Human Growth
ndependent Developmental Research Project
An Independent Research Project paper will be completed by each student. Students are to select a specific topic of interest within the area of human growth and development. Topic approval must be obtained through the instructor .
Due Date: The written paper must be submitted to the instructor by the 6th week of the quarter through Turnitin.com.
Paper .This 100-point writing assignment is designed for you to explore some aspect of our course content. You are to select a topic of personal interest related to Human Growth and Development and explore it in more detail. Your writing must be formatted and submitted according toAPA Writing Style requirements. The project is worth 15% of your grade.
http://static.tumblr.com/f86fdbb887bb8d7f7b8a01b1f4985213/gi7gllv/JBLmjv9ch/tumblr_static_advice1.jpgSpend time proofreading and double checking to ensure that your paper is well written BEFORE you submit it forgrading.
Select a Personally Interesting Topic – No Duplicates PLEASE
Human Growth and Development and YourCareer
As you write about this topic, look at the chapters and think about where or how Human Growth and Development can be applied to your career or life. Regardless of the field you may be planning to major in, thinkofwhatkindofknowledgeand/orskillsmaybeapplicableortransferable?
Given your specific topic and your career, what three key points can you address in your paper? Be sure to incorporate those key points into your thesissentence. Also, as you reflect on your topic, be sure to support your views, thoughts, ideas, and/or experiences with at least 2 scholarlyarticles in a basic essay that demonstrates college-level writing skills. As you learned throughout your schooling, a basic essay consists of a title, introductory paragraph, thesis sentence, organized paragraphs making up the body, and a concluding paragraph. An essay reflects good writing skills, including grammar andmechanics.
To format your paper, you will use the APA writing style (6th edition), the editorial style adopted by the social sciences. By adopting this editorial style, we follow the same rules for formatting, describing, reporting, and relaying information and data, whether we are students or scholars. By following APA writing style, you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with knowledge of the basic format and developyourwritingskillnotonlytosucceedinthisclass,butinyourfuturecoursesinsocialsciences. Please be sure to cite your sources, whether you obtained the information from an article, book, internet, or media. Refer to the Sample APA paper for additional instructions and examples.
Our Paper: AnOverview
Following APA, your paper will consist of the main sections listed shown below. Grading reflects content, grammar and mechanics, and formatting as reflected in the gradingrubric.
Title Page (with running head, title, your name, affiliation; in addition, a header with short title and page numbering starts on thispage)
Abstract(summary of the most important elements of your paper; It should be one paragraph and not exceed 120 words. All numbers in the abstract, except those beginning a sentence, should be typed as digits rather than words. You do not need to include“keywords.”).
Paper (title, introductory paragraph with thesis sentence, body, concludingparagraph)
Reference Page(author, date, title, source, page number, etc.).
A Note about Word ProcessingSoftware
You must use Microsoft Word. Noexceptions.
Paper Guidelines and VideoResources
TitlePage
Look at the sample title page for how to format this information. THEN, look at the video resource because you can see how to create the title page in Microsoft Word. This might seem a little tricky at first because the running head has a “different first page” than the rest of the paper; however, once you see it, you’ll see that it is not tricky atall!
Insert a header and within this header, type your running head flush-left and the page number flush- right. A running head is a shortened version of your title and it should not exceed 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Type in the following format: Running head: TITLE OF YOURPAPER
Title should summarize the main idea of your paper. DO NOT use a “generic” title such as “Psychology Paper” or “My Paper.” It should be no more than 12 words in length nor should it contain abbreviations and/or words that serve no purpose. Using correct capital and lower case letters, the title should be centered on the page and should not be underlined, bolded, oritalicized.
Your name and affiliation (Georgia Military College) should be double spaced andcentered.
You do not need additional information, such as our course number, my name,etc.
