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Cognition Theory Essay
What are the mental processes we use to obtain and comprehend information from the
environment around us?
Your essay will serve as an answer to this question. In addressing this question, consider
perceptual systems (especially visual), attention, imagery, concepts, and language
comprehension. Illustrate your answers with specific examples to the extent possible.
For Round I write no more than 12 pages (APA style -- use formal language, page
numbers & header, APA margins, double spacing, etc. but no title is necessary) on this question.
Your audience is another person in this class; defining the audience helps to determine what
information should be included. Note: this draft is written BEFORE any formal course material
is assigned. It therefore is an initial theory encompassing Awhat most people think@ about
cognitive processes. Subsequent drafts will modify this position on the basis of the scientific
evidence.
End questions: Each end question has the following form: AHow does/do
____________ work?@ Generate four questions by substituting our major topics into the blank:
pattern recognition, imagery, attention, and concepts. At the end of your paper, state explicitly
each question (in list format) and briefly answer it. Keep in mind this is likely the first part of
your paper I will read. I expect this section to be fairly concise, but complete. For each question
you should not only take a position but also summarize the evidence for that position.
On the due date, bring two copies of a draft of this paper to class ready to give to two
other class members (establish groups of 3, and everyone in the group trade papers). Your group
members will read your paper in preparation for the next class period, at which you will read the
paper aloud to them1, and they will comment on it, suggesting revisions. The final version is due
at the following class period.
In class be prepared to read your draft aloud and receive audience reactions. This serves
the following purposes:
1. reading aloud to an audience leads to new thinking
2. listeners may have valuable reactions and questions (but I don't expect them to have
evaluations or solutions)
3. you may get new ideas from hearing what others do with this assignment.
4. you will get a better idea of how your essay compares to others. This is necessary for the
self-evaluation.
1
Each group member should get 10 minutes to read. In some cases, this requires you to be prepared to read
only selected passages, not the whole paper.
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After peer review:
1.
revise your paper based on what you learned in class
2.
answer the end questions
3.
(Round 2 & 3 only) add a section entitled AComparison to Cultural View@. Give a
detailed account of how the scientific theories we discuss compare to the cultural
view/standard view of cognition.
4.
fill out the grading criteria page, including a grade (1 - 10)
5.
(optional) mark (with arrows, brackets, circling, etc.) 3-4 specific passages or ideas in the
paper that you would like TA & instructor to notice and comment on. Put a brief note in
the margin to indicate your question, concern, bright idea, etc.
Criteria for grading:
A. the degree to which the paper clearly deals with the issues we have discussed in class
during this unit. To get a good grade, you need to identify the important issues that have arisen,
take a stand on them (your own opinion), and justify your opinion as best you can, using
informal observations and research evidence and logic (this last part will be easier later in the
semester. I will primarily assess your general understanding of this section of material and how
it applies to psychology. Make sure your essay shows your understanding of the material -- it
should not be just a summary of lecture notes, or just a list of points. Integration and synthesis is
always necessary.
B. completeness -- are all portions of the questions explicitly labeled and addressed, are
all enumerations present, etc.
C. logical clarity and completeness
D. formal language, APA style, spelling, grammar, etc.
Further Versions:
During the semester you will write this essay at least two more times. Those versions
should meet all the instructions and criteria above, plus the criteria listed in italics on the grading
sheet.
In general these subsequent drafts are expected to include increased richness, new
distinctions, more empirical evidence, more theory development, revisions of previous position,
more class topics and material, and more text material. Of special importance is greater use of
empirical evidence, and systematic examination of alternative views using evidence to support
some and reject others.
IMPORTANT: In addition to meeting additional criteria, drafts subsequent to the first
must include two new sections at the end of the paper. The information in these sections should
be specific, not vague generalities. The length of this section can vary from person to person, but
it is not a brief summary paragraph. (CAUTION: The most common mistake with these sections
is to give insufficient time and thought to the content).
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Cognitive Psychology
Theory Essay Grading Criteria2
Student Name: _____________________________
Round: ________
[Can your instructor photocopy this paper to show anonymously to other students? __yes __no]
Audience appropriateness
Addressing assigned questions and issues; incorporation of class material (IMPORTANT)
Everyday examples and self-observations (IMPORTANT)
Using ideas/examples/observations from other students (IMPORTANT)
Consistency and development of ideas (especially in subsequent drafts)
Use of empirical evidence, systematic examination of alternative views using evidence to support
some and reject others (IMPORTANT)
Clear position taken and supported
What characteristics or sections of my paper need improvement or additional attention (over)?
Clarity, formal language, APA style, spelling, grammar, etc.
Grade: _____
2
This page will serve as the cover sheet for your paper. You must evaluate your own
paper by filling this out before you hand in the paper (suggestion: MENTALLY fill it out as you
write and before peer review). I may agree with, disagree with, or augment your comments and
evaluations. This sheet for earlier drafts must be turned in with subsequent drafts, along
with a new sheet evaluating the new draft. Information in italics applies only to drafts
subsequent to the first.
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Parts of theory paper: Cognitive Psychology
In a Word document, place the following items in order:
1.
filled out grading criteria, with 1 - 10 grade
2.
title page w/ title and your name
3.
body of the paper: sections on major questions (pattern recognition, imagery, attention,
concepts, etc.)
4.
(Rounds II and III) a section labeled AComparison to Cultural View@
5.
address the list of AEnd Questions@ (in a section so labeled)
6.
also submit, as separate documents, drafts of the paper that received peer review
comments, with your peer review evaluation at the end. (2)
Items 1-5 are a single document. Item 6 is submitted as 2 separate Word documents. All
are e-mailed as Word attachments to your TA by the due date for the paper.
Optionally, you can mark (with arrows, brackets, circling, etc.) 3-4 specific passages or
ideas in the paper that you would like TAs & instructor to notice and comment on. Put a brief
note n the margin to indicate your question, concern, bright idea, etc. This way we will be sure to
comment on parts where you would like our reactions or input.