Biopsychosocial Criminology
HP3708: Biopsychosocial Criminology
Final Paper Guidelines
General Structure Topic You can choose any topic for your final paper, but it has to be on criminal behavior (broadly defined). Feel free to check its appropriateness with the TAs in the first instance. Try to pick a topic that genuinely intrigues you. The intention is for the final paper to be intellectually stimulating to you. Content The paper should address at least two of the three components of the biopsychosocial perspective. For example, a paper could entirely focus on biological and psychological factors, or you could include a significant social component. Alternatively, you could exclusively focus on psychological and social processes. Length and Structure The paper should have approximately 8-10 pages of text (double-spaced). This does not include the title page, abstract, references, and tables/figures. The structure is as follows: Title page, abstract page, text, references, any tables/figures. Title Page Please include the following signature statement on the title page. This should appear as follows, after the title, at the bottom of the front page. (Please note that NTU’s academic integrity policy on plagiarism and cheating can be found at: http://academicintegrity.ntu.edu.sg/)
My signature below certifies that I have complied with Nanyang Technological University’s Academic Integrity Policy in completing this paper. ___________________________________________________________ Name (printed) ______________________________ _____________________ Signature Date
Case Studies A case study can be added to your paper where appropriate, but for most papers, it will not be needed. I strongly advise against basing your whole paper on a case study. One can, in theory, write a good final paper on one case study, but it is very hard to do this well.
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Figures/Illustrations These can sometimes help illustrate ideas or concepts, but they are not required. They do not count in the 8 to 10-page limitation. References You should have a minimum of 10 references (i.e. articles, chapters, books you have consulted).
Additional Tips on Writing a Good Final Paper
1. Your topic should be one that can be investigated at a scholarly level (e.g., don’t just describe someone you know who is a psychopath).
2. One theme of this course is the multi-disciplinary, integrative perspective to understanding antisocial behavior, so your paper could take that perspective and be creative, but keep in mind that most of your points/ideas should be supported with references.
3. Posing a question in your title that you will answer can be a very useful strategy. The question
can be double-barreled (e.g., “What techniques can be used to evaluate if someone is lying, and how good are we at detecting lies?”), or otherwise structured in a way to help frame your answer more easily.
4. Begin with an introduction that outlines the key issue or question that you are trying to
evaluate/answer, and provide a brief structure on what will follow, including what conclusion(s) you will draw.
5. End with a concluding paragraph (or two) summarizing the key points of your paper and your
argument or answer to the question you posed. In the conclusion, it would be really helpful to provide directions for future research. Think of the gaps in our knowledge base and what studies need to be conducted in the future to address these issues.
6. Although this is not required, sometimes using section subheadings can help you better
structure your paper.
7. Overall, the highest marks will go to papers that are scientifically-based, well-referenced, and evaluative. Don’t just describe findings, but evaluate and weigh the evidence for and against a theory/perspective on crime. Try to draw out a conclusion or take-home point for the reader on each key section of your paper.
8. Consult the course syllabus for the deadline – make sure to submit it on time! Try to set
yourself an artificially earlier deadline to give yourself breathing space for polishing and revision.
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Below is a rubric that may serve as a guide in your structuring and writing of the paper. Good luck! Olivia
Below Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations O rganization
Ideas, details, or events seem loosely strung together. The thesis is lacking or the thesis is a statement of fact.
The organizational structure allows the reader to move through the text without undue confusion, and includes a thesis.
The order, presentation, or internal structure of the writing is compelling and guides the reader purposefully through the text, with a clear/thought-provoking thesis.
E vidence/
C ontent
Sketchy information forces the reader to make inferences. The paper includes an unclear topic, and limited or unrelated details.
The writing has a solid beginning with a defined topic, but is weakened by generalities and/or poor support.
The text is clear, well-supported, and developed, enhanced by the kind of detail that keeps readers interested. The writer exhibits comprehension and accurate interpretation of research results.
D epth and breadth of
social science research
The writing minimally accomplishes the goals and requirements of the assignment as set out in the guideline.
The writing adequately accomplishes the goals of the assignment: Some evidence is shown that the contributions and limitations of extant criminological and psychological research, as relevant to the paper topic, were considered.
The writing effectively accomplishes the goals of the assignment: There is good depth and breadth of social science research. The writing demonstrates a critical assessment of the contributions and limitations of existing research on criminal/antisocial behavior as relevant to the paper topic. C
itations
Citation and source referencing are not consistent.
Citation and source referencing are in an adequately consistent style.
Citation and source referencing are in a consistent style, drawn from a good range of sources.
C onventions
Grammatical errors and lapses in standard writing conventions distract the reader’s ability to focus on ideas or organization.
Grammatical errors and lapses in standard writing conventions do distract the attentive reader, but do not impair meaning or readability.
Grammatical errors and lapses in standard writing conventions are so minor that a reader can overlook them unless searching for them specifically.
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