police psychology

Assignment Components

Proficiency

Maximum Score

Thesis Statement

Thesis (main point/claim) is a single, declarative sentence at the end of the introduction paragraph. It is neither too narrow nor too broad and is not a fact or feeling; it is clearly researchable.

40

Argument

Evidence used to support thesis is solid, research-based, and reasonable. There is a clear demonstration of synthesis of information learned from the course, which is applied to the field of police psychology.

36

Presentation of Support

Uses APA style at the introductory level, accurately paraphrases, quotes, and cites in every instance where the words and ideas are not the writer’s own or common knowledge. Errors present are minor and do not interfere with access to or comprehension of external sources.

36

Opposing Arguments

The writer identifies multiple opposing points of view. Objecting arguments are discussed in a complete, fair, and thorough way. Writer has clearly taken the time to research the opposing arguments adequately.

36

Responding to Opposing Arguments

Writer clearly responds to other possible points-of-view. Reasonable evidence and arguments are used to refute the objecting beliefs. Regardless of ability to refute argument, the strongest potential objections are addressed.

28

References Used

Each individual source is trustworthy. All sources are peer reviewed and current. Errors are minor, infrequent, isolated, and do not distract from the reading or interfere with comprehension. A portion (20–40 percent) of the referenced material is dated.

28

Reference Page Format

Reference page format is accurate for APA standards. This includes: appropriate title (“References”, not “Works Cited”), serif text, font, hanging indent, and double spacing.

Each citation must include all needed information present in the correct order, punctuation, and abbreviations. Authors’ first names are not used and the capitalization of titles follows APA requirements. Errors are minor, infrequent, isolated, and do not distract from the reading or interfere with comprehension.

28

Abstract

Abstract is clear and provides the reader with a full overview of the paper’s content. It is properly formatted with no errors according to APA style.

28

Organization and Format

Introduction has a clear opening, provides background information, and states the topic.

Transitions are appropriate and help the flow of ideas.

Conclusion summarizes main argument and has a clear ending. No new information is introduced in the conclusion.

Research paper format is accurate for APA standards at the introductory level. Errors are minor, infrequent, isolated, and do not distract from the reading or interfere with comprehension.

28

Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

12

Total:

300