Extra Credit Opportunity For this paper, you will discuss one of the topics that we have discussed during our class this semester that most interested or resonated with you (e.g., attachment styles,

Extra Credit Opportunity For this paper, you will discuss one of the topics that we have discussed during our class this semester that most interested or resonated with you (e.g., attachment styles, parenting styles, gender/racial identity development, prenatal development, etc.). Successful completion of the paper will result in a maximum of 5% extra credit to your Exam 3 score. See below for the paper format. Your paper should follow this format: 1) First, introduce the topic that you will discuss in the paper. This should be a topic that we have discussed during class this semester that most interested or resonated with you. In this section(s), you will briefly summarize the relevant concepts, theories, or perspectives related to the topic. You should use your own words here to show understanding of the concepts, and avoid copying directly from your notes. This can be done in one paragraph. 2) Then, briefly summarize 3 relevant research studies related to this topic. Write one brief paragraph to summarize each of the 3 studies. (Do not copy and paste the abstract. Instead, read the article and summarize the study’s research question, method, findings, and main conclusion in your own words). 3) Finally, conclude with a brief discussion on how the knowledge you’ve gained about this topic (from class and/or the summarized studies) can be applied outside of the classroom walls to help address a current, contemporary topic. For example, if your chosen topic is gender identity development, how might the research discussed inform a greater understanding of current policies affecting transgender youth? If your topic is attachment styles, you might consider how the research/theories discussed inform a greater understanding of the effect that familial separation due to deportation or migration may have on their attachment style. These are just a couple of examples of how you can connect the knowledge you’ve gained to a current topic. Submission Deadline – The deadline to submit this paper is Saturday, December 2 at 11:59pm (last class day). Because this is extra credit, no late assignments will be accepted. It must be submitted on Blackboard to receive credit (not emailed). Organization – Use APA style to cite research you include. Refer to the APA-style handout on Blackboard for help with this. – Online blogs, news articles, and/or Wikipedia should not be included as research in this paper. Format – Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins Extra Credit Points – Successful completion of the paper will result in a maximum of 5% extra credit to your Exam 3 score. See the below rubric for how extra credit points will be evaluated. Evaluation Rubric – Relevant concepts/theories related to topic discussed: Paper has a clear understanding of the relevant concepts and theories related to the topic and accurately describes the topic in student’s own words. (Full credit = 1% point) – Peer-reviewed empirical studies: 3 relevant empirical studies are summarized in student’s own words. Each study discussed is from a peer-reviewed academic journal (not Wikipedia, blogs, or news sources). Study must be a peer-reviewed article to receive credit. (Full credit = 3% points: 1% point for each study) – Connection to contemporary, current issue: The significance of the contemporary issue on children’s development is well-developed and clear. The connection between research/theory on the topic and how it might apply to the current issue is clearly articulated and appropriate conclusions made. (Full credit = 1% point) – Total = 5% possible points added to Exam 3 score