Highlights
Distinguish between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in terms of general function and structure. Demonstrate the differences using an original example.
Your task for your essay is to demonstrate that you understand the differences between the CNS and PNS, and that you can illustrate the differences clearly and effectively. You will collate information from several sources for this task.
In the first instance, refer to your assignment instructions for information about writing this essay, but here are some additional details:
1. In your introduction (don’t give it a heading but you’ll need to place your essay title above the first paragraph), introduce the general topic to the reader, and then focus in on the specific topic, finishing by outlining the direction and purpose of your essay. The introduction is worth 10%, so formulate its length accordingly. Refer to An Interactive Approach to Writing Essays and Research Reports in Psychology by Lorelle Burton for the correct (APA) way to write introductions to essays. If you have completed one of our Level 5 psychology courses, you will have a copy of this text. There is also information on APA formatting on our website.
2. Next, you will need to describe the general functions and structure of the CNS and PNS – doing so should bring out the differences between the two systems, but point out the differences where appropriate. All major topics here (structure/function of CNS, structure/function of PNS) need to be given adequate treatment. You may find that you need to comment on structure and function at the same time, first for the CNS, then for the PNS, but what matters is that the material is presented cogently and coherently overall so that the reader understands what it is that you are trying to say.
There is quite a lot of information to present here, so be succinct. You may go over the word limit by 10% (for the whole essay) if you need to (any more than that, and penalties apply). Remember, the more succinctly you write, the more information you will be able to present.
3. Next, you are asked for an original example to illustrate the differences that you have described. To do so, choose an event (hypothetical or actual) that shows the complementary relationship between the CNS and PNS. Choose a situation such as this one:
Jack is 67 years old. He is late for an appointment and is walking quickly down a rough, sloping concrete path. He trips and falls over, grazing his hands and one knee badly, and giving himself a scare. After a little while, he recovers his composure and is able to get up and limp to his appointment with his doctor, whose practice is fortunately nearby.
Three states are involved in such a situation: normal or typical; fright or shock; and return to normal. Outline in detail the interaction of the CNS and PNS during these stages, showing the different roles of the two systems. This section should reflect the information that you presented in your previous section so that the two sections have coherence.
4. In your conclusion, note what you set out to achieve, sum up what you have covered in the entire essay, and draw conclusions based on these points. Point out the major implications of these conclusions, given the material you presented in each section. Provide some kind of ‘signing-off’ comment in order to finish in an effective way. Again, the Burton text provides information about writing conclusions.
Some general reminders for your essay
Assignment 2 follows APA requirements as set out by APA guidelines or Burton’s text (see her example of a good essay), except that an abstract is not required.
In the main, the requirements are:
Give your essay an informative title, both on your title page (a template is provided for this on your course page) and above your essay. Use upper case for first letters of main words.
Use a 12-point serif font such as Times New Roman.
Use even double spacing throughout the essay.
The first line of each new paragraph should be indented, including the first in the essay.
Any headings in the essay (other than References; and note that your title isn’t counted as a heading) should be in bold font. A main heading is bolded and centered with upper case for the first letters of main words, and a second level heading (if used) is bolded and left-aligned, also with upper case for the first letters of main words.
Your introduction and conclusion should not have headings. It’s useful to indicate the start of your conclusion with a phrase such as ‘In conclusion . . .’.
In-text citations are essential and should match the list of authors in your references section.
The heading References is centred in plain font (i.e., non-bold). This section needs to be on a separate page.
Use the correct citing and referencing format – see Burton,or our website.
Refer to at least five sources of information – for example, Carlson, three further texts, and a journal article. Internet sources are acceptable, but need to be from a credible academic source (i.e., formally peer-reviewed sources). You don’t need to read an entire work to use it as a source, as long as you have an in-depth understanding of what you do read.
Don’t overuse quotations. Where your own words will suffice, use them.
Avoid the use of personal pronouns like ‘I’ and ‘we’. Also avoid ‘one’. Use instead ‘people’ or ‘individuals’ and ‘they’. It is acceptable to discuss points in the Example section of your essay by referring to a hypothetical person in the third person.
Use straightforward language; express clearly and precisely; have ‘flow’ to your work; and be succinct.
Define terms. Address the essay as if to an ‘intelligent ignoramus’.
Don’t use abbreviations such as ‘weren’t’ or ‘e.g.’ (‘e.g.’ and ‘i.e.’ are acceptable in brackets).
The length of each section of the essay should reflect the number of marks awarded.
Essay
Do Assignment 2 when you have completed Module 3 and after the online test. The assignment should be 2500 words in length. This requires you to think about how to
be concise, an important skill in scientific writing. However, you may go over the word limit by 10%. If you go overthe limit by more than 10% you will be penalised, according to the length of your essay. Our word limit policy is on your course page. As an essay, this assignment will require some independent research using literature
beyond the set text. A minimum of five sources is expected at this level. Use mainly texts, but try to also include information from one or two journal articles.
Your task is to represent the material coherently and cogently. You may include diagrams if you wish. These must be cited and accompanied by explanatory text. The task is not easy – do not paraphrase your textbook!
The topic
Distinguish between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system in terms of general function and structure. Demonstrate the differences using an original example.
You are required to read the document on your course page entitled Assignment 2 instructions. It provides more details about how to undertake your essay. We will assume you have read this document. Before sending in your assignment, ensure you have followed the instructions in the assignment checklist we have provided on the next page, and have referenced your sources correctly.
Marks will be allocated as follows:
Presentation – 5%
Introduction – 10%
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system – 30%
Detailed example demonstrating understanding – 30%
Conclusion – 10%
Expression, Quality, and style – 10%
Citing and referencing – 5%
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