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You are all responsible for the completion of an APA style term paper. The paper must be about 10 pages (double-spaced, 12 point font) in length (including the title and reference pages). There must be at least 15 references from peer-reviewed journals.

You are to write a review of the current literature on a topic of your choice that relates to the field of biological psychology.You also must not only review the literature, you must defend a certain theory or perspective. In other words, you must have a simple thesis to defend. This thesis does not need to be original. You must also provide alternative theories or perspectives as well in the document with support from the literature.

See the assignment Rubric for complete requirements.

1.  Introduction/Thesis (15%)
   • Exceptional introduction that grabs interest of reader and states topic. Thesis is exceptionally clear, arguable, well-developed, and a definitive statement.
   • Proficient introduction that is interesting and states topic. Thesis is clear and arguable statement of position.
   • Basic introduction that states topic but lacks interest. Thesis is somewhat clear and arguable.
   • Weak or no introduction of topic. Paper’s purpose is unclear/thesis is weak or missing.
2. Quality of Information/Evidence (15%)
   • Paper is exceptionally researched, extremely detailed, and historically accurate. Information clearly relates to the thesis.
   • Information relates to the main topic. Paper is well-researched in detail and from a variety of sources.
   • Information relates to the main topic, few details and/or examples are given. Shows a limited variety of sources.
   • Information has little or nothing to do with the thesis. Information has weak or no connection to the thesis.
3. Support of Thesis/Analysis (15%)
   • Exceptionally critical, relevant and consistent connections made between evidence and thesis. Excellent analysis.
   • Consistent connections made between evidence and thesis. Good analysis.
   • Some connections made between evidence and thesis. Some analysis.
   • Limited or no connections made between evidence and thesis.
   • Lack of analysis.
4. Organization/Development of Thesis (15%)
   • Exceptionally clear, logical, mature, and thorough development of thesis with excellent transitions between and within paragraphs.
   • Clear and logical order that supports thesis with good transitions between and within paragraphs.
   • Somewhat clear and logical development with basic transitions between and within paragraphs.
   • Lacks development of ideas with weak or no transitions between and within paragraphs.
5. Conclusion (10%)
   • Excellent summary of topic with concluding ideas that impact reader.
     Introduces no new information.
   • Good summary of topic with clear concluding ideas. Introduces no new information.
   • Basic summary of topic with some final concluding ideas. Introduces no new information.
   • Lack of summary of topic.
6. Style/Voice (10%)
   • Style and voice are not only appropriate to the given audience and purpose, but also show originality and creativity.Word choice is specific, purposeful, dynamic and varied Sentences are clear, active (subject-verb-object), and to the point.
   • Style and voice appropriate to the given audience and purpose. Word choice is specific and purposeful, and somewhat varied throughout. Sentences are mostly clear, active (SVO), and to the point.
   • Style and voice somewhat appropriate to given audience and purpose.
     Word choice is often unspecific, generic, redundant, and clichéd.
     Sentences are somewhat unclear; excessive use of passive voice.
   • Style and voice inappropriate or do not address given audience, purpose, etc.
     Word choice is excessively redundant, clichéd, and unspecific.
     Sentences are very unclear.
7. Grammar/Usage/Mechanics (10%)
   • Control of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
     Almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
   • May contain few spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
   • Contains several spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors which detract from the paper’s readability.
   • So many spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors that the paper cannot be understood.
8. Citation Format (5%)
   • Conforms to APA rules for formatting and citation of sources are perfect.
   • Conforms to APA rules for formatting and citation of sources with minor exceptions.
   • Frequent errors in APA format.
   • Lack of APA format/numerous errors.
9. Works Cited/Bibliography (5%)
   • Entries entirely correct as to APA format.
   • Entries mostly correct as to APA format.
   • Frequent errors in APA format.
   • Lack of APA format/numerous errors.