DEP 2001: Psychology of Infancy and Childhood

DEP 2001: Psychology of Infancy and Childhood

DEP 2001: Psychology of Infancy and Childhood

Writing Activity #2

Please choose to answer only one of the following questions for your writing assignment.

In your answer, please provide an opening statement, three arguments in support of your opening statement (opinion), three pieces of empirical research (i.e., studies) as support for your arguments, and a closing statement. You may use any empirical, rigorous scientific research as support however, do not use anecdotal evidence, or unpublished work. Please be sure to provide references for your empirical support (APA-format; with reference list and paper citations).

Option 1: In your opinion and based on scientific, peer-reviewed published evidence, do you think the infant contributes to its own cognitive development?

– or –

Option 2: In your opinion and based on scientific, peer-reviewed published evidence, what features, properties, and/or experiences in the world and with people allow for infants and young children to learn language?

Paper Format

Please format your paper into 5 separate paragraphs – an opening statement, three paragraphs for your three arguments and accompanying description of empirical evidence and a closing statement.

Opening Statement = should include a restatement of the issue or question posed, your opinion, a description of the three arguments you will use to support your opinion.

First Argument = you should start this paragraph with your first argument in support of your opinion. The bulk of the paragraph will then be used to describe research in support of this argument. You should describe at least one empirical study in support of your first argument in some detail (i.e., describe the question they were examining, their methods, results and how this finding relates to your position).

Second Argument = you should start this paragraph with your second argument in support of your opinion. The bulk of the paragraph will then be used to describe research in support of this argument. You should describe at least one empirical study in support of your second argument in some detail (i.e., describe the question they were examining, their methods, results and how this finding relates to your position).

Third Argument = you should start this paragraph with your third argument in support of your opinion. The bulk of the paragraph will then be used to describe research in support of this argument. You should describe at least one empirical study in support of your third argument in some detail (i.e., describe the question they were examining, their methods, results and how this finding relates to your position).

Closing Statement = should include a summary of your position and arguments used in support of your position. Summarize the issue posed.

Note: All assignments must be typed double-spaced, 12-point Times (or Times New Roman) font. There are no minimum or maximum page limits; but please be sure to review the grading rubric. All assignments will be run through Turnitin Software and I will examine Turnitin results carefully for issues with plagiarism.

Name:

Assignment:

Grading Rubric	Grade
Opening statement stated a position on the question posed and included a brief list of the evidence that will be used to support the position; opening statement was clear, relevant, and factual. (10 points)
First argument in support of position was stated clearly, was relevant, and well informed. (10 points)
Scientific evidence (in the form of an empirical study) was presented in support of first argument. This evidence was presented clearly, in detail, was relevant to the argument, and was effective in providing support. (10 points)
Second argument in support of position was stated clearly, was relevant, and well informed. (10 points)
Scientific evidence (in the form of an empirical study) was presented in support of second argument. This evidence was presented clearly, in detail, was relevant to the argument, and was effective in providing support. (10 points)
Third argument in support of position was stated clearly, was relevant, and well informed. (10 points)
Scientific evidence (in the form of an empirical study) was presented in support of third argument. This evidence was presented clearly, in detail, was relevant to the argument, and was effective in providing support. (10 points)
Closing remarks summarized the position and supporting evidence; closing remarks were clear, well organized, factual and relevant. (10 points)
Proper grammar was used throughout the paper; writing was generally strong and clear with few errors in tense. Linking sentences were present. The paper flowed well. (10 points)
Arguments were convincing –you convinced me of your position! (10 points)
Total Score (out of 100 points)

Grader Comments: