Psyc 370 Theories of Learning.

Paper scoring criteria

The most important thing, and what will differentiate the “A” from the “B” papers, is that you show that you have thought about the topic. You don’t just report what others have said and done, you draw your own conclusions, based on what has been done. Usually the best place to do this is toward the end of the paper.

1. Formulation of focus or purpose of the paper. What question is the paper supposed to answer? This should be made clear on the first page.

2. Breadth and depth of literature covered.

a. Adequate number of references for your topic (i. e. more than the minimum required).

b. The literature cited is the most up to date (unless you have an historical perspective) and of good quality.

c. Both sides of the issue appropriately represented (not necessarily equally).

d. References come from a variety of journals.

e. Information presented does not simply repeat what is covered in class or the textbook.

3. Integration. Don’t just describe one unrelated study after another. Show how the studies you’re describing relate to each other and to the theme of your paper.

4. It is clear how the conclusions you draw follow from the studies discussed.

5. Originality and reflection exhibited in the conclusions drawn.

6. Discussion of broader implications (theoretical and, when appropriate, applied).

7. Paper is well-organized, and a logical sequence of thoughts is presented. One paragraph follows naturally from the previous.

Less important criteria. While these are not as important, they are absolutely crucial, and no student will be given a passing grade without them.

8. Correct English spelling and grammar.

9. Proper references. Everything cited in the text is in the Reference list and vice-versa. The citation is to the person who actually did the work or formulated the idea.