Write a 3–5 page critique of a research article and make a recommendation for application to professional practice.

Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.

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Education professionals rely on research in educational psychology to address daily problems in teaching, provide principles for decision-making, and guide the development of new programs and the evaluation of outcomes.

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

Competency 2: Evaluate information sources and research designs that are used to answer research questions in educational psychology.

Explain the importance of valid and reliable research in professional practice.

Justify the appropriateness of a study’s design and methodology, based on topic and research questions.

Analyze the multiple perspectives provided in the article.

Evaluate the author’s credibility and authority.

Evaluate the creditability and authority of a research article.

Make a recommendation for professional practice, supported by current literature.

Competency 7: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with university expectations for graduate education, including discipline knowledge and current APA formatting standards.

Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics, and correctly format citations using APA style.

Educational inquiry is based on the scientific method, where one of its major goals is the collection of information based upon the objective and systematic observation of natural phenomena with an effort to achieve possible cause and effect relationships. The educational researcher should find it helpful to keep an open mind and endeavor to determine whether a convergence of findings exists by using alternative methodologies, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.

To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.

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What factors within a study should be evaluated to determine the quality of the study?

What criteria in a research study helps to determine validity and reliability?

How do you determine the credibility of a researcher?

What factors should you consider when evaluating the reliability of a source?

Preparation

Choose one of the library articles linked under the Required Resources heading for this assessment to critique.

As you critically read the research article, ask yourself these questions:

Why it is important to recognize high quality research in the educational psychology field?

Is the author credible? What prior work exists? What are the critiques of the work?

Is the journal or publisher well known?

Does the article present an opposing point of view on the topic?

Is the article peer reviewed?

You may benefit from examining the multimedia and library resources related to behavioral learning theory and evaluating research, linked in the Resources, before beginning this assessment.

Scenario

In the course of your professional work, you read a controversial article and are inspired to write a critique in response, for the magazine Education Week.

Deliverable

Write a response to submit to Education Week after critically evaluating one of the articles linked in the Required Resources. In your response:

Explain the importance of valid and reliable research to professional practice.

Justify the appropriateness of a study’s design and methodology, based on topic and research questions.

Analyze the multiple perspectives provided in the article.

Evaluate the author’s credibility and authority.

Evaluate the credibility and authority of a research article.

Make a recommendation for professional practice, supported by current literature.

Additional Requirements

Written communication: Writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.

Length: 3–5 pages, not including the title or reference pages.

APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA manual style and formatting.

References: A critique of this length should include scholarly references. At the graduate level, you are responsible for determining the appropriate number of references. The majority of them should be original research articles published in peer-reviewed psychology journals (for example, those journals published by the APA). A few review or survey articles are also acceptable.

Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

In developing personality theories, psychologists seek to organize their understanding of a person.  When we can understand a person, we can then help them with their personality issues. Different theorists have different ideas in regards to understanding people; in this week’s prompt, I am asking you to show me that you can see how the theorists differ in their understanding of the same person.

Compare two of the personality theories discussed in Modules 38 & 39, and show how the theory would explain the personality described in the case study of 7-year old Johnny (below).

• Choose one behavior in Johnny to explain.
• Choose two theories from the following orientations: psychoanalytic (Freud), humanistic (Rogers), trait (Big 5), or social-cognitive (Bandura).
• Using your two theorists, explain they would explain Johnny’s behavior.
  • You are using the same behavior in Johnny; your job is to show how different theorists would explain the same behavior differently.
    • be sure to describe the concepts correctly
    • be sure to describe the behavior (Johnny’s behavior) you are applying the theory to

Remember that I am not asking you for your personal opinion about the case, nor am I asking you to “help” Johnny; do not discuss any techniques that might describe how to “treat” Johnny.

Case Study

Johnny is a 7 year old second grader who has two siblings: a younger brother in first grade and a newborn sister. He lives with his mother and father. His father is employed in a low skilled job and his mother stays at home to care for the newborn. Johnny can be extremely argumentative and short tempered with the other students. He doesn’t complete class work or homework. The few instances he did complete some work, it was very sloppy. His 2nd grade teacher, Miss Jones, reports that Johnny has the potential to do much better in class; she is impressed by his oral responses, which shows her that Johnny understands the daily lesson; however, he fails the written work. He has difficulty remaining in his seat, doing independent work, and he lacks organizational skills. Even after conferencing with Johnny’s parents, Johnny’s academic performance did not improve. Miss Jones is also concerned about his temper and his interactions with other children. He has problems on the playground. Other students are complaining he is calling them names; these names usually involve curse words. Johnny is in a constant bad mood. Johnny’s mother said she is concerned with his behavior and recognizes that he is struggling in school. In addition, she says she rarely sees his homework and he doesn’t seem to be bringing any home. He is receiving below average grades in reading and language. His grades in math are worse.

