).
Guidelines for Submission: Written components of project must follow these formatting guidelines when applicable: double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman
font, one-inch margins, and APA format for all elements. The project plan should be between 6 and 8 pages, not including references and cover page (which are
required). The number of scholarly sources should be no fewer than five.
Final Paper Rubric
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Constructionist Lens Explains the relationship
between differing cultural
perspectives on current issues
and differing social group
interpretations of events, ideas,
and influences
Identifies and describes how
and why culture may have
differing interpretations of the
same event, idea, or influence
Demonstrates minimal
understanding of key events of
cultural group formation and
perspectives
Identifies only celebratory
events or cultural practices
30
Inquiry and Analysis
Constructs
Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of complexities
at the individual, family, and
societal level
Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of some of the
complexities at the individual,
family, and societal level
Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of minimal
complexities
Does not provide in-depth
analysis
30
Theories, Concepts,
Models, Processes
Incorporates 5 or more scholarly
theories, concepts, models,
and/or processes, effectively
explaining the behavior of each
family member as well as the
dynamics between family
members in the case
Incorporates some scholarly
theories, concepts, models,
and/or processes explaining the
behavior of each family member
as well as the dynamics
between family members in the
case
Incorporates very few scholarly
theories, concepts, models,
and/or processes explaining the
behavior of each family member
as well as the dynamics
between family members in the
case
Does not incorporate scholarly
theories, concepts, models,
and/or processes that reflect
depth and breadth of research
30
Writing
(Mechanics/Citations)
No errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Minor errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Some errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Major errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
10
Total 100%