Reflection Paper
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Reflection PaperThe goal of reflective writing is to realize personal growth. In this assignment you will pursue this goal, interacting with and integrating the information introduced in the course and applying it to your existing experiences. The Reflection Paper supports the three learning outcomes for the course:
Objective: Write a 4 to 5-page personal reflection Paper that communicates how specific topics, theories, and research findings covered in the course (1) shape your understanding of positive psychology; and 2) connect to your current knowledge, experiences, and areas of interest. Instructions Summary: The following guidance lists the key steps for the reflection paper.
Topics: WEEK 3 TOPICSubjective Well-being (Heintzelman & Tay, 2017) Chapter 2, Understanding Emotions, examines the origins and functions of positive affect and positive emotions. Positive Emotions and Well-being (Nguen & Fredrickson, 2017) Chapter 3 focuses on the notion of happiness, specifically on the concept of subjective well-being (SWB), how we measure well-being and the findings on the correlates and predictors of happiness within cultures from around the world. Happiness: The Science of Subjective Well-Being (Diener, 2020) This reading discusses subjective well-being (SWB), the scientific term for happiness and life satisfaction. This satisfaction includes cognitive and emotive assessment of life’s quality. In the reading, Diener (2020) addresses research on subjective well-being as it relates to relationships, work productivity, and quality of health. Human Relations (Saylor, 2012) This quick read offers a textual look at the topic of emotional intelligence. It comes from a human resource text, demonstrating the breadth and relevance lessons in positive psychology have beyond the classroom. Daniel Goleman Introduces Emotional Intelligence (Goleman, 2012) The Surprising Science of Happiness (Gilbert, 2012) Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, challenges the idea that we’ll be miserable if we don’t get what we want. Our “psychological immune system” lets us feel truly happy even when things don’t go as planned. Choice, Happiness and Spaghetti Sauce (Gladwell, 2004) Gladwell (2004) provides an insightful look at the nature of choice and happiness. WEEK 3 TOPIC Savoring discusses the role of savoring in life. Mindfulness (Langer & Ngnoumen, 2017) Explores the empirical works that demonstrate the benefits of mindful practices. Optimism, Health, and Well-Being (Bouchard et al., 2017) On the Power of Positive Thinking: The Benefits of Being Optimistic (Scheier & Carver, 1993) Scheier and Carver (1993) introduce optimism as a single concept; however, many scholars debate and have posted findings that their approach actually indicates a bifurcated construct. Hope Theory: Rainbows in the Mind (Snyder, 2002) Rich Snyder presents “Hope” as a construct of Agency (will) and Pathways (way). Flow: The Secret to Happiness (Csikszentmihalyi, 2004) Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced CHEEK-SENT-ME-HY-EE) discusses flow, its connections to intrinsic motivation, performance, goal orientation, creativity, attention, and emotions (happiness). Becoming Conscious: The Science of Mindfulness (Nour Foundation, 2013) Drs. Richard Davidson, Amishi Jha, and Jon Kabat-Zinn engagingly discuss mindfulness *This is a minimum target, not a finite value. To maximize the benefits of this assignment, focus on a range of subjects that capture your attention. It is appropriate to discuss and integrate related topics. For example, in a discussion of “Hope, the inclusion of theory” (e.g., Snyder, 2002), details extracted from course learning resources and research findings pulled from peer-reviewed articles can create topic depth. Incorporating relevant points that address linkages to the construct, optimism, can demonstrate breadth of understanding. The related points, when constructively used to compare, contrast, and synthesize your understanding of hope, build out a thoughtfully elaborated presentation on the topic. Grading Considerations: The following lists grading considerations for each section of the paper. (Please reference the rubric accompanying this assignment for in-depth scoring details.)
Requirements: Submit a single document that reflects upon how specific topics, theories, and research findings covered in the course (1) shape your understanding of positive psychology; and (2) connect to your current knowledge, experiences, and areas of interest. Within the document:
*Remember this is a minimum, not a
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- Write and submit for grading an APA formatted document.
Writing Tips: Sections of the Paper
(Section lengths are averages noted from past student submissions. They are not absolute targets. Develop your paper to meet your message and expressive needs, while meeting assignment requirements)- Introduction: (Approx. ½ – 2/3 page) Introduce the topics, theories, and/or research you are reflecting on. Briefly summarize the focus of the paper.
- Introduce the thesis statement, providing the road map for the body of the reflection paper.
- Operationally define relevant concepts in order to anchor how they will be employed throughout the document.
- Body of the paper: (Approx. 3 – 4 pages) In the body of your paper, dedicate discussion to each focal topic.
- Introduce each topic, providing enough background information for your reader to understand (1) what the topic is about, and (2) the academic/empirical grounding of the topic. [The goal here is to leverage specific details from the course lessons in order to provide context for conclusions you present]
- Concisely convey your ideas and opinions about the subject in question. [Hint: It is here that the answers to the sample “Making the Connections” questions are relevant] You may find it constructive to discuss the focal topic by comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing a variety of course materials. You may also include additional peer-reviewed academic sources.
- Provide details on how you arrived at conclusions drawn, demonstrating skeptical inquiry and critical thinking.
- Weave into this discussion your personal experiences with the discussed concept/theory/research. This is a critical component of the paper. This is an expression of the connections that make the lessons actively relevant to you. Reflections may include new insights about yourself; others; barriers, challenges, and opportunities in your personal and/or professional arena; strategies, knowledge, and skills that you discovered and plan to apply; and, observed outcomes emerging from applications you have made.
- Conclusion of the paper: (Approx. 2/3-1 page). Tie it all together.
- Show how the ideas developed in the body of your paper tie together to support your thesis.
- Summarize the overall effect the lessons had on you. What are your takeaways?
- Introduction: (Approx. ½ – 2/3 page) Introduce the topics, theories, and/or research you are reflecting on. Briefly summarize the focus of the paper.
Help Structuring the Document
The writing of the paper will employ APA formatting standards. The following is a sample of one way you can coordinate the sections and levels within the paper. You may add Level 3 and 4 headings as you deem necessary to clearly communicate the unique qualities of your analysis and reflection.
Structuring the Document | ||
Section | Heading Level | Starts on |
Title Page | Page 1 | |
Introduction
Begin Page 2 by placing the Title of the Paper on line one, using Heading Level 1 formatting. Begin your introduction immediately below the title of the paper. Do not create a heading titled, “Introduction.” Begin each paragraph with a tabbed indention. |
1 | Page 2 |
Body of the Paper
Following your introduction, begin the body of the paper. Use heading levels in a manner you find most advantageous. |
Continue | |
Heading Introducing Your First Topic | 2 | Continue |
Synthesis | 3 | Continue |
Personal Connections | 3 | Continue |
Heading Introducing Your Next Topic | 2 | Continue |
Synthesis | 3 | Continue |
Personal Connections | 3 | Continue |
(Continue, creating topic sections as needed…) | ||
Conclusions | 1 | Continue |
References*** | 1 | New Page |
Heading Level | Format | Text in Paper Begins |
1 | Center, Bold, Title Case Heading | Text begins on a new line as a new paragraph, following a Level 1 heading. |
2 | Flush Left, Bold, Title Case Heading | Text begins on a new line as a new paragraph, following a Level 2 heading. |
3 | Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading | Text begins on a new line as a new paragraph, following a Level 3 heading. |
4 | Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period | Text begins on the same line as the Level 4 heading and continues as a regular paragraph. |
5 | Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period | Text begins on the same line as the Level 5 heading and continues as a regular paragraph. |
Answer; SCS 285 Milestone One Guidelines and Rubric
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