What is the phenomenon? How is it different & similar to another phenomenon?

1. Questions to answer in the final paper • What is the phenomenon? • How is it different & similar to another phenomenon? • When is it exhibited vs. not? Why? • Why is it true vs. not ? • What explains why it is true vs. not? • Based on answers to questions above, what kinds of info will help you “learn more” about the phenomenon?

2. What kinds of information will help you know more about your hypothesis? • Should future research • Test reasons for why your hypothesis is true? • Test reasons for why the hypothesis is not true? • Test reasons for why the hypothesis is true in some situations but not in others?

3. Answers from your writing assignment • What is the phenomenon? • Description of your hypothesis • How is it different & similar to another phenomenon? • Definition of your variables • When, where & how is it exhibited? Why? • Describing pro-hypothesis findings & explaining why • When where & how is it not exhibited? Why? • Describing counter-evidence & explaining why

4. Answers from your writing assignment • What common process explains its occurrence vs. non occurrence? • Explaining why the difference b/w pro & counter evidence exists • What kinds of data will help you know more about the phenomenon? • Those that test explanations for hypothesis • Those that tests explanations for the counter hypothesis • Those that explains the difference in findings • Addresses limitations in definitions & ways in which previous data were collected

5. Draft vs. Final Paper • Using feedback effectively • Use grades on specific criteria & written comments • E.g., descriptive skills, explanatory skills etc. • Attend to weight given to criteria of final paper • Some weights changed • Easy vs. difficult writing tasks • Some additional criteria used • E.g., Form/Stylistic issues

6. Abstract: Summarizing • Comprehensive, short summary of paper • Complete yet Concise • 1 page, but shorter is better • Hypothesis, definition, evidence, analysis (implications, suggestions etc) • See published review papers • Write it last, using relevant main points of sections of the paper & integrating them seamlessly

7. Other analytical tasks in final paper • Forming evidence based generalizations by drawing implications for practice based on • Evidence for and against the hypothesis • Explanations for the evidence

8. Paper Title • Use descriptive writing skills • Precision & Brevity • Key variables & their relation OR Key Conclusion • Difference between title & hypothesis • hook?

9. Other Stylistic Issues

10. Introduction • Why is your topic area important? • Identify relevance to practice • Start broad, but quickly narrow down to your specific hypothesis

11. Structure • Logic of structure is clear to reader • Paragraphs build on main idea, are connected to each other logically • Have descriptive, brief topical headings • Avoid: • Too many ideas in a sentence • Unless you can handle complexity of long sentences • Haphazardly put-together sentences • Ensure connection b/w sentences • Organizing your paper by article

12. Example of an Effective transition…. Student Draft Spring 06 • Previously, the predictor of personality trait was described in detail. The other concept needing an explanation is the criterion of job performance…[which is done now]

13. Form Issues • References • Quality is important • Choose a style (e.g., APA, MLA) & use it consistently • See www.docstyles.com for styles • See www.wooster.edu/psychology/apa-crib.html#Examples for APA style • Ensure all in-text citations are in the reference section! • No internet websites are acceptable! Why? • Paper Length • 10 pages, but shorter is better!

14. Writing Style • Check for consistency within sentences: • Plural vs. singular tense agreement, • Present vs. past vs. future tense agreement, • First vs. third person agreement • Check for punctuation errors (e.g., placement of commas, semicolons, etc.) • Avoid the use of contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t etc.) • Avoid misplaced propositions (e.g., the) • Check spellings • Use active voice Avoid using passive voice • Avoid using direct quotes. Paraphrase in own words to demonstrate understanding

15. Good Writing!