How to Create a Title Page for a 6th Edition APA Paper. Using Microsoft Word, here is how to create the title page, including the different first page header. There is no audio, only screenshots to guide you – an excellent resource! https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=aPr3gof2XXE
Abstract
An abstract is a summary of the most important elements of your paper. It should be one paragraph and not exceed 120 words. All numbers in the abstract, except those beginning a sentence, should be typed as digits rather than words. You do not need to include“keywords.”
Title
The title should be centered above the introductory paragraph.
Introductory Paragraph
The introductory paragraph is your first paragraph where you inform me of the topic that you have chosen and what you plan to cover in your paper. How can you introduce your topic and get my attention? What is interesting and/or relevant about yourtopic?
Thesis Sentence. A good thesis sentence is a roadmap. It informs me your topic and then outlines the three key points that I expect to see in the body of your paper. Thus, it is best to place at the end of your introductoryparagraph.
A thesis sentence should be able to stand alone and fully convey the topic and main ideas that you addressed in your paper. If I take out your sentence and read it by itself, do I know exactly what you are saying?
Do not start your thesis sentence with connecting words like “however” or pronouns like“it.”
IMPORTANTNOTICE
In many ways, the thesis sentence is the most important sentence of your paper and I use it to evaluate other aspects of yourpaper.
You need to clearly identify your thesissentence.
Some suggestions to identify your thesis sentence: Underline, use bold, highlight in yellow or use a different colored font (like red in this example) for this one sentenceonly.
If you do not identify your thesis sentence, then I am unable to evaluate your paper and you will losepoints.
Bottom line: How will I know your thesis sentence? Can I readily seeit?
The Five-Paragraph Essay: Three Formulas for Writing the Basic Academic Essay.
This video reviews how to write a strong, one-sentence thesis sentence that conveys your topic and three key points. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=GwjmMtTVO1g
Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay: The Thesis Sentence CLAIM. After hooking the reader’s interest, here is how to develop a thesis sentence. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=Vs4MutZh4vM
How to Write an Introduction. Good advice about the purpose of an introductory paragraph and why you may want to write your thesis sentence onlyAFTER you have an outline of your entire paper. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=EycoDPjVoQY
How to Write an Introductory Paragraph . A good explanation about the purpose of an introductory paragraph, what not to do, and how to bridge your opening statement to your thesis sentence. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=clPtbFT23Bs
Body of paper – 3 paragraphs
The first sentence of each paragraph ties directly back to your thesis sentence. I expect to see that link, so be very direct. This first sentence is your main idea for the entire paragraph because a paragraph has only ONE main, or central, idea. The sentences that follow within this paragraph should support the main idea sentence with details, examples, or elaboration.
Writing Skills: The Paragraph. This video reviews the basic structure of the paragraph, what to do and not do. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=0IFDuhdB2Hk
Concluding paragraph
Your paper needs closure. Remind me of your main points and let me know WHY these points matter to you. Why did I just spend the time to read your paper? Why do I care? I expect that you will tell me why your paper and the points that you made were important to you. DO NOT repeat your thesis sentence nor introduce any new information and/or details in this lastparagraph.
How to Write a Conclusion. This video emphasizes thepurpose of the concluding paragraph and explains why you need to drive home your points to me one more time. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=pvs9IpA5O2s
Writing Skills: Grammar and Mechanics
In addition to content, your paper must demonstrate good writing skills. Here are some things that I especially look for in a paper that help me to recognize good writingskills:
· Comma should be used after an introductory phrase.
· Periods and commas are placed BEFORE quotationmarks.
· Capitalize propernouns.
· Subjects and verbs should be consistent in a sentence. If, for example, you use the singular form of a subject, then the verb should be in singularform.
· Set off non-essential elements of a sentence with commas. Note that the phrase “for example” can be deleted and the meaning of the sentence remains: If, for example, you use the singular form of a subject, then the verb should be in singularform.