Assignment 1: Discussion: Abnormal Behavior

Due by the due date assigned. Complete your participation for this assignment by through the end of the module.

Your textbook lists seven criteria that psychologists use when labeling someone’s behavior as “disturbed” or “abnormal.” Review the list from your textbook.

Psychologists may use a combination of these criteria for determining that behavior is disturbed or abnormal. Of the seven criteria for abnormal behavior, which two do you think are most valid? Which two are the least valid?

In the discussion below, identify the two most valid criteria and the two least valid criteria. Provide an argument for your position, stating your rationale for your choices.

Please be sure you address each question, using terms and concepts from your text. A good initial discussion response should be at least 150–250 words in length.

 PSYC 515……Week 5 Forum – Aggression

You are the parent of a young child whom you would like to see become a peaceful, affectionate, and cooperative adult.
To achieve this goal, to what extent would you consider taking the following steps?
a) preventing your child from watching violent television shows;
b) preventing your child from playing with “violent” toys such as guns, swords, etc.;
c) preventing your child from playing with “aggressive” children;
d) preventing your child from fighting back if another child kept bullying him or her.
Rank the above options in the order in which you would take action—“a” being the most to “d” being the least likely to be put into action by you as a parent.
Finally, would you want to eliminate all aggressive behavior in your child? Why or why not? Discuss your decisions and the reasoning behind them with your classmates.

ATTACHED IS MY FIRST 2 ASSIGMENTS LEADING UP TO FINAL ASSIGNMENT WITH FEEDBACK FROM MY INSTRUCTOR

TOPIC IS :  THE MOVIE RAINMAN (THE CHARACTER)

For your Final Paper, you will demonstrate your knowledge of psychopathology and apply your skills to a realistic scenario. Throughout this course, you have developed unique knowledge and skill sets that will allow you to critically analyze depictions of psychopathology in popular media and historical case examples from an informed point of view.

Your Final Paper will be a psychological report that may be based on a character from a movie or a historical case study. Review the provided lists of movies and historical case studies that are approved for use in this assignment.  You must choose from these lists. You may not use examples from your personal life in the psychological report since doing so would be unethical (see Standards 2.04 and 9.01a in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct).

As you create this report, you will be taking on the role of a clinician who is conducting an assessment and providing treatment recommendations for a patient (a character from your selected film or historical case study). Please note that a psychological report does not follow the same structure for reports you may have used in other courses. Your report must follow the format below and it must include each of the sections and their headings listed in this order:

1. Identifying Information
   Within this section, you will describe basic information on your patient, including the person’s name, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, race, occupation, and location of residence (country, state, and region).
2. Chief Complaint/Presenting Problem
   Within this section, you will include the patient’s primary complaint verbatim to identify the main source of his or her distress and/or concerns. If there is no verbatim complaint, include observable information to create an overall picture of the presenting problem.

   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to address the following question (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

   • What are the patient’s complaints? (e.g., the patient might complain about “feeling on edge” or experiencing stress)
3. Symptoms
   Within this section, you will interpret specific behavioral issues and intrapsychic conflicts as they relate to abnormal behavior, behavior patterns, maladaptive thought processes, and potential unconscious conflicts. Interpret and comment on the patient’s chief complaint and/or presenting problem in the context and language of the symptoms found in the DSM-5. (e.g., the patient who complains about “feeling on edge” might actually be experiencing symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder)
4. Personal History
   Within this section, you will analyze your patient’s personal background and history of abnormal behavior(s) that inform your diagnostic impression. You will also gather information about the patient’s cultural background and cultural norms.

   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

   • Where did the patient grow up?
   • What cultures did the patient experience throughout life?
   • What was the patient’s school life like?
   • What were his or her grades? What is his or her highest level of education?
   • What is the patient’s interpersonal relationship history?
   • What was/is the patient’s romantic relationship history?
   • What was/is the patient’s friendship history?
5. Family History
   Within this section, you will analyze the patient’s familial relationship(s) and identify any abnormalities that might affect future treatment. You will also integrate information about the patient’s family and cultural background to identify any maladaptive behaviors and relational patterns.

