Posted: April 18th, 2015

motivated behavior, goal pursuit

Journal Assignment
This course emphasizes improving your ability to think critically about popular portrayals of motivation and to compare and contrast them to empirically supported research. For each of your three journal submissions, find an article/blog/commercial/popular psychology book (not including the course books or articles) in which an explanation for motivated behavior, goal pursuit, or self-regulation is stated or assumed. Then briefly describe how course material or other empirically supported research could be used to support, undermine, or otherwise inform that perspective.

Journal Grading
1 point description of popular account
2 points summary of empirical finding
4 points critical analysis – full points require explanation of why the comparison you are making matters.

-1 point for formatting inconsistent with directions
-1 point /day late

Journal Formatting
Journals should not exceed 2 pages. In order to maintain fairness to all students, additional pages will not be read or graded. Submit all coursework on white 8 1/2 X 11 typing paper stapled in the top left corner. Text shall be double-spaced in black ink (check your ink cartridges early) and 14pt Times New Roman font using 1” margins (or more) on all sides. Do not put your paper in any other folder or covering. Include your Student ID# in the heading. Please sign and print your name on the top left of the back of the last page to indicate the work presented therein is your own. Please DO NOT include your name anywhere else (to preserve fairness in evaluation). Journals are due by the beginning of class on the days they are due.