PSY 520 Short Paper 2 Guidelines and Rubric
Consider the following examples of research findings:
1. High satisfaction with one’s direct supervisor leads to lower levels of employee turnover. In other words, employees who are highly satisfied with their
direct supervisor are less likely to leave an organization than employees who are dissatisfied with their direct supervisor (DeConinck, 2009).
2. High levels of parental reading are associated with faster cognitive development in young children. In other words, children who are read to more by
their parents show faster cognitive development than children who are read to less often (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2007).
3. The experience of being socially excluded leads to increases in aggressive behavior. Research has found that when people are excluded by others, they
are more likely to behave aggressively, even to people who did not initially exclude them (Twenge, Baumeister, Tice, & Stucke, 2001).
4. Defendants who wear glasses are less likely to be convicted by juries as being guilty of committing violent crimes (Brown, Henriquez, & Groscup, 2008).
In a brief paper (2–3 pages), describe a potential mediator and moderator that could apply to each research finding. Be sure to clearly explain what a mediator
and moderator are, and be sure to clearly describe how they relate to each research situation.
Guidelines for Submission: Submit a 2–3-page document with double spacing, 12-point font, and one-inch margins, with any sources referenced cited in APA
format.
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (90%) Needs Improvement (70%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Explanation of
Mediators
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and
explanation is succinct and
needs no clarification
Clearly and accurately describes
mediators
Understanding is evident,
though some confusion or lack
of clarity is also evident
No explanation, or it is evident
that the writer does not
understand mediators
20
Explanation of
Moderators
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and
explanation is succinct and
needs no clarification
Clearly and accurately describes
moderators
Understanding is evident,
though some confusion or lack
of clarity is also evident
No explanation, or it is evident
that writer does not
understand moderators
20
Application of
Mediators to
Research Situations
Accurately identifies all
potential mediators and
correctly explains why they are
applicable
Accurately identifies three of
four potential mediators and
correctly explains why they are
applicable
Accurately identifies two of
four potential mediators and
correctly explains why they are
applicable, and/or two of four
explanations are insufficient
and/or incorrect
Fewer than two mediators are
identified correctly.
Explanations are incorrect
and/or insufficient
20
Application of
Moderators to
Research Situations
Accurately identifies all
potential moderators and
correctly explains why they are
applicable
Accurately identifies three of
four potential moderators and
correctly explains why they are
applicable
Accurately identifies two of
four potential moderators and
correctly explains why they are
applicable, and/or two of four
explanations are insufficient
and/or incorrect
Fewer than two moderators are
identified correctly.
Explanations are incorrect
and/or insufficient
20
Articulation of
Response
Submission is free of errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, and
organization and is presented
in a professional and easy-toread format
Submission has no major errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
Submission has major errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
that negatively impact
readability and articulation of
main ideas
Submission has critical errors
related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
that prevent understanding of
ideas
20
Earned Total 100%