Professional Orientation (Psychology)
Assignment 1: Literature Review
Due: 5:00pm Friday 4th September (Week 5)
Weight: 20%
Word limit: 700 words (+/- 10%)
Description:
Understanding the factors that influence student success at university is important for
students, teachers and administrators. “Success” itself has been viewed from a number of
perspectives, including academic success, student health and well-being, retention rates, and
personal development. In this assignment, you are required to review the literature on the
factors that predict student success at university. You are free to select your own definition of
“success” (perhaps select one from the list above).
The literature review should be limited to 700 words (counted from the start of the
introduction to the end of the conclusion) and be presented according to the conventions
provided by the American Psychological Association (7th edition). Referencing, including in-
text citations and a reference list, should also adhere to the requirements prescribed by the
American Psychological Association (7th edition). An abstract is not required for this
assessment.
Purpose:
This assessment task addresses learning outcomes 1 and 4 (see below). This task will give
you an opportunity to practice the research, writing and referencing skills developed in weeks
3, 4 and 5. By reviewing the factors that predict university success, it is hoped that this task
will also provide you with an evidence-based approach to support you as a university student.
Related learning outcomes:
1. Identify the personal skills, capabilities and knowledge necessary to meet the work
standards expected by psychology graduates in the workplace, and develop a personal
and academic plan to achieve these.
4. Apply American Psychological Association referencing conventions.
Submission:
Submit your literature review as a Word document to the appropriate dropbox on Canvas. See
the unit outline for information on late submission and extension requests.
Marking Criteria:
Your literature review will be assessed against the following criteria.
Content (60
marks)
Introduction:
Begins
oad before na
owing the scope of the review
down to specific aim/s.
5 marks
Introduction:
Outlines the significance of the topic.
5 marks
Body:
Coverage of the literature highlighting the main themes
and arguments.
12 marks
Body:
Description of relevant information from selected sources.
8 marks
Body:
Research articles considered in an integrated manner by
linking methods and findings according to theme.
8 marks
Body:
Points of critique integrated throughout (e.g. consider
strengths/weaknesses, similarities/differences and
unanswered questions) building to a clear and logical
conclusion regarding the state of the literature.
12 marks
Conclusion:
A succinct conclusion regarding the cu
ent state of the
literature.
5 marks
Conclusion:
Provides a logical extension to the points of critique
presented throughout the review.
5 marks
Structure
(15 marks)
The literature review is clearly separated into
introduction, body and conclusion sections.
5 marks
Each paragraph of the body section is organised according
to theme.
5 marks
Clear progression of ideas throughout. 5 marks
Referencing
(15 marks)
An appropriate choice and number of references were
used.
5 marks
In-text citations were used appropriately and formatted
according to APA (7th edition) style.
5 marks
Reference list citations adhered to APA (7th edition) style. 5 marks
Presentation
(10 marks)
Adherence to APA (7th edition) style. 5 marks
Writing style appropriate for a university-level paper
(paragraph structure, sentence construction, spelling,
grammar, and punctuation).
5 marks
Deductions Late submission (5% deduction per day)
Total 100 marks