How to Use Commas Correctly. This video reviews where and when to use commas. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=pOwcovqtkGY
The 20 Most Common Grammar and Mechanical Errors. Based on a summary of 21,000 student essays,this video nicely summarizes the 20 most common mistakes that students make in their college essay. After you finish writing your paper, you may want to review your paper so that I don’t find any of these 20 errors in your paper. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=VB8u_K0I-a8
APA
In-text citations
and References
Because the paper topic asks you to reflect on a topic, apply it to your everyday life, and support your thoughts, feelings with at least two scholarly sources, you need to conduct a brief literature research and include accompanying in-text citations and a reference page.
Any questions about whether you need to use a citation in your paper? Ask me in advance.
When Should You Cite a Source? If you are not sure whether you need to cite, then this video helps to explain when you should cite. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=g-IrFdghs4w
In-Text Citations in APA writing style. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=fLlLIYxeGls
APAReference Page . This video is a nice presentation of formatting and creating your References. https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=kIJEdKCjt0E
Paper length
At least 4 full pages long, based on the formatting guidelines that are describedhere.
The four pages DO NOT include your title page and/or references, but refer to your introductory paragraph, body, and concludingparagraph.
Font
Times New Roman, 12point.
Margins
1 inch all around: top, bottom, left,right
Spacing
Double
Set before/after to0.
Paragraph indentation
One-halfinch
PSY203 Paper GradingRubric
Criteria
NotAcceptable
Adequate
WellDone
Exceptionally Well Done
TitlePage
· Header with running head and pagenumber
· Title
· Name
· Affiliation
0-1
Title page is missing several requirements (e.g., name, affiliation, header with running head and page numbers); Improper format used (single-spaced, running head and title contains too many words, abbreviations present, incorrect use of capital and lower case letters).
2-3
Title Page contains several of the required identifiers; Follows some formatting requirements (e.g., double spaced, centered, running head is flush left and page number flush right, words may be underlined, bolded, or italicized).
4
Title Page meets most requirements: most identifiers present, is double spaced; Running head contains less than 50 characters, is flush-left, and page number is flush right.
.
5
Title Page is neat, contains all identifiers, and isdouble spaced;Words are centered, not underlined, bolded, or italicized. Running head contains less than 50 characters, is flush left, and page number is flush right.
Abstract
· Header changed by deleting phrase “Runninghead”
· One paragraph summarizing main elements of paper
· Not to exceed 120words
· Flush left-hand margin (noindenting)
0-3
“Running head” phrase needs to be deleted, and exceeds 50 characters. Failure to follow formatting guidelines (e.g., left-hand margin is indented; Contains more than one paragraph, exceeds 120 word limit; improper font, and font size); Writing isunclear, fails to summarize the main elements of the paper.
4-5
“Running head” phrase deleted, and abides by character limit. Contains a few formatting errors (e.g., left-hand margin is indented, paragraph contains more than 120 words, inconsistent use of spacing). Paragraph summarizes some of the main elements.
6-7
Abstract contains one paragraph, is double spaced, and contains limited formatting, spelling, and grammatical errors; Paragraph summarizes most of the main elements.
8-10
“Running head” phrase deleted, is relevant to paper, and brief. Abstract is well written, contains no formatting, spelling, or grammatical errors. One paragraph summarizes all main elements.
Title
· Needs to be centered above the introductory paragraph
0-1
Title is unrelated to paper, contains more than 12 words.
2-3
Title generally summarizes paper’s main idea, contains less than 12 words.
4
Title summarizes paper’s main idea, contains less than12 words; Is interesting.
5
Title is meaningful, interesting, succinct, and effectively summarizes paper’s main idea, contains 3-8 words in length.
Criteria
NotAcceptable
Adequate
WellDone
Exceptionally Well Done
(Start ofpaper)
Introductory paragraph/Thesis sentence
· Last sentence of introductoryparagraph
· Identified by underlining or using bold or different coloredfont
· Topic and 3 key points clearlystated
· If the thesis sentence is taken out of paper, the topic and 3 key points are clearly understood.
