Six percent of American children are taking some type of psychiatric drug for problems ranging from ADHD to anxiety and depression. The drugs work by altering neurotransmission in the brain. Some scientists argue that the drugs can be very effective if used appropriately. Other scientists argue that these drugs are often overprescribed and that there’s not enough research on the side effects and long-term consequences resulting from their use.
Develop a 2-3 page paper that reflects your thoughts as to whether children should be prescribed these drugs. Be sure to identify any safeguards that should be established to protect children. Lastly, address whether you would you allow your children to take psychiatric medication as a parent.
BA Psychology Written Assignment Rubric
BA Psychology Written Assignment Rubric
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch Question/Approach to Research Question – The extent to which the focus of the essay is expressed and specified. This need not be in the form of a question. An example of an alternative form is a hypothesis. The extent to which the essay appropriately addresses and develops the specific research question, including the collection of any relevant information.
20 pts
Superior (20 – 16 points) The research question is clearly and precisely stated in the early part of the essay and is sharply focused, making it susceptible to effective treatment within the word limit. The approach used is well chosen and highly appropriate to the research question.
15 pts
Good (15 – 11 points) The research question is stated in the early part of the essay but one of the following is missing or not completely developed: • The precise manner or the research question is not clearly and precisely stated • It is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit. • The approach used is generally appropriate to the research question.
10 pts
Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) The research question is stated in the early part of the essay but BOTH of the following are missing: • The precise manner or the research question is not clearly and precisely stated • It is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit. • The approach used is generally inappropriate to the research question.
5 pts
Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points) The research question is not stated in the early part of the essay or does not lend itself to systematic investigation in the context of an extended essay. The approach used is completely inappropriate to the research question.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication – The extent to which relevant materials, sources, data and evidence are considered appropriately in the essay.
20 pts
Superior (20 – 16 points) The approach used is well chosen and highly appropriate to the research question.
15 pts
Good (15 – 11 points) The approach used is generally appropriate to the research question.
10 pts
Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) The approach used is generally inappropriate to the research question.
5 pts
Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points) The approach used is completely inappropriate to the research question.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument/Assessment – The extent to which the essay develops an argument relevant to the research question from the materials/information considered. Where the research question does not lend itself to systematic investigation in the context of an extended essay, the maximum level that can be awarded is 2.
20 pts
Superior (20 – 16 points) A convincing argument, which addresses the research question, is well developed, well organized and clearly expressed. Where an Assessment is appropriate, it is fully substantiated.
15 pts
Good (15 – 11 points) An argument which addresses the research question is competently developed. Where an Assessment is appropriate, some attempt has been made to substantiate it.
10 pts
Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) An argument is developed which addresses the research question but which is incomplete. Where an Assessment is appropriate, it is likely to be subjective, with little attempt at substantiation.
5 pts
Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points) There is a limited or superficial attempt to formulate an argument relevant to the research question, or there is no argument relevant to the research question.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion – The extent to which the essay incorporates a conclusion consistent with its argument, not necessarily in the form of a separate section.
20 pts
Superior (20 – 16 points) A strong conclusion is clearly stated, is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the argument or explanation presented in the essay. Where appropriate, the conclusion clearly indicates unresolved questions and new questions that have emerged from the research.
15 pts
Good (15 – 11 points) A conclusion is clearly stated, is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the argument or explanation presented in the essay.
10 pts
Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) Some conclusion is attempted which is consistent with the argument presented in the essay.
5 pts
Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points)Little or no attempt has been made to provide a conclusion which is consistent with the argument presented in the essay.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Style
5 pts
No revision needed (5 points) APA style is used properly throughout the document
4 pts
Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) Typical APA errors are present
2 pts
Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) APA style is used but inconsistently
0 pts
Substantial revision needed (0 points) No evidence of APA style awareness
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
5 pts
No revision needed (5 points) No grammatical errors are present and document is in good shape grammatically
4 pts
Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) Only a few grammatical errors appear
2 pts
Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) Several grammatical errors appear throughout the document
0 pts
Substantial revision needed (0 points) Major grammatical errors are present throughout the entire document
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity
5 pts
No revision needed (5 points) Text is organized well and easy to follow. There is a logical order of information and transitions are present
4 pts
Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) The narrative overall is clear but there is at least one element or section in need of revision
2 pts
Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) Logical order of ideas is present but text is lacking overall coherence
0 pts
Substantial revision needed (0 points) Text is difficult to follow
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRequired Elements
5 pts
No revision needed (5 points) Paper included all required elements seamlessly
4 pts
Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) Required elements included but paper could be developed more fully
2 pts
Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) Paper is missing a required element
0 pts
Substantial revision needed (0 points)Paper is incomplete and is missing most of the required elements
5 pts
Total Points: 100
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For issues ranging from ADHD to anxiety and depression, 6% of American youngsters are on some form of psychiatric medication. The medications act by affecting brain neurotransmission. Some scientists believe that if the medications are utilized correctly, they can be quite successful. Other scientists claim that these medications are frequently overprescribed, and that there is insufficient study on the long-term effects and repercussions of their use.
Create a 2- to 3-page paper expressing your opinion on whether or not these drugs should be prescribed to children. Make a list of any precautions that should be put in place to protect youngsters. Finally, as a parent, consider if you would allow your children to take mental medicine.
Rubric for BA Psychology Written Assignments
BA Psychology Written Assignment
