Final Paper

For your Final Paper, you will demonstrate your knowledge of psychopathology and apply your skills to a realistic scenario. Throughout this course, you have developed unique knowledge and skill sets that will allow you to critically analyze depictions of psychopathology in popular media and historical case examples from an informed point of view.

Your Final Paper will be a psychological report that may be based on a character from a movie or a historical case study. Review the provided lists of movies and historical case studies that are approved for use in this assignment.  You must choose from these lists. You may not use examples from your personal life in the psychological report since doing so would be unethical (see Standards 2.04 and 9.01a in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct).

As you create this report, you will be taking on the role of a clinician who is conducting an assessment and providing treatment recommendations for a patient (a character from your selected film or historical case study). Please note that a psychological report does not follow the same structure for reports you may have used in other courses. Your report must follow the format below and it must include each of the sections and their headings listed in this order: 

1. Identifying Information
   Within this section, you will describe basic information on your patient, including the person’s name, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, race, occupation, and location of residence (country, state, and region).
2. Chief Complaint/Presenting Problem 
   Within this section, you will include the patient’s primary complaint verbatim to identify the main source of his or her distress and/or concerns. If there is no verbatim complaint, include observable information to create an overall picture of the presenting problem. 
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to address the following question (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. What are the patient’s complaints? (e.g., the patient might complain about “feeling on edge” or experiencing stress)
2. Symptoms 
   Within this section, you will interpret specific behavioral issues and intrapsychic conflicts as they relate to abnormal behavior, behavior patterns, maladaptive thought processes, and potential unconscious conflicts. Interpret and comment on the patient’s chief complaint and/or presenting problem in the context and language of the symptoms found in the DSM-5. (e.g., the patient who complains about “feeling on edge” might actually be experiencing symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder)
3. Personal History 
   Within this section, you will analyze your patient’s personal background and history of abnormal behavior(s) that inform your diagnostic impression. You will also gather information about the patient’s cultural background and cultural norms.
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. Where did the patient grow up?
2. What cultures did the patient experience throughout life?
3. What was the patient’s school life like?
4. What were his or her grades? What is his or her highest level of education?
5. What is the patient’s interpersonal relationship history?
6. What was/is the patient’s romantic relationship history?
7. What was/is the patient’s friendship history?
8. Family History 
   Within this section, you will analyze the patient’s familial relationship(s) and identify any abnormalities that might affect future treatment. You will also integrate information about the patient’s family and cultural background to identify any maladaptive behaviors and relational patterns.
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. How old were the patient’s parents when the patient was born?
2. Who were the patient’s primary caregivers?
3. What was/is family life like? (Include any information relevant to your diagnostic impression.)
4. Did the family move often?
5. What was/is the patient’s relationship with their siblings (if applicable)?
6. What culture did/does the family come from?
7. What belief systems are attached to that culture?
8. Therapy History 
   Within this section, you will describe the patient’s therapy history to inform your diagnostic impression. Analyze the patient’s therapy history to identify the effectiveness of previous treatment(s). Analyze previous treatment interventions based on information and knowledge of the patient’s cultural background.
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. Who was the previous therapist (if applicable)?
2. How long did the previous therapy/therapies last?
3. What was the patient’s diagnosis?
4. What interventions did the therapist(s) use?
5. Were those interventions appropriate for the patient’s culture?
6. Was treatment successful?
7. Medical Conditions 
   Within this section, you will analyze the patient’s medical history and comment on any possible medical conditions that could influence your diagnostic impression. Interpret specific behavioral issues as they relate to salient medical conditions. If the person has any medical conditions, indicate that in this section. Integrate information and knowledge about the patient’s cultural background as it affects treatment options for medical conditions.
8. Substance Use 
   Within this section, you will analyze and comment on the patient’s substance use to identify any potential issues that could influence your diagnostic impression. Interpret specific behavioral issues as they relate to substance use. If the person misuses specific substances, indicate that in this section. Integrate information and knowledge about the patient’s cultural background to inform your interpretation of substance misuse in this patient’s case. 
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. Which substances does the patient use? (Include any over-the-counter, herbal, and/or prescription medications.)
2. For how long has the patient used the substance?
3. What is the patient’s quantity and frequency of use?
4. Collateral 
   Within this section, you will interpret specific collateral information as it relates to your patient’s abnormal behavior and behavior patterns. You will also integrate information and knowledge regarding the patient’s culture in your evaluation of the maladaptive behavior as reported by the collateral sources. 
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following questions (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. What do other people have to say about the patient’s behavior?
2. Are there any commonalities between the collateral sources’ reports?
3. Do the collateral sources have any psychological issues that might exacerbate the patient’s problems?
4. Are there any police reports?
5. Are there any personality testing or intelligence testing reports available?
6. Results of Evaluation 
   Within this section, you will analyze the patient’s behavior and mental processes. There are two parts to this section. To begin your analysis, you will write a brief evaluation of each theory of personality development that you learned about in this course and determine whether or not each theoretical orientation can be used to conceptualize the patient’s current situation and treatment goals. Next, use one major theoretical orientation to write an in-depth analysis for your results of evaluation section. Within the context of this theoretical perspective, you will analyze all of the information from the previous sections. Analyze specific behaviors, cognitions, and intrapsychic processes as they relate to your diagnostic impression. Integrate knowledge of the patient’s cultural background and norms within that culture as you prepare your supporting evidence. 
   Typically, this section within a psychological report seeks to answer the following question (further elaboration within this section is encouraged where possible): 

