PSY B101 Brain Fitness Paper Assignment

Excellent

Good

Needs Improvement

Unacceptable

Explanation of Claim

Describing the claim and related aspect of healthy brain function

Claim and related specific aspect of healthy brain function are stated clearly and described in detail, with all relevant information necessary for full understanding. (15 pts)

Claim and related specific aspect of healthy brain function are stated and described so that understanding is not seriously impacted by missing information. (11-14)

Claim and related specific aspect of healthy brain function are stated but description is missing some critical background information. (6-10)PSY B101 Brain Fitness Paper

Claim and related specific aspect of healthy brain function are stated without clarification or description. (1-5)

Evaluate Sources of Evidence Critically Finding information to investigate the claim

Selects sources after considering the importance of the multiple criteria used (such as relevance to claim, currency, authority, and bias or point of view). (10)

Selects sources using multiple criteria (such as relevance to the claim, currency, and authority). (7-9)

Selects sources using basic criteria (such as relevance to claim). (4-6) PSY B101 Brain Fitness Paper

Selects sources that are inappropriate (e.g., only uses non-scientific sources). (1-3)

Evidence

Using information to investigate the claim

Information is taken from sources with enough interpretation/ evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are questioned thoroughly. (15)

Information is taken from sources with enough interpretation/ evaluation to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are questioned to some extent. (11-14)

Information is taken from sources with some interpretation/ evaluation, but not enough to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are taken as mostly fact, with little questioning. (6-10)

Information is taken from sources without any interpretation/ evaluation. Viewpoints of experts are taken as fact, without question. (1-5)

Contradictions

Incorporating contradictory evidence

Integrates alternative or contradictory evidence for the claim fully. (15)

Incorporates alternative or contradictory evidence for the claim in a exploratory way. (11-14) PSY B101 Brain Fitness Paper

Mentions alternative or contradictory evidence for the claim in a small way. (6-10)

Does not discuss alternative or contradictory evidence for the claim. (1-5)

Student’s Position

Making decision to incorporate the claim into one’s life

Specific decision and related outcomes (benefits and complications) are logical and reflect student’s informed evaluation and ability to place evidence discussed in priority order. (15)

Specific decision is logically tied to the evidence, taking into account the complexities of the claim; related outcomes (benefits and complications) are identified clearly. (11-14)

Specific decision is logically tied to evidence (because evidence is chosen to fit the desired conclusion); some related outcomes (benefits and complications) are identified clearly. (6-10)

Specific decision is inconsistently tied to some of the evidence discussed; related outcomes (benefits and complications) are oversimplified or not discussed at all. (1-5)

Length and Formatting

Correct use of citations and references (two to three reliable sources of scientific evidence) following APA format. Paper is three full pages in length with 1” margins and normal font size. (5)

Minimal problems with citations, references, APA formatting, paper length, margins, and/or font size. (4)

A few problems with citations, references, APA formatting, paper length, margins, and/or font size. (2-3)

Many problems with citations, references, APA formatting, paper length, margins, and/or font size. (1)