What is the phenomenon? How is it different & similar to another phenomenon? When is it exhibited vs. not? Why? Why is it true vs. not ? What explains why it is true vs. not? Based on answers to questions above, what kinds of info will help you “learn more” about the phenomenon? Questions to answer in the final paper

What kinds of information will help you know more about your hypothesis? Should future research –Test reasons for why your hypothesis is true? –Test reasons for why the hypothesis is not true? –Test reasons for why the hypothesis is true in some situations but not in others?

What is the phenomenon? –Description of your hypothesis How is it different & similar to another phenomenon? –Definition of your variables When, where & how is it exhibited? Why? –Describing pro-hypothesis findings & explaining why When where & how is it not exhibited? Why? –Describing counter-evidence & explaining why Answers from your writing assignment

What common process explains its occurrence vs. non occurrence? –Explaining why the difference b/w pro & counter evidence exists What kinds of data will help you know more about the phenomenon? –Those that test explanations for hypothesis –Those that tests explanations for the counter hypothesis –Those that explains the difference in findings Addresses limitations in definitions & ways in which previous data were collected Answers from your writing assignment

Using feedback effectively –Use grades on specific criteria & written comments E.g., descriptive skills, explanatory skills etc. Attend to weight given to criteria of final paper –Some weights changed Easy vs. difficult writing tasks –Some additional criteria used E.g., Form/Stylistic issues Draft vs. Final Paper

Comprehensive, short summary of paper –Complete yet Concise 1 page, but shorter is better Hypothesis, definition, evidence, analysis (implications, suggestions etc) See published review papers Write it last, using relevant main points of sections of the paper & integrating them seamlessly Abstract: Summarizing

Forming evidence based generalizations by drawing implications for practice based on –Evidence for and against the hypothesis –Explanations for the evidence Other analytical tasks in final paper

Use descriptive writing skills –Precision & Brevity Key variables & their relation OR Key Conclusion Difference between title & hypothesis –hook? Paper Title

Other Stylistic Issues

Why is your topic area important? –Identify relevance to practice –Start broad, but quickly narrow down to your specific hypothesis Introduction

Logic of structure is clear to reader Paragraphs build on main idea, are connected to each other logically –Have descriptive, brief topical headings Avoid: –Too many ideas in a sentence Unless you can handle complexity of long sentences –Haphazardly put-together sentences Ensure connection b/w sentences –Organizing your paper by article Structure

Previously, the predictor of personality trait was described in detail. The other concept needing an explanation is the criterion of job performance…[which is done now] Example of an Effective transition…. Student Draft Spring 06

References –Quality is important –Choose a style (e.g., APA, MLA) & use it consistently See for styles See crib.html#Examples for APA style –Ensure all in-text citations are in the reference section! –No internet websites are acceptable! Why? Paper Length –10 pages, but shorter is better! Form Issues

Check for consistency within sentences: –Plural vs. singular tense agreement, –Present vs. past vs. future tense agreement, –First vs. third person agreement Check for punctuation errors (e.g., placement of commas, semicolons, etc.) Avoid the use of contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t etc.) Avoid misplaced propositions (e.g., the) Check spellings Use active voice Avoid using passive voice Avoid using direct quotes. Paraphrase in own words to demonstrate understanding Writing Style

Good Writing!