PSYC 332 Human Sexuality Essay!!

Applied Final Project

This course will offer an applied final project in lieu of a proctored final exam.

Observation Paper

1. Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to observe human behavior in a natural setting.

Directions: You will conduct an observation of human interactions in a public place (i.e., a supermarket or nightclub), not a private area (i.e., a bathroom or bedroom). Your site need not specifically be one where there are sexual interactions.

There is wide variation with regard to the content of your observation report, but here is the basic format:

· Background—Include the information your reader needs to put the observation in context. Briefly describe the setting, the emotional climate, the demographic makeup of the participants, and so on, along with any other information you think is pertinent.

· Behavioral Results—Describe in sufficient detail specific behaviors you observed. This component of the paper should answer the question, "What happened in this observation?" and should focus on the factual and visible aspects. You may want to identify the unwritten rules in the setting. For example, in a bar setting, one of the unwritten rules may be that two people pair off and dance on the dance floor. Also, you may want to characterize the behavior of the participants with labels such as "The Flirt" or "1970s Hairstyle." This material will form the basis for any conclusions you draw in the final section of the paper.

· Conclusions—Draw conclusions based on what you saw during the observation. This section will demonstrate what you learned during the observation. It should connect to the course materials and answer the question, "What can be concluded from what happened in this observation?" Include your opinion of what happened.

Spend no less than one hour and no more than three hours in your observation setting. The entire observation may be completed in one sitting or several.

Depending on your chosen site and the length of your observation, the paper should be about seven to ten pages.

Observation Grading Rubric

Grade Range 0–300	Measurement Criteria
300	Observation demonstrates all seven components of critical thinking (Perception, Assumptions, emotion, language, argument, fallacy, logic) and analysis consistently. Observation's three sections are all well-organized, easy to read, and free of grammatical and syntax errors. Psychological theories are well integrated in the paper. At least five unwritten rules are identified, and characteristics of key subjects are described in detail.
270	Observation demonstrates at least five components of critical thinking and analysis. Observation is organized clearly, easy to read, and free of grammatical and syntax errors. Several psychological theories are integrated into the paper. At least three unwritten rules are identified, and most characteristics of key subjects are described.
240	Observation demonstrates three components of critical thinking and analysis. Observation is somewhat organized, can be read with minimum difficulty, and has no more than a few grammatical and syntax errors. At least one psychological theory is integrated into the paper. At least one unwritten rule is identified, and a key subject's psychological characteristics are appropriately described.
210	Observation demonstrates fewer than three components of critical thinking and analysis. Observation is somewhat disorganized and contains grammatical and syntax errors. There is little discussion of psychological theory, few if any unwritten rules, and a limited description of key subject personalities.
180	Observation demonstrates fewer than two components of critical thinking and analysis. Observation may be disorganized, contain grammatical and syntax errors, or have little if any discussion of unwritten rules, social psychological theories, and so forth.
Below 1180	Paper is devoid of critical thinking and analysis components, and does not meet minimum project requirements.

Observations that demonstrate critical thinking and analysis include components such as

1. identification of assumptions regarding setting

2. accurate assessment of behaviors

3. presentation of corollary positions and perspectives

4. development of conclusions based on behaviors observed

5. discussion of potential or actual implications of behaviors

6. listing of consequences resulting from specific behaviors

7. posing of critical questions regarding problems or issues that could result from behaviors observed