PSYC 312
Video Games and Aggression Assignment Instructions
Overview
The purpose of this assignment is to explore, summarize and critically analyze a current research article as it relates to the topic of video games and aggression and then discuss a Biblical perspective on this research, and explain how the evidence found in the paper might be used to solve problems or enhance well-being related to behavior and/or mental processes.
The article must be:
· From a peer-reviewed journal.
· Empirical (it describes a specific study and will include the following sections: Abstract, Review of Literature, Methods, Results, Discussion).
· Do not select a book chapter, review, meta-analysis, dissertation or any other resource except an article from a peer-reviewed journal that describes one specific study. If you have any questions about your article choice, please contact your instructor.
· The article must be published within the last 5 years.
Critical Review Instructions
The critical review will examine one empirical study that focuses on the connection (or lack thereof) between violent video games and aggression. General suggestions for the length of each section are included below. Remember that the assignment requires at least 500, but not more than 700 words in addition to the title page and reference page. The critical review must include the following:
1.
Section 1: Summary (approximately one paragraph). Included will be:
· The purpose statement.
· Brief description of methods (what did the researchers do).
· Results (include only the most significant findings).
· Main findings/conclusions of the authors.
2.
Section 2: Critical Review (approximately 2-3 paragraphs identified with level-1 headings). Included will be:
· At least two methodological* strengths and tell why they are strengths.
· At least two methodological* weaknesses and tell why they are weaknesses.
· A relevant critique of the findings (Did the results support the researcher’s conclusions? Why or why not?). Note that this is not a place to insert your opinion of the results but to examine whether the results support the researcher’s conclusions.
3.
Section 3: Application and Conclusion (approximately 1-2 paragraphs)
· Summarize and compare the findings of this experiment with information found in our textbook related to video games and aggression.
· Identify how this information agrees or disagrees with Biblical precepts.
· Explain how the evidence found in the paper might be used to solve problems or enhance well-being related to behavior and/or mental processes.
· A final statement summarizing your reaction to this information (2-3 sentences)
*A strength or weakness related to the methods used by the researcher. For example, was the sample size appropriate? Were the participants randomly assigned to each condition? Did the researchers attempt to make the sample representative of the general population? Etc.
Structure Requirements:
· Two documents will be submitted to fulfill the requirements of this assignment:
· A PDF copy of your chosen article
· Your Critical Review paper
· Use APA current edition undergraduate guidelines (see the Resources section in prompt). (Include a title page, section headings, and appropriate citations).
· Students may use first person references as needed in this paper.
· Note that a reference page is required.
· The body text must include 500-700 words.
· Do not include direct quotes. Instead, paraphrase appropriately.
· Turnitin will be used for this assignment.
· Correct spelling/grammar is required.
· Please refer to the grading rubric for additional guidance.
Please note that you will submit two documents: 1) A PDF copy of your resource article, and 2) Your critical review of the article.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
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