Homework AssignmentLiterature Review
PSYC 1160 – Winter 2020 Section 01
NO EXCEPTIONS! THE PORTAL WILL CLOSE AT THE DEADLINE SO YOU CANNOT SUBMIT LATE!
Introduction: The purpose of this assignment is to increase your ability for summarizing, synthesizing, and
integrating information acquired from scholarly resources to direct future goals. Your paper should begin with
introducing the reader to your topic and your research question you are interested in exploring. In the body
paragraphs, you will detail how others tackled your research question or a research question similar to yours
and their results. These findings will inform your opinion and what future studies can further answer your
research question, which you will describe in your summary/concluding paragraph.
Grading
This assignment will be graded out of 47 points possible and will count towards 15% of your course grade.
Your completed assignment should be submitted on Blackboard in advance of the deadline. LATE
ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. A LATE ASSIGNMENT IS AN AUTOMATIC ZERO! Only assignments in
Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDFs will be accepted. Assignments should be a minimum of 4 and a
maximum of 6 pages, double-spaced (not including the title page and the reference page – do both in APA
format!), in Times New Roman, 12pt font. Do not include an Abstract or Table of Contents with this
assignment!
Page Deductions will be taken if you don’t follow the minimum-maximum page guidelines for the
assignment as designated by section- this is explained at the bottom of the rubric below.
NOTE: PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT!
The University of Windsor Policy on Plagiarism states “the source of any ideas, wording, or data obtained
from others must be disclosed and properly acknowledged by citations, quotation marks, and
bibliographic references in the proper format. Using the work of others without acknowledgement is
plagiarism.” (FAHSS Plagiarism Policy, 2014). If you plagiarize any part of this assignment you will
receive a zero and may be subject to discipline though the office of Academic Integrity.
Plagiarism includes (but is not limited to):
1.
2.
3.
4.
Having no in-text citations AND no reference page
Having a reference page but NO in-text citations
Having in-text citations but NO reference page
Copying a sentence(s)/paragraph word-for-word from a source, with no changes and/or minor
word changes, and citing in-text WITHOUT using direct quotes
Any of the above instances of plagiarism will result in a 0 for the ENTIRE PAPER. See the resources
on Blackboard for APA, consult online resources such as OWL Purdue, THEN ASK A GA IF YOU
STILL NEED HELP!
You must put all ideas/answers IN YOUR OWN WORDS and provide proper citations and references for your
source(s) using APA style.
Assignment Instructions
Select a topic from the list below, these are approved topics from the chapters covered this term. You MUST
choose a topic listed here, using an unapproved topic will result in a grade of 0! This is so you can actually
USE the textbook, what you study in relation to the chosen topic is up to you (i.e., if you choose Major
Depressive Disorder your research question can be about anything in relation to this disorder). The topic
MUST be discussed in the indicated chapter of the textbook; for instance, if you choose anxiety disorders,
you must choose one that is discussed in the textbook.
1. Heuristics and Biases (Chapter 8, section 8.1)
2. Intelligence and IQ Testing (Chapter 9)
3. Complementary/alternative Medicine (Chapter 12, section 12.5)
4. Attitudes and Persuasion: Changing Minds (Chapter 13, section 13.4)
5. Personality Assessment (Chapter 14, section 14.6)
6. Anxiety-related Disorders (Chapter 15.2)
7. Mood Disorders (Chapter 15, section 15.3)
8. Schizophrenia (Chapter 15, section 15.5)
9. Behavioural Psychotherapies (Chapter 16, section 16.4)
10. Biomedical Treatments (Chapter 16, section 16.6)
After choosing a topic, you will write a research paper. This paper is intended to form a simplified version of
the literature review portion of a research proposal. Use the following rubric to construct your paper:
*Note: for all portions of this paper, unless absolutely necessary, you MUST paraphrase the information.
There are very few reasons to use a direct quote, and therefore quotes should be used sparingly.
Paraphrasing demonstrates that you understand the information in the sources. Overreliance on direct
quoting will result in part marks for that portion of the assignment (indicated in the rubric).
Introductory paragraph (7 pts total).
