Research Paper

The writing assignment is a research paper. You can select one of the topics I provided (see attached PDF file Paper Topics) or you can choose a topic in the field of Psychology that may be of interest.
The paper is to be six, double-spaced, one-inch margins, typed. It is to have a separate title page using APA style and a separate Reference page using the APA format. The title and reference pages are in addition to the four pages of text. The title and reference page will be considered as part of the six pages of manuscript. Do not plagiarize or use a paper that you have obtained on line or from a friend. Plagiarism or using other’s papers will result in a zero grade.
Your paper will be graded based on the following criteria (for a full description of the grading criteria see the grading rubric):
Content and Development 25% of the Grade
the ability to find and identify appropriate sources.
major points are clearly stated
clarity of the introduction to the topic, for example why student chose this topic.
clarity of the papers purpose, for example, what the paper will discuss and how it relates to the introduction. What is the rationale for writing the paper?
how well the student demonstrated their understanding of the topic was able to clearly explain their understanding.
quality of the analysis of the topic
how well the student used the sources to support their analysis and conclusions.

Organization and Structure 25% of the Grade
appropriate use of paragraphs, for example, the length of the paragraphs, and paragraphs are clearly delineated, for example length of paragraphs, long or short.
each paragraph starts with a topic sentence and the paragraph focuses on that main idea in that paragraph.
transitions between paragraphs are logical.
ideas are clearly related to one another, connected to the topic and to preceding sentences and paragraphs. Ideas are not tangential (thinking shows focus and does not wander).
support for the arguments are clearly stated showing an understanding of the topic.
ideas and arguments are clearly stated and the reader is able to follow the ideas and arguments.
conclusions are provided and flow from the body of the paper.
Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling 20% of the Grade
rules of grammar and punctuation are followed.
correct spelling of words.
language is clear and precise.
formal language writing, no jargon or use of conversational tone or use of terms found in internet communications like LOL or TTYS. Try not to use conjunctions for example, “don’t” for “do not”.
sentence are complete, no run on sentences or sentence fragments. A complete sentence includes a subject and verb that agree with each other, begins with a capital letter, and ends in a period, question mark, or exclamation point. It expresses a complete idea and if read makes sense on its own.
appropriate use of semi-colons (;) and colons (:).

4. Format and Length 15% of the Grade
a. paper is of appropriate length.

b. includes a separate title and reference page.
c. paragraphs are of appropriate length and there are clear paragraphs breaks.
d. appropriate one inch margins, double spacing, and use of 12 point fonts.
5. Use of APA References and Style 15% of the Grade

a. use of APA style for title page.

b. separate reference page with references following APA guidelines, including double spacing, 12 point font, and hanging indents.
c. in text citations using APA guidelines.

d. 5 references are required no more than 2 website references
and no text book references.
e) students cannot plagiarize others authors writing, take credit for others opinions, ideas, or written material. Must acknowledge others material by quoting them or if paraphrasing indicating the person’s name and date of the written material they are paraphrasing.