Criteria for Group Project

Objective of Project

The objective of the project is for your group to create a unique presentation that addresses a question related to the field of Psychology. The question should be open-ended meaning there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer to it. For example, your question might be "What are dreams?" or "Who is Carl Jung?". Your answer to the question should result in the creation of something tangible that you share with us at the end of the semester. Examples of tangible products might be a videotape, web site, PowerPoint presentation, skit, or game that you present in class. The product will be your groups original work and should advance our understanding of the question you select for your project.

Methodology

The method you use to answer your question should include the following:

a review of the literature to determine how others have tackled the question; it is not necessary to include a "literature review" section per se in your presentation but your project should reveal that you have thoroughly investigated the topic and appropriate citations would appear throughout the project with a reference section at the end
use of multiple sources to gather and present your information: the Internet, journal articles, personal reflections, interviews, photographs, case studies, videotapes, etc.
integration of information within the project; for example, if you create a web site, you might link to other web sites or articles of interest related to your project
collaboration with your group members; it is recommended that your meet with your group early in the semester to begin formulating possible questions, division of labor, plan of attack, etc.

Credit

The project is worth a total of 20 points toward your final grade. Points will be awarded in accordance with the following rubric:

Points

Elements	0 points	1 point	2 points	3 points	4 points	5 points
Question	There is no apparent question.	A question is stated at the beginning of the project.	An open-ended question is stated that has some connection to the field of Psychology	The open-ended question is of average interest and importance in the field of Psychology.	The open-ended question is interesting and of above average importance to the field of Psychology.	The open-ended question is interesting, challenging, and of considerable importance to the field of Psychology.
Knowledge of Topic	The project shows very little knowledge of the topic.	The project shows some knowledge of the topic.	The project provides 2-3 literature references	The project shows an average knowledge of the topic with 3-5 references.	The project shows above average knowledge of the topic and 5 or more references	The project is above average in its integration of resources, citations and knowledge base.
Integration	There is little connection between the components of the project.	There is some connection between the components of the project.	The components of the project are connected with some reference to why each element is included.	The components of the project connect with one another in an adequate manner.	There is an above average connection between the components of the project and it works as a unit.	The components of the project flow together and work as a unit to convey a higher level of understanding of the topic.
Creativity & Interest	The project is not unique and seems to be copied from various sources.	The project shows some imagination.	The project shows imagination and is interesting.	The project shows imagination, interest, and creativity.	The project is above average in it's creativity, imagination, and interest.	The project is unique, visually appealing, interesting, and imaginative. We are blown away!
Contribution to Understanding of Psychology	The project adds nothing to our understanding of Psychology.	The project adds a bit to our understanding of Psychology.	The projects contributes something new to our understanding of Psychology.	The project contributes new ideas and insights related to Psychology.	The project is above average in its contribution to our understanding of Psychology.	The project offers new ideas, insights, and we have a deeper grasp of an important topic in Psychology.