Guidelines for final paper for Psychology 425
Content
Some questions usually come up regarding the particulars for your final paper. I am hoping that the following will give you added information you might need.
The paper should obviously be typed and double spaced so that I can make comments on them. Attention should be given to syntax, semantics, proof reading, spelling, and editing. You are required to use APA format, and your research is to include no more than 2 web based citations. I strongly suggest that you begin to think about a person for this paper ASAP. It is not a good idea to wait until the last minute to begin this project.
The paper is based on two perspectives;
1. Subjective - here you have the opportunity to creatively express what the person feels inside their skin (Subjective is written in the first person singular). This tactic allows me insight into how well you understand the dynamics of a personality that reflects what we have been studying this semester.
2. Objective - this is an opportunity for you to become the clinician and practice your beginning understanding of the material. The three criteria should include, but is not limited to, identifying data, dynamic formulation and DSM IV diagnosis. A treatment plan is to be suggested for your “client” to encourage you to play with the material, I do not expect you to know all the treatment ramifications.
Identifying data- this includes all the basic information about your subject. How did they get to you for treatment? What kind of work do they do? Who do they live with? Who is in their inner circle? What kind of relationships do they have? How is their health? Do they have any prior psychiatric treatment? Do they have any notable idiosyncrasies? Who is this person?
Dynamic Formulation- This category includes ego strength, object relations and ego defense mechanisms. The family history, including early childhood, would be included here. This is the category that will outline and give life to all personality development phenomena. You will be looking for the person’s coping mechanisms, stress reaction and vulnerability in the world. How did this person get the way they are?
Grading
This grading scale is one that I use as a guideline while I read and grade your papers.
(100 - 90 = A - A-) great/awesome: thoughtful analysis, willingness to take risks, I feel informed, inspired, or impressed, all criteria for the project are met with rigor; wonderful writing, obvious mastery of material, meaningful and astute referencing. Above and
beyond the basic assignment.
(89 - 80= B+ - B) very good/good. All requirements are met, solid understanding of the material, creative depth and scope attempted, but off the mark. Some writing style difficulties, book language, stilted presentation, or inappropriate referencing noted.
(79 - 70 = B- - C+) adequate: Lacks some project requirements, interesting insights, but inaccurate or inadequate theoretical or clinical understanding, spelling/grammar errors, APA faux paux, inadequate referencing, marginal depth/scope.
(69 - 60 = C - C-) hard to get through: lacks project requirements, depth and scope; has blatant misunderstanding or exclusion of course material, typos, poor syntax, not proofread, inadequate or inaccurate APA referencing.
(59 - 45 = D+ - F) Missed the boat: Does not complete the project, or excludes major sections of the project, lacks clinical/academic understanding, poor written form, referencing is absent or inaccurate, no APA format, obvious lack of attention to quality of work.
I hope this clears up some of your questions. If you feel you are still not clear, please connect with one of the TA’s, sign up on my office door for an appointment, call me at my office and leave a message, or e-mail me at .
Above all else, let your creative energy rise and help you enjoy this challenging but fun project.