PSY5312 Mind and Brain

Assessment Details

Aims

This assessment is in two parts.  Each part requires you to write for a different audience.  In the first part (the leaflet), you will be writing to a layperson who may not necessarily have any knowledge of psychology.  In the second part (the exposition), you are writing for a fellow professional/academic.  Bearing the different audiences in mind, the written style and the content should differ accordingly.

The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate that you can do the following, which relate to the module learning outcomes:

1. Use the library facilities to search for and select recently published research articles.
2. Read journal articles and summarise the key points of their findings.
3. Write an organised and critical summary of recently published research about the chosen topic area.

Leaflet

You have been asked by a national charity to produce an information leaflet for people who suffer from either PTSD or Schizophrenia. Such conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s everyday life in terms of social interactions, relationships, employment and help-seeking behaviours. The ability to translate complex information/evidence into a format that can engage a non-academic audience is a skill that employers expect from graduates.

The main emphasis of your leaflet should focus on the cognitive and biological aspects of the condition. However, also imagine you are a (potential) service user and you are seeking out information on the chosen area. Consider the following:

1. A contextualisation of the condition
2. The nature of the condition (both cognitive andbiological)
3. Coping/compensatory strategies
4. Where to find help/support

You will find examples of leaflets and expositions on the Moodle page (based on different conditions). During the semester we will focus on each condition, so the reading lists from those sessions will be helpful.

Written Exposition

The written exposition should take the form of an academic piece of writing which constitutes an explanation of the leaflet in terms of the analysis underlying your approach and demonstrates a critical understanding of the topic, from both a biological and cognitive standpoint, as well as associated issues.

1. Rationale for the leaflet
2. Issues considered e.g. relating to measurement/assessment, explanations etc. (biological andcognitive where appropriate)
3. An evaluation of the research on which the leaflet is based
4. Full list of references (APA style)

Expectations

The assessment for PSY5312 Mind and Brain is an information leaflet with an associated written exposition. This constitutes one piece of assessed work. The word limit for this piece of work is 4,000 words in total. The number of words allotted to the two elements (leaflet and written exposition) is a matter for your own judgment and will differ from one person to another, depending on your individual work.  The overall mark achieved for this piece of work is based on the overall quality of both elements combined; (so one is not “more important” than the other).

How to Approach the Task

It is suggested that you focus on your written exposition first. Review the literature, critically evaluate it in terms of methodology and current controversies and then consider appropriate interventions and avenues for future research.

Match the structure of your written exposition to your leaflet. Consider what the most informative elements of your exposition are and summarise in the appropriate language in your leaflet. Consider the language you use in your leaflet as well as any images you choose. These should not be controversial in any way, or anxiety provoking for the (potential) service user.

Marking Criteria

The full marking criteria are in the module handbook, so make sure that you understand what is expected and think about how you can make sure that your work meets the criteria.

For the leaflet, markers will be assessing how the information is presented in terms of structure as well judgment on the selection of information that is included. The overall account of the topic and style used to present this information will also be considered.

For the written exposition, the overall structure of the exposition and research evidence presented will be assessed. Markers will also pay attention to the level of understanding of the topic area and critical evaluation of the research evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum length my assignment should be?

Can I use images in my leaflet?

Should I produce a folded leaflet?

What software should I use to design my leaflet?

Should I include references in my leaflet?

Can I focus on a specific sub-population for my assessment?

There are 2 parts, one part is information leaflet and other part is written exposition. You can do for example 1000 words on leaflet and 2750 words on written exposition, this is a matter of own judgement. See Assesment brief and additional information attached. Each part requires you to write for a different audience. In the first part (leaflet), you will be writing to a layperson who may not necessarily have any knowledge of psychology. In the second part (the exposition), you are writing for a fellow professional/academic. Bearing the different audiences in mind, the written style and the content should differ accordingly. You have been asked by a national charity to produce an information leaflet for people who suffer from either PTSD or Schizophrenia. The lecturer said don't put pictures of brain. Clear sub headings and images to be used. Have a graph, treatment options and images. The main emphasis of the leaflet should focus on the cognitive and biological aspects of the condition. Please let me know which one you will be doing PTSD or Schizophrenia. I have more information on PTSD and will have additional information for Schizophrenia on Thursday.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of cognitive and biological psychology as evidential disciplines.
2.  Engage actively with theoretical and methodological debates and controversies in the above areas.
3.  Demonstrate a critical approach to assessing arguments, evidence and perspectives.

In line with the Universities Blended Learning approach, pre and post session materials will be provided. Lectures will be recorded so students who cannot attend are not disadvantaged. However, please endeavour to attend as many lectures as you can, as there will be workshop activities that will be directly related to the assessment and your attendance and engagement will be monitored.