Topic Proposal (Resiliency) and Reference Page(s) / Draft Literature Review

Assignment M1A4: Review Paper—Topic Proposal & Reference Page (Due as soon as possible, same time as M2A3)

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to select a topic in the particular area in which you have an occupational or research interest, and to locate a minimum of ten scholarly references. A helpful Web site for organizing and writing a literature review is www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html.

Topic Proposal (Resiliency)

Write one to two paragraphs (a) summarizing the problem area (be specific in defining the problem), (b) describing what you already know about the topic, and c) why you have chosen this topic for your literature review. The topic should apply psychological research to an individual, organizational, or social problem. Include a working title and the objective of the paper.

Reference Page

Search for literature on your selected topic and create a Reference Page containing at least 10 scholarly references. A good way to begin searching for relevant literature is to search for key words related to your topic in a research database. Narrow your search to articles in peer-reviewed journals. Another good idea is to check the list of References at the end of an article to find other relevant work. If you have any questions about this part, please feel free to set up an appointment with your instructor or ask the librarian. You will create a reference page for your literature review paper in an appropriate APA style. Your resources must come from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals or books. No Internet resources may be used here.

Second Item:

Assignment M2A3: Review Paper—Draft of Literature Findings (Due as soon as possible -- Weds 5/25 mid-day so the instructor can get feedback to me and you can incorporate info into the paper before M3A2 submittal)

Evaluate the evidence. Create a draft of the findings of the articles you have selected and how they contribute to our knowledge of this problem. Be sure to address each of the following items in your draft:

1.  Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each piece.
2.  If the articles talk to each other (that is, if they support or contrast with one another), explain how and why.
3.  What does the evidence tell us?
4.  Is there another possible explanation you can think of?  Based on what you have read, what is your hypothesis?  In other words, what is your explanation for the findings?
5.  How can you refine your question or topic even further, now that you have described the findings?

Your draft should be double-spaced and in 12 point, Times New Roman font with normal one-inch margins, written in APA style, and free of typographical and grammatical errors.  It should include a title page with a running head and a reference page. The body of the paper should be at least 5-6 pages in length. 

You will submit your Review Paper next week, so be sure to incorporate the feedback you receive from your instructor on this assignment into your final paper for next week.