Contemporary debates and methods in psychology

Grading Criteria:

	CRITERIA		MARKS
			AWARDED
Title & Abstract
 The title is clear and concise.
	This abstract should be 200 to 250 words in length.	/10
Introduction:	/ 35
 Sets the scene of the essay

· ‘Signposts’ the reader to the overall shape of the essay

· Clear definition and explanation of relevant terms / main discussion points

· Evidence of wider reading around the topic with a balance of seminal and contemporary reference sources

· A coherent structure to the essay, presenting a concise argument supported by examples from relevant psychological literature

Method
 Section presented with clear sub-headings Participant sample and
	recruitment procedure(s)
	Apparatus and Materials	/30
	Design of the study

· Procedure

· Clear and concise consideration of ethical issues relating to the proposed research project

Result & Discussion:

· Detailed description and understanding of key psychological theories and/or constructs

· Critical assessment and synthesis of relevant psychological literature

· Clear focus on answering the question



/ 15

Presentation & Referencing:
 Correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling
 Appropriate writing style (use of "third" person)
 The majority of references are from academic journals and primary	/ 10
sources
 References reported accurately in essay text
 References reported accurately in attached 'References' section

Students should recognise that the marking criteria are weighted to indicate its importance in relation to the information required.