The introductory paragraph MUST utilize the CURRENT textbook (4th edition, Revel, physical copies are on
reserve at the library if you do not have Revel). You are required to define your main variables in this
paragraph, thus you MUST utilize citations in this paragraph. The textbook MUST be utilized as a source in this
paragraph. If you cite any of your 5 journal articles in this paragraph- that is allowed but sources (other than
the textbook) cited in this paragraph will NOT count toward your mandatory 5 sources used in the body
paragraphs (described below). This paragraph should include:
1. An introductory statement stating your topic of interest (1pt)
0
.5
1
Does not introduce the topic Unclear, poorly written
Well written, clear
of interest
description of topic of
introduction to the topic that
interest; AND/OR relies on
was written in the student’s
direct quoting from sources
own words.
to describe topic and does
not paraphrase the
information
2. Clear, operational definitions of your main variables (2pts)
0
.5
1
1.5
Does not
Unclear, poorly
Relied on
Defines the main
define the written definition of direct quotes variables by
variables
variables of interest; for
paraphrasing,
of interest. AND/OR not all main definitions of definitions lack
variables were
main
clarity or
defined; AND/OR
variables
specificity
direct quotes were
utilized for existing
definitions
2
Well written, clear
definitions of all
variables of interest;
definitions were
paraphrased and not
directly quoted from
a source.
3. State your research question, based on the topic you introduced and the variables you have
identified, what is your question you would want to investigate? (2pts)
0
1
2
Does not state a research
Unclear, poorly written
Well written, clear statement
question
research question.
of a research question that
incorporates each variable.
4. The current (4th, Revel) edition of the textbook was utilized to define relevant variable(s) and
introduce reader to the topic (2pts)
a. TO CITE REVEL: Cite as though it was a physical textbook- the information you need can be
found on the copyright page at the very end of the REVEL online book, use the most recent
copyright year
NOTE: A proper introduction includes a thesis statement introducing the topic with a concise, operational
definition. Include information about the topic, and offer a research question that you will later inform with
existing literature in your literature review. Do NOT include information from your literature review in the
introduction. Your introduction introduces the reader to the topic, but a comprehensive literature review
comes afterward.
0
Does not utilize the current
edition of the text
1
Textbook was utilized sparingly,
AND/OR incorporation of the
information from the textbook was
unclear (ex: was not utilized to define
applicable variable(s), irrelevant
information from the text included in
the introductory paragraph).
2
Relevant definitions and
information from the textbook
was thoroughly and clearly
incorporated into the
introduction.
Example
Many adolescents and young adults are deprived of adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation occurs when an
individual fails to receive the amount of sleep they require (Textbook Citation). On average, adolescents
require nine hours of sleep each night (Textbook Citation). However, most adolescents receive less than
seven hours of sleep each night (Textbook Citation). Given the importance of having sufficient sleep, my
research question is how does sleep deprivation affect academic performance? Academic performance
refers to the grades students receive in their courses and is highly related to future career trajectories
(Textbook Citation). Understanding the impact of sleep deprivation on academic performance will help
students understand how to excel in post-secondary education.
Body Paragraphs (1 paragraph/article, 5pts/source = 25 pts total):
Do a literature review in APA style on your research question topic above using 5 journal articles from
scholarly journals. Each of the 5 journal articles MUST DISCUSS SOME FORM OF FORMAL RESEARCH STUDYMETA ANALYSES AND REVIEW PAPERS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Each source must directly inform your research question! These are the MINIMUM required sources- you may
use additional resources, but only the first 5 sources will be marked! (5 pts per source – 25 pts total)
Choosing your 5 scholarly articles
See the example article posted on BB- it is the article used for the example paragraphs written in these
instructions. Meta-analyses and review papers do not describe a single study, and thus you will not be
able to synthesize the information in the way that you are required to (see the rubric below). To identify
whether an article discusses a research study:
• An article discussing a research study will have the author(s) outlining an introduction into the
topic, methods and procedure of their study, results, discussion, and future directions—these are
the articles you must use!
• A meta-analysis combines numerous existing studies to look for trends in existing literature—you
cannot use this for your paper
• A review article will not have an identified study (no methods etc.)- it will be a review of existing
information—You may not use this for your paper
If you use a meta-analysis or a review article, that entire paragraph will receive a 0. Please reach out to
a GA if you are unsure about an article!
When writing the body paragraphs, dedicate one body paragraph to review each source, meaning ONE
PARAGRAPH PER SOURCE.
*Note. Each source (and by extension each paragraph) will be marked separately using the rubrics below.
