Assessment 1 Instructions: Popular Versus Scholarly Sources

 

Evaluate a popular media source using at least three peer-reviewed articles, which will give you practice distinguishing valuable information from less-reliable sources.

Cognitive psychology is the study of how people think. As you review theories and research in preparation for your assessment, consider the behind-the-scenes functioning of how your brain performs basic operations and processes information. Our ability to think starts with the biological actions in our brain. You’ll also consider what areas of the brain might cause disorientation or memory loss.

Overview

In this course, you’ll practice applying science and theory to making evaluations of conditions and also bringing audiences, like the public, along in action steps. First, you’ll want hone your analytical skills. It’s also good to see the kind of information that’s out there in the world. So in this assessment, you’ll try distinguishing valuable information from less-reliable sources.

Preparation

Find a popular video or website that covers a topic from the Cognitive Psychology text. You can use the CRAAP Test Worksheet media piece to help you determine whether you consider the media valid and what additional questions you have about the topic.

Instructions

Use the Popular Versus Scholarly Sources Worksheet [DOCX] to complete this assessment. (ASSIGNMENT #1)

• Select a popular media source like a video or a website that covers a topic from the Cognitive Psychology
• Provide a link to the source.
• Summarize the content of the source using bullet points or a 4-6 sentence paragraph.
• Identify at least three peer-reviewed journal articles on the topic covered in the source.
• Compare and contrast information provided in the source with the three articles by answering the following questions:
  • What information provided by the popular source is supported by research or information provided in the articles?
  • What, if any, information in the articles conflicts with the popular source?
  • Do you consider the media source you selected to be valid? Why or why not?
  • What questions do you have about the topic based on your analysis?
• Discuss how the topic you reviewed can be applied to the real world. Feel free to include a personal example.

 

Important: Prior to submission, conduct a self-evaluation of this assessment using the scoring guide and identifying the proficiency level for each criterion.

 

Submit your assessment and the self-evaluation (as a separate attachment). See below for more instructions.

Additional Requirements

Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• Resources:Use your course resources and at least three peer-reviewed and scholarly resources (no more than five years old).
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
• Template: Use the Popular Versus Scholarly Sources Worksheet [DOCX]to complete this assessment.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

Self-Evaluation (Assignment #2)

When you have finished, write a separate, one-page self-evaluation of your work compared to the scoring guide criteria.

1. Ensure that you have completed all assessment requirements (ideally at the Distinguished level).
2. Evaluate your performance using the criteria in the scoring guide.
3. Indicate the proficiency level you met for each criterion.
4. Include the scoring guide (including comments) with your self-evaluation.
5. Submit the self-evaluation as a separate attachment when you submit your assessment.

You may find the Self-Evaluation Tool helpful in guiding you through this process.

Competencies Measured

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

• Competency 2: Apply research findings to topics in human learning and cognition.
  • Summarize the content of a popular media source.
  • Identify a sufficient number of peer-reviewed journal articles on the topic covered in a popular media source.
• Competency 4: Analyze theory and research to solve problems and inform professional behavior in human learning and cognition.
  • Compare and contrast information provided in a popular media source with peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • Describe how the topic of a popular media source can be applied to the real world.
• Competency 5: Apply metacognitive strategies to self-assess performance quality.
  • Conduct a self-evaluation using established scoring criteria and identifying the proficiency level for each criterion.
• Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
  • Address assessment purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.