Psychology Discussion Requirements

Psychology Discussion Requirements

 

1. You are required to have 3 posts in each discussion and these three posts must be made on three separate days. The first post is the initial response to the question that appropriately and completely addresses the topic. This must be completed by 11:59 pm (EST) Wednesday night. It is best to post it at the beginning of the week. The remaining two posts are responses to two different classmates. The first response to a classmate is due Saturday at 11:59 pm (EST) and the second response to a classmate is due on Sunday at 11:59 pm (EST). Responses to me do not count as a response to another student; however, I will interact with each of you throughout the course. I encourage you to respond back. If you do not post on three separate days you will lose points (possible 15 point deduction).

 

*There will be a deduction of 5 points per day that the initial post is late. Posts are not accepted after the week closes on Sunday night.

 

2. Your initial post (your response to the topic) must contain a citation. It is your ideas supported by research. Please refer to the APA Power Point in the Start Here section of the classroom for information on proper formatting. There will be a deduction of 20 points for failure to cite a source within your initial post and to provide a reference at the end of your initial post.

 

3. Your initial post must be a minimum of 300 words and each response must be a minimum of 200 words. Please double-check your word count. Only posts that meet the word count requirements receive credit.

 

4. Post your word count at the end of each post. There will be a 5 point deduction for each failure to provide a word count.

5. Please use spell-check and proper grammar. Points will be deducted for each spelling and grammatical error up to 10 points for each post.

 

Psych Discussion Post

 

Due By

 

Cited Source – In Text and Reference

 

Word Count

 

Point Value

 

Post 1 – Initial Response is well organized, includes a citation, addresses topic, and demonstrates critical thinking

 

Wednesday

 

Yes – mandatory

 

300

 

50 points

 

Post 2 – Response to 1st student is well organized, includes classmate’s name, addresses topic, and demonstrates critical thinking

 

Saturday

 

Not required, but must cite any work used

 

200

 

25 points

 

Post 3 – Response to 2nd student is well organized, includes classmate’s name, addresses topic, and demonstrates critical thinking

 

Sunday

 

Not required, but must cite any work used

 

200

 

25 points

 

PSYCHOLOGY DISCUSSION RUBRIC

 

Criteria

 

Exemplary (100%)

 

50/50

 

Above Average (89%)

 

45/ 50

 

Satisfactory (79%)

 

40/ 50

 

Approaches Standard (69%)

 

35/ 50

 

Needs Improvement (59%)

 

30/ 50

 

Unsatisfactory (0)

 

0/ 50

 

Initial Post (50)

 

Reveals mastery of the material, critical assessment, and thorough exploration of the subject matter. Demonstrates mastery of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage and with no errors.

 

Reveals some mastery of the material although further exploration would have increased the value of the post; some critical assessment although portions of the material may be vague. Demonstrates proficiency of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage with fewer than three errors

 

Reveals knowledge of the subject matter although more exploration is needed; some critical assessment was noted although more in-depth perspective would have enhanced the work. Understanding of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage with fewer than five errors

 

May highlight what the reading material offers but does not apply further exploration of the subject matter; critical assessment is lacking. Improvement in some areas of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage; fewer than ten errors but retains clarity throughout most of post.

 

Uses personal opinion only without any exploration of additional possibilities; no critical assessment is noted. Needs improvement in grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage; more than fifteen errors; errors affect clarity of post.

 

Unable to score because there was no engagement in the discussion.

 

Criteria

 

25/25

 

per post

 

22/ 25

 

per post

 

20/ 25

 

per post

 

17/ 25

 

per post

 

15/ 25

 

per post

 

0/ 25

 

per post

 

Peer Responses (25 per post)

 

Promotes further discussion on the subject matter through thought-provoking peer responses; demonstrates depth of analysis of topic and peer’s post; Makes use of source support, as needed, and in proper APA format, grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics and usage with no errors

 

Promotes further discussion on the subject matter through meaningful comments that demonstrate understanding of topic and peer’s post.Makes use of source support, as needed, but may not fully use proper APA format, grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics and usage with fewer than three errors

 

Engages peers but does not promote further consideration of the material so that additional learning takes place.Uses some source support, though it may not be scholarly or in the appropriate APA format, grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics and usage with fewer than five errors.

 

Peer engagement does not encourage depth of academic thought or is based on personal opinion only. Uses some source support, though it may not be scholarly or in the appropriate APA format, with fewer than ten errors in grammar, spelling, mechanics and usage

 

Peer responses do not add substance or promote engagement in the discussion in a meaningful way; comments are superficial or off topic. Extremely limited or no source support noted; improper or missing APA format, and grammar, spelling, mechanics affect clarity

 

Unable to score because there was no engagement in the discussion.

 

Professionalism is a very serious matter in your online class at MV and in the field of psychology. Our mission is to provide you with an education that prepares you to succeed in the workplace and in graduate programs. Please use the following guidelines in our discussion forum and in all communication at MV:

 

I will “listen” to others respectfully.

I recognize that online learning is devoid of physical cues that often support communication and will strive to use language that clearly expresses my views.

I will strive to utilize language that is thoughtful, respectful, and collegial when communicating with my fellow students.

When I disagree with someone, I will critique his/her ideas in a respectful and constructive manner.

I will try to understand other people’s behaviors and perspectives rather than simply criticize them.

I will avoid stereotypes and humor that is disparaging of others.

I will avoid texting language, slang, or other non-professional communication.

Week 4 Discussion Topic:

 

“PLANNING A RESEARCH STUDY”

 

Imagine doing groundbreaking research in one of the areas listed below. Assume that there is no prior research to draw on, so you will need to utilize descriptive methods. Choose one of the following research topics and design a research plan using one of the field research techniques from chapter 6 in your textbook. We are focusing on descriptive mehtods in this discussion.

 

Make sure to answer the following questions:

 

What would your research question be for this study?

Which descriptive research method would you use? Why is it the best fit?

How will you select a sample of participants? Why did you pick this sampling technique?

What limitations will there be in your study? (Limitations would be due to the study method you chose, the sampling technique you chose, and anything else you should consider.)

Are there any ethical issues you will need to address?

Research Topics to Choose From

 

Some people are concerned about the possible effects of televised wrestling on viewers and on society in general.

Studies have shown that seat belts dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death. Nevertheless, many people still do not use seat belts. The issue of concern to you is how one might increase seat belt use.

Naturalists worry about the welfare of animals in the natural environment, but most people are unconcerned with the impact of hunting, habitat destruction, environmental pollution, and so on. Your research seeks to develop ways to sensitize people so they will have greater concern for wildlife and make greater efforts to reduce human incursions.

Shoplifting costs retail businesses and consumers billions of dollars annually. A national retail consortium hired you to study shoplifting and recommend ways to control this problem.

To post to the discussion, click on the Week 4 Discussion title above, then Create Thread.