   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

   • How old were the patient’s parents when the patient was born?
   • Who were the patient’s primary caregivers?
   • What was/is family life like? (Include any information relevant to your diagnostic impression.)
   • Did the family move often?
   • What was/is the patient’s relationship with their siblings (if applicable)?
   • What culture did/does the family come from?
   • What belief systems are attached to that culture?
6. Therapy History
   Within this section, you will describe the patient’s therapy history to inform your diagnostic impression. Analyze the patient’s therapy history to identify the effectiveness of previous treatment(s). Analyze previous treatment interventions based on information and knowledge of the patient’s cultural background.

   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

   • Who was the previous therapist (if applicable)?
   • How long did the previous therapy/therapies last?
   • What was the patient’s diagnosis?
   • What interventions did the therapist(s) use?
   • Were those interventions appropriate for the patient’s culture?
   • Was treatment successful?
7. Medical Conditions
   Within this section, you will analyze the patient’s medical history and comment on any possible medical conditions that could influence your diagnostic impression. Interpret specific behavioral issues as they relate to salient medical conditions. If the person has any medical conditions, indicate that in this section. Integrate information and knowledge about the patient’s cultural background as it affects treatment options for medical conditions.
8. Substance Use
   Within this section, you will analyze and comment on the patient’s substance use to identify any potential issues that could influence your diagnostic impression. Interpret specific behavioral issues as they relate to substance use. If the person misuses specific substances, indicate that in this section. Integrate information and knowledge about the patient’s cultural background to inform your interpretation of substance misuse in this patient’s case.

   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

   • Which substances does the patient use? (Include any over-the-counter, herbal, and/or prescription medications.)
   • For how long has the patient used the substance?
   • What is the patient’s quantity and frequency of use?
9. Collateral
   Within this section, you will interpret specific collateral information as it relates to your patient’s abnormal behavior and behavior patterns. You will also integrate information and knowledge regarding the patient’s culture in your evaluation of the maladaptive behavior as reported by the collateral sources.

   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

   • What do other people have to say about the patient’s behavior?
   • Are there any commonalities between the collateral sources’ reports?
   • Do the collateral sources have any psychological issues that might exacerbate the patient’s problems?
   • Are there any police reports?
   • Are there any personality testing or intelligence testing reports available?
10. Results of Evaluation
    Within this section, you will analyze the patient’s behavior and mental processes. There are two parts to this section. To begin your analysis, you will write a brief evaluation of each theory of personality development that you learned about in this course and determine whether or not each theoretical orientation can be used to conceptualize the patient’s current situation and treatment goals. Next, use one major theoretical orientation to write an in-depth analysis for your results of evaluation section. Within the context of this theoretical perspective, you will analyze all of the information from the previous sections. Analyze specific behaviors, cognitions, and intrapsychic processes as they relate to your diagnostic impression. Integrate knowledge of the patient’s cultural background and norms within that culture as you prepare your supporting evidence.

    Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following question (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible):

    • Based on the information you gathered in the previous sections, what led to the patient’s current state?
11. Diagnostic Impression With Differential Justification
    Within this section, you will provide your diagnosis for the patient. To demonstrate your understanding of diagnostic procedure and justification, specifically address each symptom that the patient displayed and relate each symptom to a diagnostic criterion in the DSM-5. Analyze the patient’s behaviors and mental processes within your differential justification. Clearly demonstrate that the patient meets criteria to be given a diagnosis. If the patient does not meet criteria for any diagnosis based on your assessment, explain why. Also, explore any alternative diagnoses and explain why these were not chosen.
12. Recommendations
    Within this section, you will you provide treatment recommendations for the person to help them improve his or her quality of life. These recommendations must be based on the theoretical orientation you used in your Results of Evaluation. Explain why you chose your treatment intervention(s) and include peer-reviewed articles that support your choice(s). If treatment is not necessary, explain why. Pay close attention to the person’s culture since some treatment options may be insensitive to his or her culture or way of living.

Writing the Final Paper

The Final Paper:

1. Must follow the report outline provided above with the requisite headings and be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   1. Title of paper
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must address the assessment with critical thought.
4. Must use at least five peer-reviewed sources that were published within the last ten years, in addition to the text, a minimum of four must be from the Ashford University Library.
5. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
6. Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.