For each source, you must include the following, in one paragraph per source:
1. Review the purpose of the study, and the methods the authors used to conduct the study- i.e., what
were they investigating and how did they do it? This summary should be brief, outlining who the
population was that they looked at (men, women, elderly, etc.), and how they conducted the study
(surveys, experiment, etc.). You should summarize this information in your OWN words (2pts)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
Source is missing; Very unclear, poorly Somewhat unclear
Good explanation Well written, clear
AND/OR the
written use of the
description of the
of the purpose of
description of the
source does not
source. Includes a
purpose and
the study, and the purpose of the
relate or inform
description of one of methods used in the methods and
study and the
the research
either the purpose,
source; AND/OR;
population, lacks
methods used.
question;
methods, or
includes a
some clarity or
Information is
AND/OR no
population studied, description of two of specificity;
paraphrased in
explanation of
but not all three;
either the purpose, AND/OR some
writer’s own
the purpose of
AND/OR source only methods, or
direct quoting was words.
the study, the
loosely relates to the population studied, utilized
population, or
research question
but not all three;
the methods.
AND/OR majority of
information is
directly quoted from
the source, not
paraphrased
2. Explain the results of the study- what did the author(s) find and what do these findings mean? This
explanation should be written in your own words, without utilizing statistical values (i.e., do not
report things like “variable A was significantly related to variable B, p = 0.8”, explain what the results
actually MEAN). (2pts)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
Source is missing; Very unclear, poorly Somewhat unclear
Good explanation Well written, clear
AND/OR the
written use of the
description of the
of the results of
description of the
source does not
source. Includes a
results of the study; the study, lacks
results of the
relate or inform
vague, unclear
AND/OR states the some clarity or
study. Information
the research
description of the
results but does not specificity;
is paraphrased in
question;
results; AND/OR
offer an
AND/OR some
writer’s own
AND/OR no
source only loosely
interpretation of
direct quoting was words.
explanation of
relates to the
what the results
utilized
the results of the research question
mean; AND/OR
study.
majority of
information is
directly quoted from
the source, not
paraphrased
3. State how the findings of this source inform your research question. Meaning, what does it tell you
about the research question you have? (1pt)
0
.5
1
Source is missing; AND/OR
Unclear, poorly written
Well written, clear
source does not relate or
explanation of how the
explanation of how the
inform the research question; source informs the research
source informs the research
AND/OR no explanation of
question; AND/OR relies on
question that was written in
direct quoting from sources
the student’s own words.
how the source informs the
research question
to describe and does not
paraphrase the information
Example- Article Posted on BB under Resources in the Homework Assignment Folder
Sleep deprivation is associated with an array of negative consequences, and adolescents may engage in
harmful behaviours to combat the effects of sleep deprivation. Noland, Price, Dake, and Telljohann (2008)
investigated the prevalence and impact of sleep deprivation among high school students, and the behaviours
utilised to combat sleep deprivation. High school students enrolled in a general education course completed a
self-report questionnaire assessing their sleep behaviours and perceptions of sleep. Over 90% of the sample
met criteria for sleep deprivation, receiving less than the required nine hours of sleep each night. Further, sleep
deprivation was associated with increased daytime exhaustion, concentration difficulties, lower grades,
increased stress, and interpersonal conflict. To combat sleep deprivation, students reported engaging in
potentially harmful activities such as consuming alcohol before bed, taking sleeping pills, or smoking
cigarettes (Noland et al., 2008). The findings of this study indicate that sleep deprivation is a prevalent concern
among adolescents in high school and may impact students’ academic performance. Additionally, students
may engage in potentially harmful behaviours to prevent sleep deprivation. Further studies are necessary to
understand how these coping strategies for sleep deprivation impact academic performance.
Summary paragraph, indication of future direction (5pts); summary must include:
1. Summarize your literature review- what have the 5 sources taught you about your research topic
and the research question you proposed? (2pts)
0
1
2
No summary of the literature
Somewhat unclear summary of the Well written, clear summary of
review present
literature review that does not
the literature review. Information
integrate the findings of all the
is paraphrased in writer’s own
sources; AND/OR majority of
words.
information is directly quoted from
the source, not paraphrased
2. Are there any inconsistencies (gaps) in the literature, or are the findings fairly consistent (be specific
about where/how the literature is consistent or inconsistent)? In other words, do you see any
opportunities or missing pieces? For example, a gap in the literature may be that people only ever
studied women. Or results may be inconsistent: some sources report significant results and others
report non-significant results. Or is the literature fairly consistent and straightforward about this
topic? (1pt)
0
1
2
No mention of consistencies or Mentions that the literature is
Well written, clear explanation of
inconsistencies in the
either consistent, or there are
the literature that identifies any
literature
inconsistencies and gaps present
consistencies or inconsistencies.
