PSY161 – Psychological Application Paper Directions and Rubric
This assignment requires that you will reflect on how an increased understanding of
psychological theory has helped your personal development.
You will consider how specific psychological concepts or theories covered, pertain to your life or
to the lives of the people around you. This will help give you insight into the causes of your
behavior and the behavior of others.
The paper should be at least 2 pages, double spaced with 1 inch margins and a conservative
font (e.g. times new roman, 12 point).
Grading
You will be graded on how well you demonstrate comprehension of the psychological concepts
you discuss, your ability to analyze theories and phenomena, and the effort used in relating
personal events to these psychological concepts and phenomena.
The following rubric will be used to determine your grade:
10-8 7-5 4-2 1-0
Length
Requirement
25%
The paper
meets the length
requirement with
substantive and
relevant content.
The paper
contains a good
deal of “fluff” to
meet the page
requirement
The paper is too
short.
There was little or
no evidence of a
cohesive paper.
Mechanics of
Writing
25%
The paper is
nearly perfect with
respect to
grammar and
syntax.
The paper has
generally good
grammar and
syntax with only
minor errors.
The grammar and
syntax of the
paper needs a
good deal of
improvement to
facilitate
understanding of
the content.
Little to no
evidence of
proper writing
mechanics.
Organization
25%
Information is very
organized with
well-constructed
paragraphs and
subheadings.
Information is
organized with
well-constructed
paragraphs.
Information is
organized, but
paragraphs are
not wellconstructed.
The information
appears to be
disorganized.
Properly Applied
Psychological
Theory or
Concept
25%
The paper
contains an
excellent
application of a
psychological
concept
complete with
relevant
examples and
substantive
content.
The paper
contains an
effective
application of a
psychological
concept which
could use more
elaboration
and/or examples
to improve the
document.
The paper
contains a
novice attempt
at applying a
psychological
concept, but
requires
significant
elaboration
and/or
examples.
No attempt was
made to apply a
relevant
psychological
theory in the
paper.
