1st assignment due aug 4
) It will be 1200 words — See criteria below
3) For the presentation/recording. You can do the presentation on the topic of your essay — just in presentation form. I will send out more details on this shortly. This will also be due August 6th.
Criteria for Essay–
- Topic Selection and Relevance: The topic should be original, specific, and clearly connected to cognitive psychology. It should address a significant question, theory, or debate within the field. Students are encouraged to select a topic that allows for in-depth analysis rather than a broad overview, ensuring it remains relevant to current cognitive psychology issues.
- Engagement with Current Research: The essay should include recent studies or findings (preferably within the last five years) to demonstrate an understanding of contemporary developments in cognitive psychology. This includes referencing both foundational and recent studies to show how the field has evolved and to situate the topic within current academic discourse.
- Depth of Understanding: The essay should reflect a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Students should address key concepts, theories, and studies, showing how they relate specifically to their chosen focus.
- Research and Evidence: Students are expected to draw from a mix of classic and recent academic sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles and credible academic books. A minimum of 5-7 sources is required, with a preference for recent, high-quality research to support the analysis.
- Critical Analysis: Students should critically assess the strengths and limitations of different studies or theories and highlight any existing controversies or questions within the topic area. This analysis should not only summarize findings but also evaluate their implications, applications, or limitations in cognitive psychology.
- Organization and Clarity: The essay should be well-organized, with clear sections (introduction, body, conclusion) and logical transitions. Writing should be concise and academically polished.
- Citations and Academic Integrity: Proper citation in APA format is required for all sources, with strict adherence to academic integrity. Plagiarism or failure to cite appropriately will result in a significant deduction.
- Mechanics and Style: The essay should be free from grammatical and spelling errors. The tone should be formal, academic, and suitable for a university-level essay.
Presentation Assignment Guidelines
Objective:
Transform your written essay into a video presentation /slide deck. The aim is to demonstrate your understanding of the topic, and ability to communicate it effectively.
Assignment Requirements
- Format:
- Record a video presentation using your webcam or computer. Ensure both audio and video are clear.
- Save the final video in a widely accessible format (e.g., MP4 or MOV).
- Duration:
- Your presentation should be between 7 to 10 minutes.
- Content:
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce your topic and its significance. Include a clear thesis statement or purpose for your presentation.
- Main Body:
- Present the main arguments or findings from your essay.
- Include evidence, examples, or data to support your points. You can figures, for example, from your sources.
- Use visual aids like slides or diagrams
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the key takeaways.
- Introduction:
Send in both the video, and the slide deck.
ADDITIONALLY, please see below for my guideline/best practices for using AI if you choose to:
AI Use Guidelines and Best Practices for Your Essay Assignment
As part of this essay assignment, you may use AI tools such as ChatGPT to support your learning and writing process. However, it is essential to use these tools responsibly and in alignment with academic integrity standards. Below are the guidelines and best practices for using AI in your work:
Permitted Uses of AI Tools
- Brainstorming and Idea Generation
- Use AI to help generate topic ideas, outline your essay, or identify key concepts related to your topic.
- Ask AI for clarification of cognitive psychology terms or theories that you find challenging to understand.
- Draft Refinement
- Utilize AI to suggest improvements in sentence structure, grammar, and clarity.
- Seek examples of how to frame arguments or transitions between sections.
- Research Assistance
- Ask AI for general summaries of topics or studies to get started, but always verify information with credible academic sources.
Prohibited Uses of AI Tools
- Complete Essay Generation
- Do not use AI to write your entire essay or large portions of it. The work you submit must represent your original critical thinking and writing.
- Citing AI as a Source
- AI tools do not produce peer-reviewed or reliable scholarly content. Do not cite ChatGPT or similar tools as a source in your paper. Instead, reference primary academic articles, textbooks, or lectures.
- Plagiarism or Misrepresentation
- Avoid copying text generated by AI directly into your essay without proper attribution. All submissions will be checked for originality.
Transparency Requirement
- AI Use Declaration: At the end of your essay, include a brief statement about how you used AI during your process. For example:
“I used ChatGPT to help brainstorm essay topics and refine the phrasing of my introduction. All other content and analysis reflect my original work.”
Best Practices for Using AI Effectively
- Verify Information
- Cross-check any AI-provided information with reliable academic sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.
- Focus on Your Voice
- Use AI as a tool to enhance your writing, not replace it. The essay should reflect your unique understanding of the topic and your critical thinking skills.
- Engage with Class Materials
- Make connections between your essay topic and course discussions, readings, and assignments to demonstrate your grasp of the material.
- Document Your Process
- Save your drafts, prompts, and notes as evidence of your progression, I may ask for them if you use AI. This practice ensures transparency and highlights your development as a writer.
Due aug 2
Hello all. For this assignment, you must find a case on the Internet ( with a reliable source) and write a 3-4 page paper and five references. The paper needs to include a case that involves DNA and the analysis of the evidence. The paper must be in APA format which means a title and reference age and in-text citations. DO NOT USE AI-GENERATED WORK AS THIS IS NOT YOUR ORIGINAL WORK. If you do not cite references or use intext citations this is a form of plagiarism. Please do not use Wikipedia for academic work as it is an unreliable source. This is due by August 2, 2025. I look forward to seeing your work.