Assignment:
Develop a research question, and then in 5 to 7 pages, evaluate research literature associated with the question in terms of credibility, reliability, ethics, and value. Explain how the research can be used by psychology professionals.
You are at the halfway point now! One more assessment after this and you will be on to your second course. Read the requirements for the assessment carefully and review the list of suggested resources to decide if they may be useful in completing the assessment.
Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
1. Competency 2: Evaluate psychological literature in terms of reliability, credibility, ethics, and value.
- Evaluate research literature in terms of credibility, reliability, ethics, and value.
2. Competency 4: Apply critical thinking and effective decision making.
- Develop a research question to address a problem in the field of psychology.
- Explain how research is applicable to professional practice in psychology.
3. Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Use APA format and style.
- Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
4. Preparation
In your role as a psychology professional, you have been asked to contribute to a professional association's quarterly newsletter. You need to select a question, review the most recent research on the topic of your question, and discuss how the research can be applied to professional practice.
To develop a research question, think about your areas of interest in psychology, things you are passionate about, and who your audience will be. What type of research question will help you expand your knowledge and skills while contributing to the field of psychology? Here are a few examples:
- What are the best practices for treating individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds?
- How does technology impact learning in the elementary school classroom?
- What might explain the increase in the number of children diagnosed with developmental disorders, such as autism and Asperger's Syndrome?
- Is there a relationship between leadership and emotional intelligence?
- What role does birth order play in personality development?
- Once you have a research question, look in the Capella Library for at least three peer-reviewed articles from scholarly journals relevant to your research question. Look for patterns, as well as different answers to your research question, and then narrow your findings down to about three main themes that will make up the body of your review of the literature. The final step will be to examine how you would apply the findings to your professional practice in psychology and what the findings mean to your area of specialization.
Because this is an article for publication, be sure to format it according to APA guidelines. (You may wish to use the APA Paper Template in the Resources.)
Requirements
In the article you write for this assessment, include the following:
1. Develop a research question to address a problem in the field of psychology.
2. Evaluate the research literature in terms of reliability, credibility, ethics, and value.
a. Explain the assumptions and biases of the researchers.
b. What was the motive or reason that the research was conducted?
- Does that affect the credibility or reliability of the findings?
c. Are there ethical issues within the research and were they addressed?
d. Compare the different research studies.
- Did they use the same methods?
- Did they have the same or similar conclusions?
- Are there flaws in the research?
e. How well does the research answer the question you developed?
3. Explain how you would apply the research to professional psychology practice.
- How are the findings important for your area of psychology?
4. Example Assessment: You may use the assessment example, linked in the Assessment Examples section of the Resources, to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like.
Additional Requirements
Format: Include a title page and reference page.
Length: 5 to 7 pages, double-spaced.
References: At least three current scholarly or professional resources.
APA formatting: References and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards.
Font: Times New Roman, 12 points.