Psychology Question

1Reflection Paper
The goal of reflective writing is to realize personal growth. In this assignment you will pursue this goal, interacting with
and integrating the information introduced in the course and applying it to your existing experiences.
The Reflection Paper supports the three learning outcomes for the course:
1. Analyze the components of positive psychology that contribute to the health and well-being of individuals,
organizations, and environments.
2. Use critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, research methodologies, and appropriate instruments to analyze scientific
evidence to differentiate positive psychology from other psychological approaches.
3. Evaluate positive psychology theories and theorists to determine appropriate and ethical applications and
interventions within the individual as well as organizational and multicultural settings.
Objective: Write a 4 to 5-page personal Reflection Paper that communicates how specific topics, theories, and research
findings covered in the course 1) shape your understanding of positive psychology; and, 2) connect to your current
knowledge, experiences, and areas of interest.
Instructions Summary: The following guidance lists the key steps for the Reflection Paper.
1. Review the topics we have covered in class, to include those covered during the week this assignment is due.
2. Choose two to three* positive psychology topics, theories, or research studies covered within the applicable
week’s content.
3. Reflect and identify personal relevance of the selected subjects.
4. Research using the UMGC Library.
5. Write and submit for grading a well composed, 4 to 5-page APA style formatted Reflection Paper.
*This is a minimum target, not a finite value. To maximize the benefits of this assignment, focus on a range of subjects
that capture your attention. It is appropriate to discuss and integrate related topics. For example, in a discussion of
“hope,” the inclusion of theory (e.g., Snyder, 2002), details extracted from course Learning Resources, and research
findings pulled from peer-reviewed articles, can create topic depth. Incorporating relevant points that address linkages
to the construct, optimism, can demonstrate breadth of understanding. The related points, when constructively used to
compare, contrast, and synthesized your understanding of hope, builds out a thoughtfully elaborated presentation on
the topic.
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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Rubric: The following informs on the distribution of points assigned to each section of the paper. The Reflection Paper
will be graded on the following areas:
Reflection Paper Point Allocations
Rubric for Reflection Paper
CONTENT (13-points each)
1. All topics were discussed in clear detail.
2. Assertions supported.
3. Ideas were interrelated coherently and logically.
ORGANIZATION (7 Points)
An introduction previews main points of reflection, body of paper develops and elaborates main
ideas, conclusion summarizes main points.
WRITING MECHANICS and STYLE (2 points each)
4. Paper grammatically sound (proper sentence structure) and free of mechanical errors (e.g.,
misspellings, typos, etc.).
5. Citations and references in proper APA style.
Points to be
Awarded
Exceptional
Exceeds
Expectations
Meets
Expectations
Meets Some
Expectations
Minimal
Expectations
Met
Not Achieved
Behaviors Demonstrated
paper contains no errors in this area
paper contains limited errors in this area; however, the overall presentation of
the material is readable and appropriate
paper contains limited errors in this area; however, the overall presentation of
the material is difficult to read
paper contains a number of errors in this area; however, the overall presentation
is acceptable
paper contains a number of errors in this area, and the overall presentation is
difficult to read
paper contains extensive errors in this area, which detracts from the overall
presentation; or not addressed
Please reference the rubric accompanying this assignment for scoring details.
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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Requirements: The requirements for the Reflection Paper include:
Submit a single document that reflects upon how specific topics, theories, and research findings covered in the course 1)
shape your understanding of positive psychology; and, 2) connect to your current knowledge, experiences, and areas of
interest.
Within the document…
a. Introduce. Concisely introduced the reader to clearly defined topics addressed in the paper. Anchor the
paper through a well-constructed thesis statement.
b. Have purpose. Dedicate discussion and analysis to two-three (minimum*) focal topics within the body
of the paper. All topics are to be discussed in clear detail.
c. Synthesize. Demonstrate synthesis of each topic with your current understanding of, or experiences
with, the topic. Support assertions made.
d. Connect. Identify personal opportunities for application (private, professional, public contexts). Express
interrelated ideas coherently and logically.
e. Include sources. Incorporate course sources and a minimum of two (2) peer-reviewed professional
sources from our UMGC Library.
f. Use Authorial Voice. Discuss materials in your own words and your own writing style and structure.
Avoid excessive use of direct quotes. Doing so may incur a point penalty for each occurrence and will
not be accepted as content towards the page count of the reflection paper.
g. Apply APA Style**. Neatly and concisely present a 4 to 5-page APA formatted document containing
• Title Page
• Introduction
• Body (with heading levels applied when appropriate)
• Conclusions
• References Page
• Properly formatted in-text citations and references
*Remember this is a minimum, not a restrictive, fixed target. See note under Instructions.
**Use APA style headings and subheadings, double-spacing, an appropriate serif or sans serif font (e.g., Times Roman
12-point; Arial 11-point; Calibri 11-point), one-inch margins (left, right, top, and bottom), page numbering, and logical
flow from topic to topic. Write with clarity, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and syntax. Consult the UMGC Citing
and Writing Guide, for proper form of APA Style in-text citations and references.
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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Steps: Preparing the Paper
1. Brainstorm. Break out paper and pencil and enjoy the exploratory process…
Revisit the Topics: Review the topics and learning resources we have covered in class to date, to include the content
for the week in which this assignment is due.
•
•
•
As you review the topics and resources, think about your reactions to the theories, topics, and research
findings covered.
Write down the topics that elevate your curiosity or challenge prior perspectives.
Take note of the lessons (to include specific readings, videos, or class discussions) that left you pondering or
wishing to learn more.
2. Home in on Interests: Looking at the topics and resources you have identified in your brainstorming list. Take a
moment to write down your thoughts about why each has captured your interest. You may find it useful at this stage to:
•
•
•
•
Write down quotes that inspire or express thoughts.
