3-3

PSY 326 Milestone One Guidelines and Rubric (Topic Proposal)

In Module Three, you will submit a topic proposal. The topic proposal will identify the event you are going to discuss and at least two theories you plan to use for your analysis. It should also include proposed search terms for finding the peer-reviewed journal articles you will use to write your paper.

Specifically the following critical elements must be addressed:

• Identify and briefly describe the event you intend to analyze. You may select any historical or current event you wish, but note that a list of potential topics is also included in the Final Project Document.

• Identify two psychological theories that you plan to use in your analysis. • Include proposed search terms you will use to search the Shapiro library to locate peer-reviewed psychology journal articles related to your topic.

Students may find the following resources helpful as they complete this assignment:

• Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books • How to Undertake a Literature Search and Review

Guidelines for Submission: Your topic proposal should follow these formatting guidelines: 1–2 pages in length, double spaced, in Times New Roman font, with at least one source. Note that this assignment does not have to be formatted according to APA requirements.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Event Meets “Proficient” criteria and

includes details about the event and explicitly discusses why the event can be explained by the psychological theories

Describes a current or historical event that can be at least partially explained by psychological theories, and description is sufficient to allow evaluation of whether or not the event can be explained using psychological theories

Describes a current or historical event, but description is not sufficient to allow evaluation of whether or not the event is able to be explained using psychological theories

Does not describe a current or historical event

35

Psychological Theories

Meets “Proficient” criteria and includes details about the theories and explicitly discusses why the event can be explained by the psychological theories

Both psychological t heories explain the event chosen, and description is sufficient to allow evaluation of whether or not the chosen theories will b e useful in explaining the event

Both psychological theories partially explain the event chosen, but the description is not sufficient to allow evaluation of whether or not the chosen theories will b e useful in explaining the event

Does not describe two psychological theories

35

Proposed Search Terms

Meets “Proficient” criteria, and search terms provide peer- reviewed psychological journal articles

Provides search terms that are clearly defined and relevant to the topic

Provides search terms that are not clearly defined or are not relevant to the topic

Does not provide search terms 20

Articulation of Response

Submission is free o f errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional a nd easy-to-read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas

10

Earned Total 100%