but does not explain how; AND/OR Information is paraphrased in
majority of information is directly
writer’s own words.
quoted from the source, not
paraphrased
3. Summarize the future directions on the research topic that have been suggested by the authors of
your sources—what would be the next steps to research this topic? (2pts)
0
1
No mention of future directions Somewhat unclear explanation of
of study
future directions; AND/OR majority
of information is directly quoted
from the source, not paraphrased
2
Well written, clear indication of
future directions of research.
Information is paraphrased in
writer’s own words.
Example
Based on the existing literature, it is evident that sleep deprived adolescents and young adults may
experience widespread negative effects in their day-to-day functioning. Specifically, being sleep deprived may
result in difficulties concentrating, decrease mood, and worsen memory (Citations). These consequences could
impact students’ academic performance. Indeed, students who identify as sleep deprived consistently score
lower on achievement tests, and have a lower grade point average than rested students (Citations). However,
although the results reported in the literature are consistent, the relationship between sleep deprivation and
academic performance has been examined only among high school students (identifying a gap). Students in
postsecondary education report sleep deprivation (Citation). The age of postsecondary students may vary, and
thus the sleep requirements may differ among postsecondary students. Investigating the impact and rate of sleep
deprivation among postsecondary students may identify how inadequate sleep impacts individuals of varying
ages. Additionally, a future study may be designed to reduce sleep deprivation, and observe the impact on
academic performance (future direction suggested by the source). For example, delaying school start times to
give students the opportunity to sleep longer may have a positive effect on their academic performance. If
altering the school regime to allow for more sleep has a positive impact on academic performance, this may be
utilized as a strategy to optimize students’ academic success.
Examples of Consistencies and Inconsistencies/Gaps to think of
Consistencies
•
•
•
Do your sources all indicate the same result?
Did they study the same population(s)- like all looked at women, or same age group, etc.?
Did they investigate in the same manner? I.e., all used a self-report questionnaire?
Inconsistencies/Gaps
•
•
•
Are there conflicting results in the sources? I.e., one source says sleep deprivation causes low grades,
but another source says sleep deprivation doesn’t have an impact on grades. This isn’t a bad thing! It
can be an opportunity for more research to clarify what is actually happening!
Is there an area of study that is missing? For example, maybe all the sources you find only studied
something with women but not men, or only with Caucasian samples. Demographics are an easy place
to look for “gaps”- Women, men, LGBTQ+, different ethnicities, different ages, see if theres a
different population to study!
The idea here is to look for some room for advancement in the literature- what could be added based on
what we know?
APA Format (7th Edition!)
*Note: Plagiarism- only having in-text citations and/or a reference page but not both, or copying direct
quotes but citing as though you paraphrased the information (i.e. not using quotation marks) is plagiarism
and will result in a 0 for the assignment! If you do not understand APA consult the resources on BB, online,
Leddy Library, or GO SEE A GA/TA!!
0
2
4
6
8
10
Severe APA
Serious APA
Major APA
Moderate APA Minor APA
No APA
infractions
infractions
infractions
infractions
infractions (e.g., infractions
(e.g., proper
(e.g.,
(e.g., significant
(e.g., not
(e.g., only
including page
completely
errors in
consistently
including page number instead crediting of
omitting inreferences/citations, citing
numbers inof year, listing
sources,
text citations
including some
information
text, errors in authors in the
correct
and/or
sources on the
from
reference
reference page formatting for
reference list
reference page but
secondary
format).
alphabetically
in-text
for several
failing to in-text
sources).
instead of
citations and
sources).
cite).
according to
references).
authorship).
Deductions:
• -1 pt./page for being under the 4-page minimum.
• -1 pt./page for being over the 6-page maximum.
• One pt. deduction for EACH missing source (MINIMUM SOURCES: CURRENT TEXTBOOK, 5 SCHOLARLY
JOURNAL ARTICLES = 6 sources)
YOUR FINAL PROJECT MUST BE SUBMITTED ON BLACKBOARD on Friday, February 28 th by 4:00 PM (not 4:01 –
it is due at 4:00 PM) – LATE WORK IS A ZERO!
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