PSY2042: Assignment Instructions Assessment

Psychology Essay Question

• Is there a “narcissism epidemic” in contemporary society?
• Can you change your own personality at will?
• Is personality expressed in taste in music?

Links to help write essay:

It should include a title, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references.

You will be required to present your essay in APA 7th format.

An original title is presented clearly and succinctly (<20>

Introduction

• Introduces and defines the broad area of research by putting the essay question into context.
• Highlights the importance of the essay topic by including a strong rationale for why this essay needs to be written.
• Outlines how the essay question will be answered by signposting the key points that will be addressed.
• Appropriate and adequate use of supporting literature
• A clear demonstration that extensive research was used and understood in preparing the essay
• A logical structure in how the content is addressed
• Scientific literature is referred to and is described and critiqued such that it is synthesised and critically analysed
• Inclusion of an appropriate number of key arguments, addressing both sides to the question, to investigate the topic in depth.
• Detailed description, critique and synthesis of the scientific literature to provide comprehensive arguments.

Conclusion

Summarises the main points from the essay to address the essay question. No new arguments are presented.

The conclusion logically follows from the evidence presented within the essay to effectively answer the research question

Includes insightful suggestions for future research based on the review of the literature provided in the essay body.

The title is engaging and shows originality. Succinctly written and identifies the main themes of the essay.

Abstract 

The abstract clearly summaries how the essay question will be addressed, the key arguments/themes in the essay and the main conclusion of the essay. Details are synthesised appropriately to help the flow and readability of the section. The abstract can stand on its own as a representation of the overall argument.

Introduction

Introduces and defines the broad area of research by putting the essay question into context. Highlights the importance of the essay topic by including a strong rationale for why this essay needs to be written.

Clearly outlines how the essay question will be answered by signposting the key points that will be addressed.

B1 Literature Sources

A clear demonstration that extensive research was used and understood in preparing the essay. Appropriate and extensive use of supporting literature, which accurately represents the literature base. Citations included are highly relevant, good quality and from appropriate scientific sources.

B2 Synthesis and Critique

Detailed description, critique and synthesis of relevant details from the scientific literature is provided throughout. Skilfully combines material from a variety of sources to present novel and convincing reasoning. Assumptions are made explicit and only relevant details are presented when developing ideas and arguments.

B3 Argument (20%)

The contention for each argument and paragraph is clear, and relevant evidence is presented to support the contention in each paragraph. Comprehensive, accurate, and insightful discussion of key findings on both sides of the question. The overall evaluation of the evidence is compelling, well justified, and demonstrates strong evaluative reasoning. An appropriate number of key arguments are included to comprehensively investigate the topic and address the research question.

B4 Structure (5%)

Information is organised into clear, logical and well-defined paragraphs.

All information is presented in the most logical place, and there is a coherent narrative without repetition or logical gaps.

All information is presented concisely with clear relevance to the overall contention.

Conclusion (10%)

Summarises the main points from the essay in a way that clearly addresses the essay question and answers the questions posed in the introduction.

The conclusions presented are logical conclusions based on evidence presented within the essay. There are logical, valid and insightful implications presented based on the conclusions. The suggestions for future research are derived from relevant literature and offer insightful and novel suggestions for the progression of the research area.

Presentation (10%)

Scientific language is used throughout, but well balanced with clear definitions for key terms, appropriate for a general scientific audience. The expression is clear, concise and easily readable, neither too complicated nor too casual.

Correct APA formatting, spelling and grammar are used throughout.

Assessment Requirements Summary

The psychology essay assessment required students to explore one or more of the following topics:

1. Is there a “narcissism epidemic” in contemporary society?

2. Can you change your own personality at will?

3. Is personality expressed in taste in music?

Key requirements included:

• Title: Succinct (<20>

• Abstract: Summarise how the essay question will be addressed, key arguments/themes, and main conclusions. Must stand alone.

