Write an essay in which you: • discuss two (2) key psychological concepts, theories or processes, which you can select from the following chapters: o language & thought o learning o memory • apply each of these two (2) psychological concepts, theories or

Needs development

Sound

Well developed

F

P

C

D

HD

Criterion 1 = 10%

Title & Introduction

Title & introduction are missing, inconsistent with the information discussed or over-simplified.

The overview paragraph and thesis sentence are missing.

No or little attempt to use the literature to support claims and definitions.

<4

Title & introduction is logically tied to the discussion in the body.

Introduction states why the topic is important, introduces and defines the concepts/ theories/processes selected, and explains how the assignment task will be addressed.

The overview paragraph and thesis sentence are provided and well-developed.

Limited use of literature to support claims and definitions.

5 6

A logical, well informed and scholarly title & introduction that effectively, creatively and originally states why the topic is important, defines key concepts/theories/processes, and explains how the assignment task will be addressed.

The overview paragraph provides a logical and eloquent outline of the essay. The thesis sentence outlines the main argument logically, correctly and innovatively.

Correct, effective and novel use of substantial literature to support claims and definitions.

7-8 9-10

Criterion 2 = 30%

Discussion of the two (2) Selected Psychological Concepts, Theories or Processes

Problem is not described.

Only one concept/theory/process is discussed.

No attempt to discuss the concepts/theories/processes, and why they were selected, or discussion confused.

No or little attempt to use relevant scientific literature and empirical research to justify the selection of the concept/theory/processes.

<14

Problem is described.

Two concepts/theories/processes are discussed.

Attempts are made to discuss the selected concepts/theories/processes, and why they were selected, but discussion is unclear, inappropriate or incomplete.

Relevant scientific literature and empirical research is used to support the discussion and to justify the selection of the concept/theory/processes, but is used inappropriately or incompletely.

15 - 18 19-21

Problem is described eloquently.

Clear, accurate, eloquent, critical and insightful discussion of the two selected concepts/theories/

processes and why they were selected.

Discussion shows originality and independent thought.

Correct, effective and novel use of substantial scientific literature and empirical research to support the discussion and justify the selection of the concept/theory/processes.

22-25 26-30

Criterion 3 = 30%

Application of Concepts, Theories & Processes to

a) Define the Problem

b) Solve the problem

Application of only one concept/theory/process discussed.

No attempt to apply the concept/theory/process to define and solve the problem or discussion confused from different angles.

No or little attempt to use the literature and empirical research to support the application of the concepts/theories/processes.

<14

Application of two concepts/theories/

processes discussed.

Attempts to apply the concepts/theories/

processes to define and solve the problem from different angles.

Application of concepts/theories/processes and/or research is confused, inappropriate or incomplete.

Relevant literature has been identified and applied, but is limited, used inappropriately or incompletely.

15 - 18 19-21

Clear, accurate, eloquent, critical and insightful application of the two concept/theories/processes to define and solve the problem from different angles.

Shows originality and independent thought in applying concepts/theories/processes and research.

Correct, effective and novel use of substantial literature and empirical research to support arguments.

22-25 26-30

Criterion 4 = 10%

Conclusion

Conclusion is missing, inconsistent with the information discussed, over-simplified or confused.

No or little attempts made to sum up the main conclusion drawn from the discussion in the body and reiterate key arguments.

No or little attempts to discuss the implications of the arguments made and conclusions reached for applying concepts/theories/

processes to defining and solving the problem.

Nor or little attempt to engage with the literature with little discussion of how it informs the debate

<4

Conclusion is logically tied to the arguments in the body of the essay.

Attempts to sum up the main conclusion drawn from the discussion in the body and reiterate key arguments.

Attempts to discuss the implications of the arguments made and conclusions reached for applying psychological theories/concepts to defining and solving the problem.

Conclusion unclear, inappropriate or incomplete.

Relevant literature has been identified and applied, but is limited, used inappropriately or incompletely.

5 6

The conclusion is a clear, accurate, eloquent, critical and insightful summary of the main conclusion drawn from the discussion, reiteration of key arguments and discussion of the implications for applying to defining and solving the problem.

Correct, effective, critical, and novel use of substantial literature to support and justify conclusions.

7-8 9-10

Criterion 5 = 10%

General organisation & presentation:

Essay written according to APA style.

Little or no attention paid to APA format.

Structural elements missing (e.g., title, introduction, abstract, body, conclusion, references) and not well organised.

Major issues with expression and style. Expression lacks clarity, logic, accuracy, and objectivity

Sentences and paragraphs do not support each other. No use of transition and direction words and phrases.

Numerous grammatical and/or spelling errors.

<4

APA format applied with only some mistakes.

All structural elements (e.g., title, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, references).

Writing is logically organized to support the central purpose and flows well.

Minor issues with expression and style.

Sentences and paragraphs largely support each other. Some transition and direction words and phrases are used.

Some grammatical and/or spelling errors.

5 6

The essay follows APA style requirements for formatting.

The essay is eloquently written in the scientific style and flows well.

Sentences and paragraphs are arranged logically to support the purpose and argument of the paper.

Paragraphs contain one topic sentence and only one main idea.

Sentences clearly flow from one to the other and support each other.

Transition and direction words and phrases are used effectively.

No grammatical or spelling errors.

7-8 9-10

Criterion 6 = 10%

Referencing:

Essay uses APA style for in-text referencing and in the reference list.

Little or no attention paid to in-text referencing and reference list - both contain many mistakes.

Less than 2 peer-reviewed journal articles used.

Discussion is not supported by the literature or not cited.

Very few references given throughout paper, even though the content clearly did not originate from the student.

Information from non-scientific sources is used.

<4

Evidence of conforming to APA referencing style but some errors in in-text referencing and reference list.

3 to 4 peer-reviewed journal articles used.

Discussion largely supported by the literature and cited.

Professionally legitimate sources are generally used. Reader is fairly confident that information and discussion can be trusted.

5 6

The essay follows APA style requirements for in-text referencing and reference list.

More than 5 peer-reviewed journal articles used.

Discussion supported by the literature and cited.

References are primarily peer-reviewed journals or other professionally legitimate sources.

Reader is confident that information and discussion can be trusted.