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PSSY-0026 Psychology

Assignment Description

Write a paper discussing a psychological disorder that you're interested in learning about. Discuss the following topics in your paper:

  • Description of the disorder according to the DSM-5 (a copy of the DSM-5 is available in the library)

    • Include symptoms and diagnosis information 

  • Incidence/Prevalance (Canadian information)

  • Current research on possible causes or contributing factors

  • Current research on treatment/management of the disorder

  • Reflection on personal and professional impacts of this knowledge

 

Requirements

  • Read Chapter 12 in your textbook

  • Each topic will be a section heading in your paper
  • At least one credible source, preferably Canadian, other than your textbook for each section
  • 2000 word paper (approximately), not including your cover page, reference page, etc.
  • APA reference list and in-text citations

 

Marking Rubric

Each topic is weighted equally in the marking rubric. This suggests that you give approximately equal attention to each section.

 

Help!

Get help with researching, APA citing, and writing through the Library and Learning Curve.

Research & Citing Help
Writing Help

Part 1: Find Credible Sources

By the end of this section, students will be able to:

  • identify credible sources
  • identify keywords to create a research strategy
  • demonstrate research skills
  • identify sources that relate to their topics
  • demonstrate critical thinking skills.

You may use websites as your resources if they're credible, for example the Canadian Mental Health Association.

1. Complete the Evaluating Information tutorial and read through the evaluating information tips linked below. These will help you determine what are credible sources. 

 

2. Complete the tutorial linked below to help you choose search terms for your topics.

 

3. Using disorder association websites and the databases below, find information and articles that discuss your topic. 

 

Disorder association websites are great places to find information about your topic. Make sure the association is Canadian or provincial before using information from the website.

Hint: Search for the disorder name and the words association Canada (or Manitoba) or society Canada (or Manitoba) in Google. e.g. schizophrenia association Canada.

 

Examples​

 

EBSCOhost is a great place to find research articles on the disorder. Type your keywords into the search box below.

Journal Article Search

 

ScienceDirect is another great place to search for articles.

 

MedlinePlus is a great place to find information on topics related to psychological disorders. Keep in mind that sources found in MedlinePlus are from the United States.

 

The Directory of Open Access Journals is another place to search for articles.

 

Books and videos available in the ACC Library are another great source of information. Enter your search terms in the search box below to see what's available in the library.

Part 2: Cite Your Sources

By the end of this section, students will be able to:

  • create a reference list using NoodleTools (or other citation generator/manager)
  • create an outline using NoodleTools Outline or the Planning the Essay handout (optional).

1.​ Log into NoodleTools and:

  1.  add to your reference list the sources you plan to use in your paper
  2. create an Outline using Notecards, or use the Planning the Essay handout linked below (optional).

Tutorial: How to Create NoodleTools Notecards

 

Tutorial: How to Create an Outline in NoodleTools

Part 3: Write Your Paper

By the end of this section, students will be able to:

  • write a cohesive paper
  • demonstrate an understanding of their topic
  • demonstrate critical thinking skills.

1. Write a 2000 word paper, using your work from the previous steps, to discuss the topics listed in the assignment description.

 

For help with your writing, look at the tips, links, and tutorials on the following guides: