Throughout the course you will write six (6) papers, 1-2 pages in length (double-spaced), each based on the readings. You may choose to write on any topic from the readings for your Thought Paper, however, each of the six Thought Papers must be submitted on a specific date (see the Course Schedule for specific dates). An important skill for doctoral students is how to critically evaluate research. Do not summarize the reading in your paper, nor the methodology or the results. Rather, write your reaction to and analysis of some aspect of the reading and how it may be applied in your field.  

Things to consider when writing the paper:  

General – Is the article clear and organized or are some of the points confusing or ambiguous? Do the authors include terms and concepts without explaining them clearly?  

Methodology – Is the methodology flawed or is it appropriate for the research question(s)? Any modification to improve it? Were the instruments/stimuli used appropriate? Should the researchers have used other stimuli or add to the ones used?  

Participants – Any issues with the participants (e.g., not representative of the population it purports to study, small sample size. gender and age issues)? 

Results, Conclusions, Application – Are there additional implications of the results that the author(s) did not mention? Any issues with generalizing the results? Would you apply the results of the study in your field? Any limitations that should have been considered? What are future directions that have not been discussed but you feel are important to include in the paper? 

These are some points to help you approach the papers, however, you are not limited to those. Feel free to discuss concepts or issues that you think should be addressed.  

Further Guidelines 

The purpose of the papers is to encourage critical reading, to enhance class discussions, and to review writing rules (APA style 7^th edition) in preparation for the final paper. Papers should be double spaced, one-inch margins, and using one of the following fonts: Times New Roman 12 pt. Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, or Georgia 11. The papers are not to exceed two pages in length (about 500 words).  

In your paper you should evaluate a selected topic. You may suggest alternate views on a specific issue and include your own interpretations, evaluation, and synthesis. Make sure to provide proper citation of sources.  

In general, focus on your main message and keep your writing clear. Begin the paper with a statement of what the purpose of your paper is. Build an argument based on cited literature and your professional experience. Include examples that will augment your paper.  

Grading 

The maximum possible score is 100 points. A score of 80 points is good, a score of 70 points is OK, and 60 points or below indicate that the paper requires some more work. Grading is based on the level of critical thinking such as new ideas, applications in your field, and interpretations. To receive full credit your paper needs to be clear and in the proper format – APA style, one paragraph leads logically to the next, well structured, etc.