essay

Fall 2015

Dr. Cook’s

EXTRA CREDIT PACKET

For

INTRODUCTION

TO

PSYCHOLOGY

PSY 1113

Instructions for:

Special Topic Paper

Extra Credit Option

Special Topic Paper: Topic of your choice

Students may earn extra credit points by completing according to the criteria listed here (review this sheet completely before beginning). If the student chooses to submit this extra credit paper, a hard-copy (no electronic submissions) of the paper MUST be received by the due date listed in the syllabus (no exceptions; no late papers accepted).

GRADING IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

· Did you submit a DRAFT version of your paper by the due date for the Draft?

· Is your topic on some aspect of psychology? (talk with your instructor if in doubt)

· Is your paper typed / printed?

· Is the font in either 12-point Arial or 12-point Times New Roman?

· Are the margins at the top, bottom, and sides 1-inch?

· Is your paper single-spaced?

· Is it a minimum of 3 FULL pages in length plus 1 separate reference page?

NOTE: If less than 3 full pages, then don’t submit it because it will not be graded.

· Is your name at the top of the first page?

· Is the title of your paper in the form of a question that you are going to answer? For example:

Does television affect gender-role development?

Can a change in behavior change one’s attitude?

How does stress affect one’s health?

· Do you have an introduction section labeled “ Introduction ” which explains why this is an important topic and question?

· Do you have a main body section labeled “ Review of Information ” which covers the information you found that answers the question of your title?

· Do you have a conclusion section labeled “ Conclusion ” which summarizes the information and answers your question?

· Do you have a separate page labeled “ References ” listing at least 3 references? (1 of which may be your textbook, and at least 1 must be from a professional journal or book). Use the library resources for searching topics in professional journals - - - ask the library staff for assistance if needed.

· Did you submit a hard copy of your paper by the due date ? (no electronic submissions)

Writing Your Paper

CHOSE A TOPIC

· Choosing your topic is often the most difficult step. Decide which topics interest you most, and then determine if there are enough sources available to support your topic. Be careful to choose a topic that is not too general, but not so specific that you have difficulty finding reference materials. You may want to discuss this with Dr. Cook.

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN IDEA?

· Writing your thesis statement, the main idea on which you want to enlighten your audience, is one of the most important steps in the writing process. The thesis statement outlines your topic and provides a focused direction for your paper. You must frame the main idea in the form of a question you will answer. It will also be the title of your paper. You may want to discuss this with Dr. Cook.

GATHER INTERESTING IFORMATION

· Researching your topic can be one of the most time consuming tasks. Look for a variety of sources, including books, journal articles, and online materials. Try to balance historical information with current research to give your paper a breadth of information.

ANALYZE AND ORGANIZE THE INFORMATION LOGICALLY

· Organizing your paper may seem difficult once you have finished your notes. Simplify this task by dividing up your research notes by the issue or subject that is discussed. Create outlines to help structure your information and provide guidance and a formal plan for your writing.

PREPARE 1ST DRAFT OF PAPER

· The first draft provides the opportunity to get your plans and thoughts down on paper. Doing this helps prevent procrastination and a last-minute rush to meet deadlines. Your paper should clearly have 4 sections:

· Introduction

· Review of Information

· Conclusion

· References

Editing Your Paper

· Editing may involve a drastic revision of the first draft or only minor corrections of grammar and spelling.

· Revising your work allows you to refine your argument or research and help you see areas where improvements could be made.

· Allow a classmate or friend to review your work. They may be able to offer helpful critiques or catch grammar and spelling mistakes that you missed.

Attach THIS sheet to the back of your paper

Student’s Name: _____________________________ Class Section Number: ____

Extra Credit

INTRUCTOR COMPLETES THE FOLLOWING:

Grading based on the following criteria

[yes] [no] Did you attach THIS sheet to the back of your paper when you turned it in?

[yes] [no] Did you submit a DRAFT version of your paper by the due date for the Draft?

[yes] [no] Is your topic on some aspect of psychology?

[yes] [no] Is your paper typed or printed?

[yes] [no] Is the font in either 12-point Arial or 12-point Times New Roman?

[yes] [no] Are the margins at the top, bottom, and sides 1-inch?

[yes] [no] Is your paper a minimum of 3 single -spaced pages in length with

1 additional reference page?

If less than 3 full pages, then don’t submit it because it will not be graded.

[yes] [no] Is your name and class section number at the top of the first page?

[yes] [no] Is the title of your paper in the form of a question that you are going to answer?

[yes] [no] Do you have an introduction section labeled “ Introduction ” which explains why

this is an important topic and question?

[yes] [no] Do you have a main body section labeled “ Review of Information ” which

covers the information you found that answers the question of your title?

[yes] [no] Do you have a conclusion section labeled “ Conclusion ” which summarizes

the information and answers your question?

[yes] [no] Do you have an additional reference page labeled “ References ” listing at least

3 references? (1 of which may be your textbook, and at least 1 must be from a professional

journals or book).

[yes] [no] Did you submit a hard copy of your paper by the due date ?

Points earned out of 30 possible: _______