The requirements for your course paper are as follows:

• Written in the format of the most current (6th) edition of the APA manual.

• This type of research paper is similar to a literature review in that you will be discussing what information is currently known about your topic.

• Include a discussion of psychological theory AND key research findings relevant to your chosen topic (below).

Your incorporation of theory and research should come from the information you find through your reading of scholarly sources and journal articles (from your course paper resources assignment due in UNIT 3).

• Include specific examples that support theory and research.

• Please note that this is NOT an opinion essay.

• The body of the paper must be five full pages in length, not including APA style title page and References page.

• Each paper must be a Word document, double spaced with size 12 Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins on all sides.

• Please use complete sentences, appropriate grammar, spelling, and a minimum of

• 4SCHOLARLY references (you may use your textbook as one reference). Please be sure to avoid using Internet sources such as Wikipedia or other web-based resources that do not have strong academic backing.

• You will also be required to use in-text references in your work in accordance with APA style to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism detection software will be used to scan each paper.

Refer to the rubric below for a guideline as to how your paper will be graded. Students are strongly encouraged to use the writing center ([email protected]) for assistance with all assignments.

Each paper must be submitted via Blackboard; emailed copies will not be accepted. Policies in regard to turning work in late also apply to these assignments.

Course Paper Topic: Define reinforcement and punishment. Why do psychologists prefer negative reinforcement to punishment as a way to shape behavior? Be sure to share at least 4 scholarly research examples in your discussion of the concepts.

Refer to the grading rubric on the next page for grading criteria.