Introduction to Psychology Reaction Paper Guidelines

Introduction to Psychology Reaction Paper Guidelines Definition of Genre: In a reaction or response paper, writers respond to one or more texts they have read. A popular assignment with instructors in the social sciences and humanities, such papers require students to understand each text individually and evaluate how well each accomplishes its own objectives. If you are responding to multiple texts, you must also discover how the texts relate to one another. (If responding to just one text, you might need to situate it within the larger context of class discussions, readings, etc. , depending on the prompt. A reaction paper may include a discussion of interesting questions that the readings raise for the student, but such a discussion is not sufficient by itself. Preparation: Writing good response papers is more demanding than it might appear at first. It is not simply a matter of reading the text, understanding it, and expressing an opinion about it. You must allow yourself enough time to be clear about what each text says and how the texts all relate to one another. In other words, response papers require you to synthesize the intellectual work of others—that is, bring it together into an integrated whole.

In preparing to write response papers, therefore, it is crucial that you allow yourself not just enough time to do the readings but enough to digest what you have read and to put the results together into a unified account. ( h t t p : / / u w p . a a s . d u k e . e d u / w s t u d i o) Questions to ask while reading the article: Use the “Template for Analyzing the Logic of an Article. ” The questions from the template do not necessary need to be answered in the paper. They are just questions you need to understand in order to comprehend the articles.

Questions to ask while preparing to write your paper: Refer to “Universal Intellectual Standards” and “Questions Using the Elements of Thought. ” Instructions for paper formatting: For our purposes, we will be using APA format. You will not need an Abstract, but you will need the following sections listed below. Use the guidelines sent via e-mail or found on the APA web site (www. apa. org) for help. I highly recommend reviewing the APA information that was sent via e-mail and can be found on the course website under Resources: Links: APA Formatting & Plagiarism Links. Content: in margins, 12 point font, typed, double spaced, APA format, 3-8 pages of text, 1 Reference Page, and 1 Title Page. Address the questions in essay style, don’t just answer questions. Note: The longest sections of your paper will be the reaction and application sections. Paragraph(s) Requirements: You MUST include the following six bold items when submitting your paper. 1. Title Page- The first page of your paper must be an APA style title page. Use the guidelines found on the APA web site (www. apa. org) for help. 1. Summary- In 1-2 paragraphs, you are to summarize the material to which you are reacting.

Make sure you state the title of the work and authors in the paper. Do not merely repeat the text. Should you feel the need to selectively use quotations from the material, put them in quotations and follow APA formatting. When paraphrasing the material (which is what you will be doing the majority of the paper,) you MUST include in-text citations. Although APA format may be new to many of you, you are familiar with MLA which also requires in-text citations when discussing the material. If you are citing material learned from lecture you will cite me as an interview: (R Shepherd, personal communication, August 15, 2009. Failure to cite your material correctly constitutes plagiarism and will result in a zero. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Form you signed at the beginning of the semester for the definitions and consequences of plagiarism. 2. Critique-In 2 paragraphs or more, you are to critically analyze the material you are reacting to. Note, critique does not mean simply saying something negative about the text. Your analysis should address issues such as one or more of the following: a) Does the writer present these ideas (the researcher) fairly or are they slanted? ) What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research provided in the article? c) What could be added to this material to make it better or more complete? When working on the critique section of your paper, you should use your knowledge of research methods learned at the beginning of the semester, as well as any material covered during class lecture that relates to the article being critiqued. 3. Reaction- Give your personal reaction to this material. This is your opportunity to express your opinion about the research.

However, keep in mind that you are an introductory student and these researchers have been studying longer than you have been alive. Know the limits of your knowledge and state that if it’s necessary. Your reactions could include any or all of these points: a. Why do you think this research was good/bad? b. Did you agree/disagree with the research? Why or why not? You must back up your claims with science and relevant material discussed in class. c. What did you find surprising about the article? 4. Application- How does this material relate to society/lecture material/psychology? What is the BIG picture?

Explain in detail. What are the implications of this research being used in society? Is its application good, bad, or both? 5. Reference Section- While following APA guidelines, you are required to include a Reference section at the end of your Reaction Paper. You must cite at least the article in which you have read and any other sources you have referred to, including the textbook. If you fail to complete a Reference Section you are committing plagiarism and will receive a zero. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Form you signed at the beginning of the semester for the consequences of plagiarism.