4 What is your general opinion of the findings and the justification for the conclusions drawn? If
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the authors pointed out flaws in their experiment, how important to you think these flaws were?
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If the authors did not point out any flaws, do you see any that might undermine their conclusions?
5 What do you think of the suggestions for future research provided by the authors, and what sug
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gestions for future research do you have, based on your reading of the experiment?
To get a good grade on this paper, I expect the following:
· A primary source article that you found yourself attached to the back of your paper.
· A thorough reading and criticism of the article using the questions above. I want the sense that
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you read the article carefully, understand it, and thought about it critically.
· APA formatting of references.
· Clear, organized writing.
Please see me if you have questions or need help getting started.
Writing Assignment 3
Position Paper
Due November 26
Approximately 5 pages
In the two previous papers this semester, you have learned to form a thesis, find psychology
journal articles, and critique an experiment. The purpose of this paper is to combine these skills into one
paper, and use psychology experiments to support a position, or thesis.
Step one is to think of a thesis topic your self. You may either choose a controversial topic from
our class (i.e. the validity of using anatomically correct dolls in court, the most important factor under-
lying school shooting cases, etc.) or something else that interests you. Especially if you are thinking of
your own topic, you might want to check with me before you write to make sure you are on target. Be
sure that your thesis is narrow enough that you can easily support it in an assignment this short.See me
if you need help narrowing. Clearly state your position on the topic early in your paper.
Step two, find three or more articles to support your topic. Even if it is a topic we covered in
class, these should be articles you find yourself using PsycInfo. If you can't find any to support your the-
sis, change your thesis.
Based on your reading of these articles, build your argument.You should present a brief descrip-
tion of each experiment and the main relevant results. You may want to look at a review article or intro-
duction section to gauge the appropriate level of detail to present.Don't forget to present your evidence
critically (as you learned in paper two). If you think that this is good evidence, tell me why. You should
also state the counter-positions to your argument and describe their strengths and weaknesses. Basically,
convince me that your position is valid based on research evidence.
To get a good grade on this paper, I expect the following:
· A clear statement of a specific thesis.
· At least three pieces of research evidence (primary source!) to support your argument.
· APA formatting of references.
· Clear, organized writing.
Please see me if you have questions or need help getting started.
A TF's GUIDE TO TEACHING WRITING FOR PSYCHOLOGY
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