psychology term paper

This is where you will submit the electronic copy of your term paper ("Autobiography"). Click on the above link, Term Paper (Autobiography), when you are ready to submit your paper.  Please be sure to use the "Attach Files - Browse My Computer" to upload your document, which should be saved as a .doc or .pdf document only.  Please do not use other programs because I will not be able to open your document.  Finally, be sure to check the box "I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database" before submitting your assignment.

IMPORTANT:  ANY TERM PAPERS THAT CONTAIN ANY PLAGIARIZED MATERIAL WILL AUTOMATICALLY EARN A GRADE OF ZERO AND THERE WILL BE NO OPPORTUNITIES TO RESUBMIT THE ASSIGNMENT.

TERM PAPER INSTRUCTIONS (these same instructions are also in the syllabus)

Term Paper (100 points): These same instructions for this autobiographical term paper are also included in eCampus. Students must submit an electronic copy of this paper.

Paper Format:

· APA Style - American Psychological Association

· Purdue University resource for APA Style: Link here to access Purdue's website

· Length:4 to 5 full pages, in addition to a cover page and reference page.

· Reference Sources: Students are required to use at least one professional source, in addition to the textbook and the personal interview described below.

Objective:

The objective of this assignment is to write a thoughtful and analytic autobiography, summarizing the significant developmental experiences in the student’s life, which have contributed to shaping who they are today. This should be done by associating & incorporating material from the textbook, discussion board entries, personal interviews & at least one additional professional source of the student’s choice.

Assignment Guidelines:

· Throughout the term, as you are reading the textbook, studying for exams, etc., it is recommended that you keep notes of ideas that surface and which are related to your personal development, which you may later incorporate into this paper.

· Beyond the textbook & other reference sources, you are required to conduct at least one personal interview of someone who has been instrumental in your development (Examples:  parents, grandparents, caretakers, siblings, teachers, etc.).  If possible, it would be best to conduct these interviews in person but if that is not possible, phone, FaceTime, skype, etc. interviews are acceptable.

· If available, you can also include information from baby books, scrapbooks, medical records, and anything else that may be applicable to your personal development.

· The following is a list of possible topics that can be addressed within the body of your paper.  This is simply to generate ideas but should not limit you to only writing about only these matters:

· Discuss and draw connections between how your childhood experiences influenced your adolescence and how your adolescence influenced your adulthood.

· Relate your personal experiences to theories, concepts & research related to class.

· Address your physical, cognitive, language, social and personality development.

· Include demographic information and how this has contributed to your development (examples: your birth cohort, ages of parents at the time of your birth, your birth order [if you have siblings], culture, religion, socio-economic status, etc.)

Grading Rubric:

· 50 pts. –  Fulfillment of assignment objective described above.  (in-depth self-analysis & clearly illustrated associations between course material and personal experiences.

· 25 pts. – Clearly and professionally written paper (introduction, organization of ideas and conclusion.

· 15 pts. – Grammar, punctuation and spelling

· 10 pts. – Following APA style and other format instructions listed above (NOTE: 0 points will be awarded for this criterion if the paper is not APA or doesn’t meet the length requirement)