These are summaries of selected journal articles in the field of Physiological Psychology. They will be available via ETUDES as the due dates approach. Each article relates to a topic we will cover in the text or lecture. For each summary, include the following information:
•What is the topic of the article, and why is it important? Who wrote the article? Is the article an empirical article (reporting the results of a study that the authors conducted) or a review article (a summary and integration of the results of many previous studies that have been done on a particular topic)?
•If the article is an empirical article, what is the purpose or goal of the study being described? Do the authors make specific hypotheses? If so, what are they? Who were the subjects/participants? Describe the methods/procedures used. What were the main findings? Did the findings support the researchers’ hypotheses? What do the researchers make of the findings – that is, what do they conclude?
•If the article is a review article, summarize the major themes or patterns of findings that the authors discuss. What do the authors conclude about this area of knowledge based on their review of the research in it? What do the authors say still needs to be done?
•Explain how what you’ve read in this article fits in with what you know from class notes and the text (be specific!).
•Identify 3 specific things (facts, ideas, etc.) that you learned about Physiological Psychology by reading this article.
•As much as possible your own words to explain the article and the findings reported within it.
Category B: Popular press article summary and critique
These assignments require that you summarize a popular press article relating to Physiological Psychology.
•Find a recent popular press article (Time, Slate, local newspaper, etc., published later than 2007 – an electronic version is fine) relating to Physiological Psychology. Attach a copy of the article to the assignment.
•Summarize the article.
•Why did you choose the article? (That is, you probably found it interesting, but why?)
•How does the article relate to topics we’ve covered in class?
•Based on the class notes and text, how accurate is the article in its explanation of Physiological Psychology topics?
Completeness of the assignment: Did you follow the directions? Did you do what you were asked, or are certain components missing or questions left unanswered?
•Neatness of the assignment/surface quality: Is the assignment prepared and presented neatly? Does it appear that you gave it proper time and attention, or does it appear that it was a last-minute effort? Are there numerous spelling/grammatical/typographical errors?
•Level of mastery/depth of work: Is it clear that you understand what you are writing about? Is it evident that you have a firm grasp of course material? Could an interested college student/adult who has not taken the course understand what you are saying?
•In the second assignment (due at the end of the term) do not quote the web site or article that is to be summarized – use your own words to explain the article. If you encounter difficulty in understanding the material, please contact me and I will help you.
Basic formatting for all assignments:
•approximately 4 pages long (I am most interested in a job well done…this is just a suggested length)
•double-spaced
•margins 1 inch
•standard font style and size
•cover page with your name and description of assignment
•work should be proofread carefully (don’t rely on the spell-checker!) read out loud to yourself or to someone else.