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PSYC 4510: Community Psychology: Part 2

Part 2: Application of Background Research

PURPOSE: The purpose of Part 2 is to begin applying what you have learned through your research on a social issue. When you have completed Part 2, you will be to describe and analyze the population(s) affected, the factors that influence and maintain the issue, and strategies that have been used to address it. This will prepare you for the “action” component of your project in which you will either (a) communicate key messages to raise awareness or promote community engagement; OR analyze and critique the work of an organization or program that seeks to address the issue.

TASKS

  1. Update Part 1 Based on Feedback Received. This may include revising your statement, scope, and definition and may include adding additional references or replacing ones from your previous annotated bibliography.

  1. Summarize what you have learned about your issue. Based on what you have learned about your social issue, answer the following questions (use the questions in bold as headings):

  1. Who is affected by the social issue?

What papulation(s) are most affected? How many are affected? Cite specific evidence from your research in Part 1.

  1. How are they affected by the social issue?

Include specific information and examples from your research. This may include descriptions of specific cases, statistics about severity (e.g., xx% of women experiencing homelessness are sexually assaulted)

  1. Factors that Contribute (Describe at least two factors that contribute to the social issue)

What evidence do you have from you research to support the role of each factor you discuss?

  1. Recommendations (Describe at least 2 recommendations for what can be done about the social issue)

Based on your research and your understanding of the issues, what can be done to address your social issue?

HELPFUL TIPS

Make sure to explain the terms you are using; be as specific as possible. If your annotated bibliography was sufficiently detailed, you should be able to pull much of the information you need from there. This is also a place where you can identify gaps in your research. What other research would help you gain a full understanding of your issue? If you find that you need to do additional research, include any new citations in your Reference section (you don’t have to do an annotated bibliography for new references).

Think ahead to PART 3 of the project and try to summarize the types of information you will need. For example, don’t just say that veterans are vulnerable to becoming homeless after they are discharged. What are the rates of homelessness among veterans? How many veterans are homeless? Are there particular subgroups (e.g., men/women/transgendered? ethnic minorities?) that are especially vulnerable?

                                                                                          

HOW TO SUBMIT: Submit Parts 1 and 2 together to the “RAP-Parts 1 & 2” dropbox in iCollege as a single file labeled as follows: yourlastnamefirstinitial_rap12.docx. Use a 12-point font with 1-inch margins. The completed assignment will include

  • Cover page with your project title, your name, the course number and title, the date (1 page). You do not need to include an abstract
  • Part 1 (whether or not you make any revisions)
  • Part 2: Summary (completed task 2) (1-2 pages)
  • A reference page for any sources you cite (including references from your annotated bibliography and any new references).
  • Statement summarizing any revisions made to Part 1 (include your tentative grade for Part 1, what feedback you received and how you addressed it). If you do not include this you will receive the same grade for Part 1 as before (1/2 page)

                                                

                                                                                Grading Rubric for Part 2

CRITERIA. Grading is cumulative and includes points earned for Part 1 (up to 60; with revisions based on feedback if applicable) and points for Part 2 (up to 30). A tentative grade up to 90 total points will be assigned as summarized below. You will have an opportunity to revise your work and resubmit when you turn in Part 3 for a final grade.

Earned Points

Possible Points

Part 1: Background Research

60

Part 2: Application of Background Research

30

Scope of the Problem: Identify who is affected by the problem, how many people are affected, and how they are affected.

10

Factors that Contribute to the Problem: Identify and describe TWO environmental factors that contribute to the problem.

10

Recommendations for Action

10