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Here I am again with some additional advice for the final paper! Below, I offer four tips. Enjoy! :)
1) Use Course Material
The main thing, as I’ve said in the discussion posts, is that you MUST use course materials to support the points of advice you make. I know that the prompt is written in a way that might sound like you are simply giving “advice” based on personal experience. But remember that this is a college-credit class, and we are looking for evidence you’ve done the reading and can use what you’ve learned to give others advice. Also, don’t forget that the assignment asks for you to do more than simply use Sole. The assignment REQUIRES that you use AT LEAST FIVE SOURCES. By “using,” I mean you actually use them in the body of your writing. Quote or paraphrase them and comment on what your authors have to say and why they are important. Two of these articles should come from the ProQuest library. I highly recommend that you check off the boxes “full text,” “scholarly articles,” and “peer reviewed.” Those will allow you to find the highest quality articles.
2) Doing your research
When you go to ProQuest to do your search, be prepared with different search terms to address all five of the learning outcomes you’ve selected. So, if you chose “Describe the process by which self-concept is developed and maintained” you’d want to use the following as search terms:
“Self-concept” and communication
I saw over 200 articles using the terms “self-concept” and “communication” and over 50 articles with “interpersonal communication” and “self-concept.” Then, after you’ve armed yourself with information from several sources that help you elaborate on those points, start writing your advice.
3) How to incorporate what you've learned
Then, explicitly refer to your authors and cite them, using APA style. Here’s an example,
Silence can be an important part of a close relationship and demonstrates comfort with just “being” with someone else. Therefore, silence in itself is not automatically hurtful to a relationship. However, as Sole (2011) explains, prolonged silence, especially if it follows an altercation, can seriously damage interpersonal relationships (Section 9.1). In fact, marriage therapists report that silence is often used by one partner to punish the other, when they feel hurt or angry. This is dangerous to a relationship because you never directly address whatever problem is just under the surface. If you want to have a lasting, healthy relationship, you must find a way to openly communicate with each other. I know it is tough, especially when you argue. But you must find a way to open the lines of communication, so you can re-build trust and affection. Sole wisely argues that when we’re in a good relationship, we should feel safe to express our feelings safety (Section 9.2). You must give each other the room to speak your minds.
Given you two have already been through some rocky times, I’m confident you can overcome any future conflict. Be sure to always bring important topics to the surface though and actually openly address whatever issues you’re having. Otherwise, “tensions increases, problems remain unresolved, resentments build, and frustration, anger, and increased distance between the parties often result” (Sole, Section 9.1). Don’t let this happen to you! Small disputes can plant seeds that can become major obstacles to the two of you operating as one unit. And that’s what you will be, as a married couple – one unit!
Notice that I repeatedly used Sole here to support my advice. This was written when we were using a text by Sole only. That is why I'm not using "Bevan & Sole." After you’ve completed the paper, don’t forget to include whatever author you used in your reference list at the end of the paper. Below I have an example of how to reference, using APA style. If you have any questions about APA style, please post them in the “Ask Your Instructor” section of the website so everyone can benefit from your advice. Or, feel free to contact me via email and I will give you specific advice.
4) Go Through the Grading Rubric ![Image result for check mark computer cartoon]()
There should be no mystery as to how I am grading you, as the criteria is clearly listed in the rubric. After you've written your paper, I strongly suggest that you go through each segment and assess yourself. Be sure you've completed all tasks, like including an introduction (with a thesis) and a conclusion. It's easy to lose a few points for not doing something like including your reference list. So, don't do that! :)
Okay, please be sure to use sources to support your advice in your letter. And feel free to ask questions if you’re confused about what is required of you.
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Final Paper
The final paper is the most significant project in this class as it is worth 25% of your overall grade. It is designed to allow you to pull together a variety of knowledge you’ve gained through the course. So, please, take advantage of every opportunity to do so!
As the prompt says, you will be writing a hypothetical letter to an engaged couple about how to communicate to build a strong relationship. Again, I repeat that I don’t care if your couple or group of co-workers are hypothetical or not. The point is to show you can apply what you’ve learned to some potentially real-world experience.
You must use the following FIVE learning outcomes:
1. Explain the principles of, and barriers to, effective interpersonal communications.
2. Analyze the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem.
3. Illustrate the importance of self-disclosure and emotional intelligence in various relationships.
4. Evaluate strategies for using communication techniques to resolve interpersonal conflicts.
5. Analyze the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communications.
When you go to write your paper, you
MUST
use the five learning outcomes you’ve identified as headers for different sections. Headers means you will create clear titles that separate each segment of your paper and you spend a significant amount of time with EACH of these learning outcomes. When you go to address each point, be sure to draw on Bevan and Sole, other readings and/or the guidance to help you make your points. Aim for two to three points from Bevan and Sole and/or others for each section. Try use a combination of paraphrasing and/or quoting. And remember, when you use quotes, be careful to explain what the quote means or why it is so significant. This allows you to hammer in the point and it shows that you are processing and actively engaging with the reading. Doing this makes the quote more of your own.
You will be writing 8 to 10 pages, with a clear introduction and conclusion. I know that’s a long letter! But don’t get too carried away with that concept. I would anticipate that you will need to spend about 1 to 2 paragraphs for the introduction, 1 ½ pages for each of your five objectives, and then at least a one-paragraph conclusion. You will still need to use APA style and ensure that you are writing to an academic crowd – your instructor! If you need help with APA style, please email me as soon as possible and I will assist you.
I can’t emphasize enough that you will not do well on the paper if you do not use references (e.g. academic articles) to support you in all of the claims you make. In fact, the paper requires that you use at least FIVE SOURCES, and Bevan and Sole only counts as one. And remember that two of the sources must come from the Ashford Library. Please do not just re-use articles from class to meet this requirement. Go to an Ashford database and do some research! For some advice about researching communication topics specifically, select the “Research Guides” icon on the library’s landing page and then select “Communication.”
Please don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions and I will help you as much as possible. And once again, good luck!
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