Research Paper Guideline (60 points possible)

A minimum of 6
references, including at least 4 journal articles is required. Your paper should be 7 pages in length (including one page for the title page, one page for the references, and 5 pages for the body of your paper).

The source of all information should be documented using APA style citations; an APA-style reference list should also be included as part of the research paper.

References should include journal articles published in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, and materials developed by professionals for the general public; appropriate websites and the course texts may also be used.

Course lecture notes may not be cited. See below for a scoring rubric which outlines expected components of the paper and associated point values. No direct quotes are allowed for your paper.

Scoring Rubric (60 points possible)
Content (45 points)
-Introductory paragraph (with citations) (5 points) _____
Introduce general idea
Explains why this topic is important
Define terms
Explains what the paper will cover

-Specific developmental characteristics/trends related to topic
and age/life phase are discussed (8 points) _____

-Content is accurate, comprehensive, relevant to developmental
phase overall (8 points) _____

-Major points are stated clearly, supported by specific details,
examples, and analysis (8 points) _____

-Integration of research findings, background reading is
appropriate, supports rationale (information from at least 6 high
quality sources is included) (8 points) _____

-Recommendations/implications for developmentally appropriate
practice are logical, follow from discussion (8 points) _____

Organization (15 points)

Meets minimum page requirement (1 point) _____

Clarity of expression (1 point) _____

Grammar (5 points) _____

Conciseness (2 points) _____

APA style (6 points) _____

Category: Essays