• Introduction: Define the broad research area, contextualise the question, justify its importance, and signpost key arguments.

• Body:

  • B1 Literature Sources: Demonstrate extensive research and use high-quality, relevant scientific sources.

  • B2 Synthesis and Critique: Critically analyse and synthesise literature, presenting well-argued reasoning.

  • B3 Argument: Present clear contentions, support with evidence, and consider both sides of the question.

  • B4 Structure: Organise content logically, with concise and coherent paragraphs.

• Conclusion: Summarise key points, answer the essay question, suggest future research, and avoid introducing new arguments.

• Presentation: Use clear scientific language appropriate for a general audience, APA 7th edition formatting, and correct grammar and spelling.

Overall, the essay needed to demonstrate critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strong evaluative skills while adhering to scientific standards and APA style.

Approach by Academic Mentor

The academic mentor guided the student step-by-step to ensure clarity, structure, and adherence to the assessment criteria.

1. Understanding the Essay Question:

   • The mentor helped the student interpret the chosen topic and identify its key themes.

   • Importance and relevance of the topic were discussed, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence and literature support.

2. Title and Abstract:

   • Assisted in creating a concise and engaging title that reflected the research question.

   • Guided the student to summarise the essay in the abstract, including key arguments, methodology, and conclusions.

3. Introduction:

   • Demonstrated how to contextualise the research question within contemporary psychology.

   • Explained the importance of highlighting rationale and setting up the structure of the essay.

4. Literature Review (B1 & B2):

   • Mentored the student on sourcing peer-reviewed studies, books, and articles relevant to narcissism, personality, and music psychology.

   • Guided critical analysis, synthesis of contrasting viewpoints, and linking research to arguments.

5. Developing Arguments (B3):

   • Showed how to structure paragraphs with clear topic sentences, evidence, critical discussion, and counterarguments.

   • Ensured balanced treatment of opposing perspectives to answer the essay question comprehensively.

6. Structure and Flow (B4):

   • Provided guidance on paragraph organisation, logical transitions, and avoiding repetition.

   • Emphasized conciseness and relevance in all sections.

7. Conclusion:

   • Helped the student summarise main arguments, explicitly answer the essay question, and suggest areas for future research.

8. Presentation & Referencing:

   • Advised on APA 7th edition formatting for in-text citations, references, headings, and layout.

   • Ensured clarity, correct grammar, and professional scientific language throughout the essay.

Outcome and Learning Objectives Achieved

• Essay Completion: Student produced a well-structured essay with title, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references.

• Critical Thinking: Student demonstrated evaluation of literature, synthesis of multiple perspectives, and justified conclusions.

• Research Skills: Extensive use of peer-reviewed and high-quality sources.

• APA Competency: Correct application of APA 7th edition style in text and references.

• Analytical Writing: Logical flow, structured arguments, clear topic sentences, and evidence-based reasoning.

• Learning Objectives Covered:

  • Understanding the relationship between personality, behavior, and social constructs.

  • Applying psychological theories to contemporary societal issues.

  • Developing academic writing skills with scientific rigor.

  • Evaluating and synthesising literature to produce coherent and original arguments.

Boost Your Learning with Our Sample Assignment!

Looking to understand how a top-quality assignment is structured? Our sample solution is designed to guide you through the proper approach, formatting, and referencing techniques. Use it to learn how to develop strong arguments, organise your essay, and present data effectively. Remember: this sample is for reference only. Submitting it as your own work is strictly prohibited and may lead to plagiarism issues. For students aiming for original, plagiarism-free results, you can order a fresh, custom-written assignment from our team of professional academic writers. With a bespoke solution, you get:

• 100% original content tailored to your requirements

• Expertly researched and referenced work

• On-time delivery to meet your deadlines

• Assurance of academic integrity and high quality

Don’t risk your grades – learn from the sample, or secure a fresh, fully customised solution created just for you!

[Download Sample Solution]  [Order Fresh Assignment]