1. Based on the information you gathered in the previous sections, what led to the patient’s current state?
2. Diagnostic Impression With Differential Justification 
   Within this section, you will provide your diagnosis for the patient. To demonstrate your understanding of diagnostic procedure and justification, specifically address each symptom that the patient displayed and relate each symptom to a diagnostic criterion in the DSM-5. Analyze the patient’s behaviors and mental processes within your differential justification. Clearly demonstrate that the patient meets criteria to be given a diagnosis. If the patient does not meet criteria for any diagnosis based on your assessment, explain why. Also, explore any alternative diagnoses and explain why these were not chosen.
3. Recommendations 
   Within this section, you will you provide treatment recommendations for the person to help them improve his or her quality of life. These recommendations must be based on the theoretical orientation you used in your Results of Evaluation. Explain why you chose your treatment intervention(s) and include peer-reviewed articles that support your choice(s). If treatment is not necessary, explain why. Pay close attention to the person’s culture since some treatment options may be insensitive to his or her culture or way of living.

Writing the Final Paper

The Final Paper:

1. Must follow the report outline provided above with the requisite headings and be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   1. Title of paper
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must address the assessment with critical thought.
4. Must use at least five peer-reviewed sources that were published within the last ten years, in addition to the text, a minimum of four must be from the Ashford University Library.
5. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
6. Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubrics for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 

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Due Date: Oct 04, 2015 23:59:59 Max Points: 150

Details:

Prepare a critical analysis of a quantitative study focusing on protection of human participants, data collection, data management and analysis, problem statement, and interpretation of findings. The quantitative research article can be from your previous literature review or a new peer-reviewed article.

Each study analysis will be 1,000-1,250 words and submitted in one document. As with the assignments in Topics 1-3, this should connect to your identified practice problem of interest.

Refer to the resource entitled “Research Critique Part 2.” Questions under each heading should be addressed as a narrative, in the structure of a formal paper. You are also required to include an Introduction and Conclusion.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

Submit the assignment along with an electronic version of the article used for the analysis. If an electronic version is not available, submit a clean unmarked copy of the article.

Research Critique, Part 2

To write a critical appraisal that demonstrates comprehension of the research study conducted, and respond to each of the action items listed under the headings below. Successful completion of this assignment requires that you provide a rationale, include examples, or reference content from the study in your response.

CRITICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES: QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Introduction

·         Develop a topic sentence in which you will define the purpose of the Research Critique, Part 2

·         Formulate a thesis statement which briefly provides a broad indication of your point of view in composing this assignment.

·         Include a summary outline to describe the organization and main topics you will include in the body paragraphs of the assignments (see below sections).

Protection of Human Participants

• Identify the benefits and risks of participation addressed by the authors. Were there benefits or risks the authors do not identify?
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects or participants?
• Did it seem that the subjects participated voluntarily in the study?
• Was institutional review board approval obtained from the agency in which the study was conducted?

Data Collection

• Are the major variables (independent and dependent variables) identified and defined? What were these variables?
• How were data collected in this study?
• What rationale did the author provide for using this data collection method?
• Identify the time period for data collection of the study.
• Describe the sequence of data collection events for a participant.  