Summarize takeaways from readings or lessons in a few sentences.
Write down thoughts or reactions to specific lessons, theories, or topics.
Write down experiences that link to specific lessons, theories, or topics.
These details will be important to building the personalized, reflective component of the paper that leads to insights
and growth.
3. Making the Connections. It is now time to coordinate your notes in order to facilitate preparations to write the
paper. At the end of this document, you will find the “Making the Connections” table4. Create an outline. Map out the
paper, the sequence of topics to be discussed, and points you plan to make.
5. Write and submit for grading an APA formatted document.
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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Writing Tips: Sections of the Paper
(Section lengths are averages noted from past student submissions. They are not absolute targets. Develop your paper to meet
your message and expressive needs, while meeting assignment requirements.)
•
•
•
Introduction: (Approx. 1/2-2/3 page). Introduce the topics, theories, and/or research you are reflecting on.
Briefly summarize the focus of the paper.
o Introduce the thesis statement, providing the road map for the body of the reflection paper.
o Operationally define relevant concepts in order to anchor how they will be employed throughout the
document.
Body of the paper: (Approx. 3-4 pages) In the body of your paper, dedicate discussion to each focal topic.
o Introduce each topic, providing enough background information for your reader to understand: 1) what
the topic is about, and 2) the academic/empirical grounding of the topic. [The goal here is to leverage
specific details from the course lessons in order to provide context for conclusions you present.]
o Concisely convey your ideas and opinions about the subject in question. [Hint: It is here that the answers
to the sample “Making the Connections” questions are relevant.] You may find it constructive to discuss
the focal topic by comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing a variety of course materials. You may also
include additional peer-reviewed academic sources.
o Provide details on how you arrived at conclusions drawn, demonstrating skeptical inquiry and critical
thinking.
o Weave into this discussion your personal experiences with the discussed concept/theory/research. This
is a critical component of the paper. This is an expression of the connections that make the lessons
actively relevant to you. Reflections may include new insights about: yourself; others; barriers,
challenges, and opportunities in your personal and/or professional arena; strategies, knowledge, and
skills that you discovered and plan to apply; and, observed outcomes emerging from applications you
have made.
Conclusion of the paper: (Approx. 2/3-1 page). Tie it all together.
o Show how the ideas developed in the body of your paper tie together to support your thesis.
o Summarize the overall effect the lessons had on you. What are your takeaways?
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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Help Structuring the Document
The writing of the paper will employ APA formatting standards. The following is a sample of one way you can
coordinate the sections and levels within the paper. You may add Level 3 and 4 headings as you deem necessary to
clearly communicate the unique qualities of your analysis and reflection.
Section
Heading
Level
Title Page
Introduction
Page 1
Page 2
Begin Page 2 by placing the Title of the Paper on line one, using Heading Level 1 formatting.
Begin your introduction immediately below the title of the paper. Do not create a heading titled,
“Introduction.”
1
Begin each paragraph with a tabbed indention.
Body of the Paper
Continue
Following your introduction, begin the body of the paper. Use heading levels in a manner you
find most advantageous.
Heading Introducing Your First Topic
Synthesis
Personal Connections
Heading Introducing Your Next Topic
Synthesis
Personal Connections
(Continue, creating topic sections as needed…)
Conclusions
References***
Heading
Level
1
2
3
4
5
Starts on
Format
2
3
3
2
3
3
Continue
Continue
Continue
Continue
Continue
Continue
1
1
Continue
New Page
Text in Paper Begins
Center, Bold, Title Case Heading
Text begins on a new line as a new paragraph,
following a Level 1 heading.
Flush Left, Bold, Title Case Heading
Text begins on a new line as a new paragraph,
following a Level 2 heading.
Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading
Text begins on a new line as a new paragraph,
following a Level 3 heading.
Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a
Text begins on the same line as the Level 4
Period.
heading and continues as a regular paragraph.
Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With Text begins on the same line as the Level 5
a Period.
heading and continues as a regular paragraph.
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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*** References Page
This will be the last page of your document. If you have questions about how to format the references, please refer to
the UMGC Library, the writing resources provided within the course, or ask your instructor for assistance.
Submission
Create the Reflection Paper in the word processing software of your choice. When ready, submit your work for
grading. Submit through your Assignment Folder/Dropbox. No submissions via email as an attachment!
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)
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Making the Connections
This table exemplifies one way to organize your notes. The questions shared are offered to inspire purposeful exploration of the subjects selected. They also facilitate critical
thinking and analysis. Feel free to add your own questions and desired details for further development. This table is for personal use only. Do NOT include tabled notes as part
of your final document.
Topic/Theory/Research
Personal Response / Thoughts
How does this (topic, theory, research) challenge / affect
me?
In what way does this (topic, theory, resource) capture my
attention?
How has this (topic, theory, research) supported or shifted
my way of thinking?
What evidence was presented that supported or changed
my perspective?
What preexisting and new questions do I have related to
this (topic, theory, research)?
How does this (topic, theory, research) contribute to the
health and well-being of individuals, organizations, and
environments?
How does this (topic, theory, research) relate to
appropriate and ethical applications and interventions of
positive psychology?
What connections does this (topic, theory, research) have
with other areas of study? Or, how does this subject
differentiate from other fields of study?
What connections does this (topic, theory, research) have
with my experiences / existing knowledge / interests?
How can I use this information from the course?
Research: Related empirical article that supports existing
points or answers questions I have…
Theologically, Emotionally, Culturally, Socially, Other…
Reference:
Permalink:
Article addresses…
Page/paragraph where needed information is found:
PSYC 437: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY – REFLECTION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS I UMGC PSYCHOLOGY All Rights Reserved (November 2021)