Psychology Project Overview

The purpose of the project is to show application of the biological perspective to multiple fields and disciplines. Your group (of 2-4) will give a poster presentation summarizing the key points of your research. Your grade will be based on two components: 1) Your in class presentation (60%) 2) A 800 page paper summarizing your topic. Your presentation should be of professional quality. It should include the following components: Your research question (which essentially overviews what you are researching). Summary of your research including previous research work that you read to prepare for your project Conclusions: Answer your research question making reference to literature and showing a personal understanding of your topic. If you choose to include videos, articles or images, make sure they relate to your topic. Additional guidelines: You'll have 45 minutes for the presentation and discussion. I expect you to have a handout for the class to familiarize them with the topic. You'll need to make those available in time for the class to read them. Have them to me this Friday prior to your presentation date. Presentations should be backed by available literature and a written outline of the presentation and bibliography will be turned in at the time of the presentation. The presentation accounts for 60% of your grade, so each member of the group needs to be an active part of the presentation. Group grades will be given. However, individual grades will be given in instances where significantly uneven effort or contribution has occurred within a group. I am expecting each person to rehearse their presentation with their partners. Any overheads or handouts need to be ready for duplicating 48 hours in advance of the presentation and be of reasonable length (that is, consider how much is really necessary for everyone to have their own copy of). If youll use PowerPoint, DVDs, videos, or other media, talk to me in advance to assure equipment is compatible and available. Attendance during presentations is expected. Class participation will be graded during presentation sessions, too. Expect to respond to presenters questions and to pose questions and observations yourself. Be prepared to choose your topic and presentation date before the

end of todays class. Here are just a few of the topics that you can choose to do your project on: Biological origins of attraction Biological origins of violence Impact of head trauma on athletes Role of steroids in sports. Biological influences on behavior related to Development Psychoactive Drugs and their effect on behavior. How genes influence behavior Brain Imaging Technology Alcoholism and Brain Damage Can different types of music lead to different physiological responses? Physiological causes of Addictions Physiological causes of Stress Physiological causes of Obesity How eating influences mood.

 Rubric for Group Presentations

Scor e

Presentati on Visuals
All Visuals support the material. All aspects of materials to be covered are represented.

Delivery

Conten t Covera ge
All aspects of the subject were covered and all objectives were met effectively . Most aspects of the subject were covered and most of the objectives were met.

Preparedne Group ss Coordinati on

All aspects of the presentation were well prepared and presenters understood and had a complete grasp of subject. Most aspects of the presentation were well prepared. Most aspects were completely understood. The group was well coordinated and all members collaborated and cooperated

Written or Support Informatio n

Material supported the goal and all aspects were covered completely.

Presenter has good voice inflection and does an outstanding job in the speaking aspect of the presentation Presenter has generally good voice inflection and has very few errors in speaking or communicati on.

All Visuals support the material. Most aspects of the material to be covered are represented.

Most Visuals support the material. Most of the material to be covered is represented.

Presenter has some voice inflection and does attempt to communicate clearly. A few errors in communicati on.

Most aspects of the subject were covered, but major objectives were not met.

Most aspects of the presentation were well prepared. Some major aspects were not completely understood.

The group was well coordinated and all members collaborated and cooperated. Some slight errors in coordination or collaboration The group has small errors in coordination or collaboration that delayed the presentation

Material supported goal and most aspects were covered

Material supported goal and some errors in presentation distracted from the topic being covered.

Some Visuals support the material and only some aspects of the materials to be covered are represented. Major sources of errors or lacking of visual support but an attempt was made.

Presenter has very few changes in voice. Some major errors in communicati on Very poor communicati on and they interfere with the delivery of information.

Some aspects of the objectives were met, and major objectives not met. Very few aspects of subject were covered and very few objectives were not met.

Some aspects of the presentations were not well prepared. Some aspects were not completely understood. Most aspects of presentation were not well prepared or not understood.

The group has more than two delays or had a problem in collaboration or cooperation

Material didnt always support goal and some errors distracted from the topic. Material didnt support goal and had major errors.

Major delays or problems in working as a group.