0-4
Does not contain a clearly defined or identified thesis sentence, or key 3 points. Poor introduction, paragraph development, unclear identified relevance of topic.
5-8
Thesis statement is ineffective for the topic. Topic sentence is present but not well connected to the rest of the writing. The introduction paragraph is incomplete or underdeveloped.
9-12
Paragraph development is appropriate for the topic and assignment: the thesis sentence introduces the topic and outlines 3 key points.
13-15
Paragraph is well developed and appropriate: there is a strong thesis sentence, which effectively defines and identifies the topic, and key 3 points. There is a strong topic sentence, which naturally leads reader through the writing.
Body of Paper (3paragraphs)
First sentence of each paragraph relates directly back to thesissentence
· First sentence of each paragraph is the main idea followed by support anddetails
· Content – examples accurate andrelevant
0-12
Paragraph development is flawed: no clear topic sentences. Paragraphs frequently have multiple topics, and lack relevant, supporting details, and examples. First sentence fails to relate directly to thesis sentence.
13-21
Paragraph development is ineffective or inappropriate for the assignment: topic sentences are present but not well connected to the rest of the writing. Body of the paper contains several incomplete or under-developed paragraphs.
22-29
Paragraph development is appropriate for the topic and assignment: topic sentences introduce or summarize the content of the paragraph. Body of paper contains several appropriate and complete paragraphs, with relevant examples.
30-35
Paragraphs are well developed and appropriate: there are strong topic sentences that relate directly to the thesis sentence, and clear ideas that naturally lead reader through the writing. Body of paper is structured, contains accurate and relevant examples.
Concludingparagraph
0-4
Writing has a limited or missing conclusion and/or summary of paper; Fails to explain relevance and main points of paper.
5-8
Conclusion paragraph briefly repeatskey points of paper.
9-12
Conclusion paragraph appropriately synthesizes key points, and briefly describes relevance of paper.
13-15
Conclusion paragraph is well written, effective, and logicallysummarizes the main points of paper, explains relevance, and provides accurate and meaningful examples.
Reference Page
0-1
Failure to follow formatting guidelines (e.g., improper margins, fonts and font sizeuse of capitalization, page numbers, indentation).
2-3
Reference page is missing several requirements (e.g., double spacing, author’s name and initials, date); Improper format used (single-spaced, incorrect use of capital and lower case letters).
4
Reference Page contains several of the required identifiers; Follows some formatting requirements (e.g., double spaced, five space indention,title italicized).
5
Reference Page meets most requirements: correct format used; all citations present, is double spaced, title centered, entries alphabetized, complete, and correct spelling, use of abbreviations.
.
Criteria
NotAcceptable
Adequate
WellDone
Exceptionally Well Done
Writing: Grammar andmechanics
· Commas, capitalization, subject-verb agreement
0-1
Writing contains numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or sentence structure that severely interferes with readability and comprehension.
2-3
Writing contains errors in spelling and grammar that somewhat interfere with readability and/or comprehension.
4
Writing contains minor or limited errors in spelling, grammar, and sentence structure that do not interfere with readability or comprehension.
5
Writing is basically error free in terms of spelling, grammar, and mechanics. Grammar and mechanics help establish a logical, well written paper, and aid the reader in following the writer’s logic.
Writing: APAformat
· In textcitations
· References
· Font
· Margins
· Doublespacing
· Paragraphindentation
0-1
Unacceptable use of APA Style and format. Does not utilize proper citation formats pertinent to the article. Incorrect use of headings, font, margins, spacing, etc.
2-3
Uneven application of APA style and format, margins, font. Utilizes citations and headings inconsistently.
4
Appropriate use of APA format, inclusive of citations, references, and headings, font, margins, double spacing, paper length, etc.
5
Correct use of APA format, inclusive of citations, references, and correct levels of headings.