Data Management and Analysis

• Describe the data management and analysis methods used in the study.
• Did the author discuss how the rigor of the process was assured? For example, does the author describe maintaining a paper trail of critical decisions that were made during the analysis of the data? Was statistical software used to ensure accuracy of the analysis?
• What measures were used to minimize the effects of researcher bias (their experiences and perspectives)? For example, did two researchers independently analyze the data and compare their analyses?

Findings / Interpretation of Findings: Implications for Practice and Future Research

• What is the researcher’s interpretation of findings?
• Are the findings valid or an accurate reflection of reality? Do you have confidence in the findings?
• What limitations of the study were identified by researchers?
• Was there a coherent logic to the presentation of findings?
• What implications do the findings have for nursing practice? For example, can the study findings be applied to general nursing practice, to a specific population, to a specific area of nursing?
• What suggestions are made for further studies?

Conclusion

·         Emphasize the importance and congruity of the thesis statement

·         Provide a logical wrap-up to bring the appraisal to completion and to leave a lasting impression and take-away points useful in nursing practice.

·         Incorporate a critical appraisal and a brief analysis of the utility and applicability of the findings to nursing practice.

·         Integrate a summary of the knowledge learned.

Reference

Burns, N., & Grove, S. (2011).  Understanding Nursing Research (5^th ed.).  Elsevier.  ISBN-13:  9781437707502

 

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Recall from syllabus that all essays must use the opening paragraph that I have written.

All countries have bases of conflict. The conflicts often reflect divisions (cleavages) over religious, economic and ideological differences.  France has known its share of social and political divisions. The French revolution of 1789 divided the country sharply across ideological lines. Also, conflicts between church and state, social class, generational and regional differences have been central to French politics. More recently, immigration has emerged as a base of conflict in French society and politics. In the following two paragraphs, the objective of this short is to describe some aspects of immigration as a new conflict for France.
 
Paragraph 1. organizational pointers (do not include in your essay paragraph)
Who are the immigrants?
When did the new wave arrive?
Paragraph 2.
What is the nature of the conflict (religion, ethnicity)?
Illustrations of conflict
Paragraph 3
Concluding statement
There are two key things that I have learned about immigration as a source of conflict in contemporary France. First….. Second ……

To prepare, begin with the material in the textbook. However, even for a short essay, this is not enough. You may google and search for relevant information (stylized facts). You may also peruse Wikipedia for more background information. These three, the textbook, Google, and Wikipedia, are not, however, sources in themselves but resources which point you to the authoritative sources.
Thus, do not cite them in the essay or you will be penalized in the grading. For this assignment, you have been provided with four sources here and two more earlier this week (the Economist and the Walton articles) which you should draw upon. You need to incorporate and cite only one of them.
Also, the questions  above paragraphs 3 and 4 should not be part of your essay. Moreover, do not respond to them as if they are essay questions. They are there to give you a guide as to the type of substantive information we expect in those paragraphs.
If the questions are placed in your essay and/or your paragraphs read like blue book responses to them, you will be penalized. We will take it as an indication of non-attentiveness and a lack of an effort to write a college level short analytical essay.
Two pages double-spaced with a least one source (reference) cited. You cannot use your textbook as the source (reference) in the paper. If you so so, points will be taken away from the essay.
References Should Look Like This:
If you place them in the text, they should be incorporated in this way. According to John Smith (1999, p. 3) …. or Increased trade has resulted in …. earning more income from its exports (Bauer, 2003, pp. 20-23). The full citation of the reference – book, article, newspaper source is placed at the end of the paper as a bibliography. For example, John Smith 1999. The Cost of Development. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
 
Or you can use footnotes. For example, According to John Smith, trade has …. resulted in increased dependency …[1] With the full citation in the footnote at the bottom of the page.
[1] John Smith 1999. The Cost of Development. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 3.

 
 
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Part 1. Using Readings 5 , 6 and 7 summarize the African understanding of God and his/her characteristics, as well as the set of moral and spiritual values used by Africans to define a genuine human being and a genuine man/woman of God

Part 2. Using readings 1 to 4 explain African contribution to humanity, to world civilization and world spirituality, and specifically to Judaism, Christianity and the Bible. In so doing explain the notion of the Egyptian problem and the “Greek miracle.”

Finally explain the most important thing you learned from this assignment and how it helped you achieve the educational goals of our course.  In so doing make a list of 5 to 10 quotations you found interesting in these readings and explain why you found them interesting

 

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