Self-Assessment Paper Instructions- psyc 101

This paper is an opportunity for you to apply some of the psychological principles taught in this course to your own life.  It is a reflection paper where you can demonstrate what you have learned by looking at either your past life experiences, or your life in the future.  You will then be asked to discuss what information from the course you used to make any changes in your life.  It is less of a biography and more analytic—as you look at your life use the guidelines for whichever aspect you choose to focus upon and fully explore them.

First, after some reflection, decide if you want to focus on your past or your future.   Use the questions in the sections below to assist with your introspection. As you write it, reference at least three different theories, concepts or processes presented in the textbook or other course materials that have impacted your views on your past or how they will affect your future.

Evaluation:  Your work will be evaluated based on the rubric provided.  Points will be awarded based on the depth of your insight as you tell your story, the analysis you provide, use of the resources from the course (the textbook, videos, articles, discussions), and the mechanics or construction of the writing of the paper (grammar, spelling, syntax, formatting, APA style use).  Review this rubric prior to writing the paper to be sure you address all the areas to be assessed.

The purpose of the self-assessment paper is to demonstrate your ability to apply psychological concepts and theory to your own life. The paper must be at least four (4), but no more than five (5) pages (the 4-5 pages does not count the title page or reference page) in length and address one of the following topics:

1. Understanding My Past Life Experiences-

a. How has what happened in your life affected who you are today?

b. We are all shaped by our experiences. The purpose of this topic is not to tell your life story but to explain how the events in your life story influenced your life.

c. For example, if your parents were divorced when you were 10, how did that affect you?

i. How did that change the relationship you had with one or both parents?

ii. How did it change your attitude regarding intimate relations with others?

2. How I Can Apply Psychology to My Future Life-

a. How can the information you have learned in this class play a role in your future life.

b. Describe how this new knowledge could be applied to your role or future role as a parent.

c. How could this information be applied in your career or in your relationships with others?

Conclude your paper by explaining How This Course Has Changed Me-

a. How has the information you learned in this class changed you?

b. How has your viewpoint on certain subjects changed?

c. How has the information made you reassess different aspects of your life?

d. How has it changed how you relate to others?

The paper should be completed using APA format. It should have a title page, be double spaced in Times New Roman 12 pt. font, and a separate reference page. An abstract is not required. Any sources you use in the development of this assignment should appear on your reference page and be cited in the body of the paper. Since you must apply psychological concepts to your life experiences and aspirations, the use of the textbook at a minimum is required.

• Approximately 300 words per page (Double Spaced) and 600 words for single spaced;
• MS Word file;
• One inch margin top, bottom, left, right;
• Double-spaced/Single Space
• 12 point Times New Roman;
• A free bibliography on a separate page;
• A free title and Reference pages