ORMATION: EDU3335
Assessment 1 – Research and Practice Paper
This document provides you with information about the requirements for your assessment. Detailed instructions and resources are included for completing the task. The Criterion Reference Assessment (CRA) Rubric that markers use to grade the assessment task is included.
Task overview
Assessment name Psychopathology
Task description Compose a research and practice paper for a selected emotional/behavioural challenge that individuals may experience.
Due Date Monday 26 October 2020
Task snapshot
Length Word length: 3000 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list and appendices)
Weighting 60% of overall course grade
Individual or Group Individual
Formative or Summative Summative
How will I be assessed Rubric (HD – F)
Submission information
Task Outline Write a considered and evidence based analysis of a chosen psychopathology.
Student Choice
Due to the diversity of interests, contexts and professional goals of students enrolled in this course, this assignment provides students with the opportunity to:
• Select the condition of interest to them
• Select the age range (early childhood, childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood)
• Select the context for the practice (e.g., school, counselling setting)
POSSIBLE STRUCTURE Structure
The following section headings should be used when preparing your assignment. It is expected that you will use APA 7 Level 1 & 2 formatting for your headings.
1. Introduction (approx. 10% of word limit) (identifying the focus condition, age range, and context)
2. Description of selected condition (700 words approx.) (Synthesis of information for the specified age group)
a. Characteristics of disorder
b. Prevalence
c. Causes
d. Analyse the impact on individual development and functioning (e.g., social, communication; behavioural, emotional, physiological and cognitions etc).
e. Cultural and other relevant considerations
3. Assessment of selected condition (700 words approx.) (analysis of information about best practice for assessment)
a. Discuss the diagnosis of condition (e.g., diagnostic process and methods,
specialists required, concerns about the diagnostic process)
b. Discuss any other processes used in the assessment of the condition, such as ecological assessment, risk and protective factor analysis as outlined in literature and research
4. Description and analysis of specific intervention/support strategies (1000 words approx..) (synthesis of information about best practice, evidence-based interventions)
a. Evaluate the best evidence-based practice interventions available for this condition at this developmental stage.
b. What developmental issues/challenges do the strategies address?
c. How and when are the strategies implemented? By whom? Where? At what age are the strategies most effective?
d. What evidence-based strategies can specifically be applied in your
professional context?
e. What is the efficacy of the strategies? Note – you must evaluate the evidence base for each strategy discussed
5. Conclusion (approx. 10% of word limit)
6. Implications for professional practice (not included in the word limit)
a. Develop a two-page handout for professionals in your context (e.g., counsellors, teachers, mental health practitioners) about the selected condition. The handout should include a summary of information from the above sections 3, 4 & 5, and may include information about useful resources for practice (e.g., resources that contain advice for family members and teachers). Note: this handout is NOT included in the word count.
6. References
RESEARCH, REFERENCING and ACADEMIC LITERACY • Research Sources: There must be clear evidence of the use of credible academic research sources to guide your planning and your response to the assessment task. The research sources must be correctly acknowledged both ‘in text’ and in a reference list. You need to acknowledge all sources of information that are not your own words using the APA referencing style to do so.
• Referencing system – American Psychological Association (APA Style): APA 7th style is the only referencing style that will be accepted. USQ Library provides comprehensive information on how to use this style of reference.
• IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. If your referencing i.e reference list and in-text citations, are incorrect YOU WILL LOSE MARKS
• USQ APA Referencing Guide
• Academic Literacy: It is imperative that you conduct a spelling, punctuation and grammar check prior to submission. The assessment will not be assessed unless it meets minimum standards of academic literacy, including referencing. Avoid use of colloquial language and be professional and objective in your writing. It is normal academic practice to write in third person unless instructed otherwise. Always support your ideas and arguments with sound researched information. If you need support with literacy skills and academic writing you can access information and help through the Learning Centre link included below:
• Study Support
Resources available to complete task • FYI
• USQ APA Referencing Guide
Style Guide • The cover page must be white with your name, course code, semester of study, lecturer’s name, assessment number & task, word count and due date provided.
• Use page numbers and a footer which MUST include your name, student number, course code, assignment task 1.
• Use headings and subheadings to structure your assignment and make it easy for the reader to follow the development of your response
• Write in the THIRD PERSON
• You can use diagrams within the assignment and include appendices if appropriate
• All APA 7 formatting requirements must be met (headings, indents, margins, font size & type, line spacing)
• Submissions over the word limit will be penalised 1 mark for every 10% over.
Submission requirements This assessment task must:
All Assignments must be submitted via the Study Desk Assessment link in document that contains the following items:
• use USQ APA referencing for citing academic literature
• be submitted in electronic format as a Microsoft Word document via Study Desk
• Check and read through the text matching report from Turnitin.
• ALWAYS check that the file has been uploaded correctly and that you have an electronic copy of the assignment available if required.
Marking and Moderation • Markers have 3 weeks (working days only) from the published due date to complete the marking and provide feedback and results to you
• No marked assignments will be returned earlier regardless of your individual submission dates
• All feedback and results are returned to you via the submission space on the study desk
• It is your responsibility to retain copies of your original assignment documents.
• All staff who are assessing your work meet to discuss and compare their judgements before marks or grades are finalised.