RESEARCH PAPER
The final project is the completion of the research paper. The research paper represents an assignment that ties together many aspects of our work this term. The paper will be on a topic of your choice selected from the list provided on the Research Paper guidelines found in the course. This paper is to be a minimum of 2500 words, is required to be APA format and must include at least 5 additional scholarly sources in addition to your text. This paper must also include the discussion of the application of at least two of Saint Leo’s core values. Include title page, abstract, discussion, reference page, in-text citations, and appropriate formatting. This is not an opinion piece, theories are to be supported with facts, evidence and scholarly research.
Saint Leo core values: Excellence, Community, Respect, Responsible Stewardship, Personal Development and Integrity
CRJ 509 Research Paper Guidelines
Instructions: The final project is the completion of a research paper. The research paper represents an
assignment that ties together many aspects of our work this term. This paper will be on a topic of
your choice selected from the list below. This paper is to be a minimum of 2,500 words, is
required to be in APA format, and must include at least five additional scholarly sources in
addition to your text. This paper must also include a discussion of the application of at least
two of the Saint Leo core values. The paper must be your own work. Plagiarism will not be
tolerated in any format. If it is determined that the paper is not your original work, you will
automatically fail the assignment.
First, you must select a topic approved from the list below, write an overview (2-3 sentences) of
the selected topic, and email it to the instructor via course email no later than Sunday 11:59
PM EST/EDT of Module 1.
Topics:
• Considering concepts from your text (Patrick), explore current research that examines the
conceptualization of clinical diagnosis and measurement of psychopathic behavior. Given
your discussion of the history of these concepts, how does the current research further our
understanding? What new ideas or methods are being offered? How might these new
developments affect how we understand or measure psychopathy, and what changes
might result? Integrate the Saint Leo University core value, professional development, in
your response.
• Considering concepts from your text (Patrick), explore current research to find a criminal
case in which it was determined that an underlying biological mechanism (genetic,
neurochemical, brain injury, etc.) caused or exacerbated psychopathic behavior. Use
concepts from the book chapters to discuss the underlying mechanism, and discuss
possible treatment implications. Additionally, discuss possible ways in which such
problems might be prevented in the future. Integrate the Saint Leo University core value,
professional development, in your response.
• Considering concepts from your text (Patrick), explore current research to find a criminal
case from a specific social population (such as an adolescent, or female, or of an ethnic
minority). Discuss how issues specific to this population affect assessment and treatment.
What were the main findings of your research? What implications for future assessment
or treatment do the findings have for this population? Integrate the Saint Leo University
core value, professional development, in your response.
Ensure that the paper conforms to APA standards of writing (including a title page, abstract,
discussion, reference page, in-text citations, and appropriate formatting). This is not an opinion
piece; theories are to be supported with facts, evidence, and scholarly research.
The paper should be of quality and format that is sufficient to merit publication in a professional
journal. Toward that end, in addition to the textbook, students will use a minimum of five peer-
reviewed scholarly journal articles, professional journals, or books from the Saint Leo University
Library to craft the paper.
Students may use information gathered from a reputable website as one of the sources. A
reputable website is one maintained by trustworthy and renowned organizations or
individuals. For example, for a conservative viewpoint on a topic, The Heritage Foundation site
would be valid. Conversely, a liberal perspective may come from The Cato Institute.
Non-reputable articles from general websites like Wikipedia do not constitute peer-reviewed
articles, professional journals, or texts. Anyone can post any article on Wikipedia as one can
create a website about anything, whether the person knows about the topic or not. This makes the
information very unreliable for academic research. As a result, sources used from these types of
sites will not be accepted.
Newspaper, magazine, opinion, or op-ed pieces may be used as secondary sources; in addition
to, not in place of, the five primary source minimum.
See the scoring rubric on the next page for grading criteria. Students will submit this assignment
to the Assignment box no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 7. (This
Assignment box may be linked to Turnitin.)
Rubric (200 points possible):
Students will complete the assignment with attention to the criteria below.
Ratings:
Exceptional corresponds to an A (95-100%). Performance is outstanding; significantly
above the usual expectations.
Proficient corresponds to a grade of B to A- (83-94%). Skills and standards are at the
level of expectation.
Basic corresponds to a C to B- (75-82%). Skills and standards are acceptable but
improvements are needed to meet expectations well.
Novice corresponds to an F (< 74%). Performance is weak; the skills or standards are not
sufficiently demonstrated at this time.
0 corresponds to criterion is missing or not in evidence.
Criteria Ratings
0 Novice Basic Proficient Exceptional
The paper addresses the topic in an organized manner that logically analyzes and discusses the topic.
1-22 23-24 25-28 29-30
Shows depth and understanding of the subject, with appropriate analysis and integrates the core value of personal development
1-22 23-24 25-28 29-30
Presents ideas in a clear and concise manner and assesses the core value of excellence
1-22 23-24 25-28 29-30
Meets length requirements 1-14 15-16 17-18 19-20
APA is the only acceptable and recognized writing format- Wikipedia is not an acceptable or reputable source.
1-22 23-24 25-28 29-30
Follows format for a research paper without opinion or personal forms
1-22 23-24 25-28 29-30
Typed in a double-spaced APA format with proper citation and bibliographic references.
1-22 23-24 25-28 29-30
Total: _____/200
Instructor Comments:
