Genetics & Behavior LAQ: Wednesday 26 th January

The LAQ (Long Answer Question) On Wednesday 26 st of January you will complete your second in class LAQ (long answer question) This will count as a Major Assignment. You have one hour to answer 1 question and it is done under exam conditions and you will not be able to use any notes. The 1 question on the test will come from three possible questions which you will need to review for – you will not know until the day of the test which one you will need to answer. You should prepare outlines/ practice writing essays for both of these questions in advance so you are well prepared for the test on Wednesday. Come and see me in tutorial with your outlines. Your answer should be about 1000 words long, and you must EVALUATE the research/theory for this type of question

LAQ Command terms When you look at the syllabus, LAQ questions focus on assessment objective 3 (synthesis & evaluation) command terms which are (assessment objective 1 & 2 (knowledge & comprehension /application & analysis) command terms are used in SAQs, but can also appear in SAQ questions): Compare (similarities) Compare & contrast (similarities & differences) Contrast (differences) Discuss (considered & balanced view, with conclusion) Evaluate (strengths and limitations) Examine (look at the underlying assumptions of an argument or concept, uncover the interrelationships of the issue) To what extent (consider the strengths & weaknesses of the argument, conclusion needed and supported by evidence and a sound argument)

LAQ - Things to remember… 1.Keep the intro v. brief, state how you will answer the question (unpacking), and give your THESIS Statement (Your main argument) 2.Never use ‘I’ 3.You can spend about 5 mins planning your answer 4.Make sure you take note of the command term – your answer must fit this 5.Refer to theories and studies (don’t worry if you don’t remember the name and date, just say ‘a study by…’) 6.Use PARAGRAPHS and leave a clear gap between each one 7.Your body paragraphs are really important, they must be well detailed, and make sure you connect what you are writing about to the question being asked 8.Remember to EVALUATE (MECG) – this is what this paper is all about 9.Look back at the question as you are writing, and make sure everything you write helps you to develop an argument in order to answer the question 10.Come to a conclusion at the end, it should not be too long, only a few sentences refer back to the main THESIS again

HW: Essay Plan Preparations groups 1.With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behavior (Allessandra, Nikki, Klaire, Micah) 2.Examine one evolutionary explanation of behavior (Louis, Audrey, HK, Dillon) 3.Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behavior (Christina, Zach, Katalyna, Krystal) HW: work in your groups to prepare Essay plans to present on Monday – follow the guidelines at the bottom of this page)

You will write an in class essay for one of these three questions…. You will answer an LAQ in class in one hour under exam conditions, and one of these questions will be given, and you will all have to answer it. 1.With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behavior 2.Examine one evolutionary explanation of behavior 3.Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behavior

See textbook pages 385 to 387 and answer the following questions… P385 1.What is the first thing you need to do? 2.Explain the “principle of six paragraphs” 3.How long should you spend making a detailed plan? 4.Why is making a plan so important? P What must the introduction contain? 6.What must the main body of the essay contain? 7.What must the conclusion contain? 8.Outline the eight steps to writing an essay 9.What seven questions (step 8) can you ask to check that you have written a good essay?

General Essay Structure….. Introduction Define relevant terms Identify what theories/studies you will explain – Provide a clear thesis statement (an answer to the question). Body Paragraphs Use arguments supported by specific evidence. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence which identifies your main idea or argument. Select at least three pieces of specific evidence to support your argument. REMEMBER TO EVALUATE! Conclusion Summarize main arguments Make a clear statement about the question with a reason.

Rubric… Notice how 9 marks(41%) are for critical thinking (evaluation!)

LAQ planning Make a plan, get it checked, and then share it with the group – it should be a plan and not longer than 1 page Type up the plan an post it on the wiki You will work on this on Friday, present on Monday, and write the test on Wednesday

Essay Plan Workshop.. Download the plans from wiki Work on improving add detail in– more quality evaluation needed Remember to MECG & connect back to the question You can Write out the actual essays Check your understanding with each other/ review for the LAQ for Wednesday