PSY 326 Biases Short Paper Guidelines and Rubric
The readings for this module have examined the general processes involved in biases (stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination) and how those biases might
differ for specific groups. Biases toward African Americans, women, the elderly, and homosexuals were discussed in the readings. Pick two specific groups (either
those described in the readings or two other specific groups), and compare the nature of biases toward those groups. Discuss how the various theories
concerning intergroup relations might explain their similarities and differences, using at least two scholarly resources to support your analysis.
Specifically the following critical elements must be addressed:
• Describe the nature of the biases towards two specific groups of people; compare and contrast the nature of the biases towards these groups.
• Select at least two intergroup relations theories from the readings for this module, and use these theories to explain why the previously identified
similarities and differences might occur.
• Utilize at least two scholarly resources (peer-reviewed journal articles, published books, and your course material) to support your analysis of the
explanations of these similarities and differences.
Guidelines for Submission: Your Biases short paper should follow these formatting guidelines: 1–2 pages in length, double spaced, 12-point Times New Roman
font, one-inch margins, and a minimum of two sources cited in APA format.
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Compare and
Contrast
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and
describes the biases in
significant detail; analysis is
comprehensive and accurate
and is well supported with
examples
Describes biases toward two
specific groups and summarizes
multiple similarities and
differences between the biases
Compares and contrasts biases
toward two specific groups.
Discussion lacks detail or is not
factually correct
Does not compare and contrast
biases toward two specific
groups
30
Intergroup Relations
Theories
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and
the explanation integrates the
theoretical perspectives and
applies them to the described
similarities and differences in a
clear, compelling way
Describes theories from the
readings and applies the
theories to provide a plausible
explanation for the similarities
and differences between the
biases attached to two specific
groups
Does not accurately apply the
theories to explain the
similarities and differences
between the biases attached to
two specific groups
Does not attempt to use
theories to explain the
similarities and differences
between the biases attached to
two specific groups
30
Scholarly R esources Meets “Proficient” criteria, and
the scholarly resources are well
integrated into the paper and
provide support to the analysis
by clarifying how and why the
observed similarities and
differences might have occurred
The scholarly resources used are
clearly linked to the theories
and the observed similarities
and differences
The scholarly resources used are
not clearly linked to the
observed similarities or
differences
Does not attempt to support
compare and contrast analysis
with scholarly resources
20
Application of APA
Format
Submission is free of errors
related to citation format,
references, or other elements of
APA style
Submission has no major errors
related to citation format,
references, or other elements of
APA style
Submission has major errors
related to citation format,
references, or other elements of
APA style
No attempt to apply APA style is
evident within the submission
10
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%
