PSY 326 Milestone One Guidelines and Rubric
(Topic Proposal)
In Module Three, you will submit a topic proposal. The topic proposal will identify the event you are going to discuss and at least two theories you plan to use for
your analysis. It should also include proposed search terms for finding the peer-reviewed journal articles you will use to write your paper.
Specifically the following critical elements must be addressed:
• Identify and briefly describe the event you intend to analyze. You may select any historical or current event you wish, but note that a list of potential
topics is also included in the Final Project Document.
• Identify two psychological theories that you plan to use in your analysis.
• Include proposed search terms you will use to search the Shapiro library to locate peer-reviewed psychology journal articles related to your topic.
Students may find the following resources helpful as they complete this assignment:
• Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books
• How to Undertake a Literature Search and Review
Guidelines for Submission: Your topic proposal should follow these formatting guidelines: 1–2 pages in length, double spaced, in Times New Roman font, with at
least one source. Note that this assignment does not have to be formatted according to APA requirements.
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Event Meets “Proficient” criteria and
includes details about the event
and explicitly discusses why the
event can be explained by the
psychological theories
Describes a current or historical
event that can be at least
partially explained by
psychological theories, and
description is sufficient to allow
evaluation of whether or not
the event can be explained
using psychological theories
Describes a current or historical
event, but description is not
sufficient to allow evaluation of
whether or not the event is able
to be explained using
psychological theories
Does not describe a current or
historical event
35
Psychological
Theories
Meets “Proficient” criteria and
includes details about the
theories and explicitly discusses
why the event can be explained
by the psychological theories
Both psychological theories
explain the event chosen, and
description is sufficient to allow
evaluation of whether or not
the chosen theories will be
useful in explaining the event
Both psychological theories
partially explain the event
chosen, but the description is
not sufficient to allow
evaluation of whether or not
the chosen theories will be
useful in explaining the event
Does not describe two
psychological theories
35
Proposed Search
Terms
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and
search terms provide peerreviewed psychological journal
articles
Provides search terms that are
clearly defined and relevant to
the topic
Provides search terms that are
not clearly defined or are not
relevant to the topic
Does not provide search terms 20
Articulation of
Response
Submission is free of errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, and
organization and is presented in
a professional and easy-to-read
format
Submission has no major errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
Submission has major errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
that negatively impact
readability and articulation of
main ideas
Submission has critical errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
that prevent understanding of
ideas
10
Earned Total 100%
