Instruction to students: This is an individual assignment.

Word Count: 1000-1200 words.

Submission: This assessment item must be submitted via EASTS. 

TASK: PSY216 Psychology of Ageing Essay Assignment

For this assessment item, you will need to produce a written piece in the style of a New York Times article (see Resources section). You will need to make up one case study.

You will need to choose ONE of the 5 topics described below.

1. Use it or lose it?
For this topic, you will need to critically engage with the literature and discuss whether it is the case that if you do not use a particular capacity (physical or cognitive), this area will no longer function. Also, you will need to look at evidence for the prevention of loss of function by continuing to be actively engaged in all areas of life (e.g., social, occupational, etc.). Are there other factors (independent of whether we exercise our capacities), which may impact on our ability to maintain function as we age?

Case Study:
Make up one case study that either illustrates the impact of not using capacities or illustrates the impact of using one’s capacities.

2. Rose-coloured glasses. Are older adults more positive than younger adults?
For this topic, you will need to critically engage with the literature and discuss whether older adults have a positivity bias (i.e., tend to see the positive and ignore the negative) and which areas of life, this operates in. Also, you will need to look at whether there are any other aspects (e.g., personality) which may prevent or enhance the operation of the positivity bias.

Case Study:
Make up one case study which depicts a positivity bias.

3. How can I age well?
For this topic, you will need to critically engage with the literature to determine what successful ageing is (i.e., how it is distinct from ‘usual’ ageing). Does successful ageing vary cross-culturally? You will also need to address how we can achieve successful ageing.

Case Study:
Make up one case study, which either depicts usual or successful ageing.

STYLE
• You need to write in the style of the New York Times articles, examples of which are provided in Interact2 under Resources.

• You will need to generate a case study (i.e., make up your own case study) to illustrate some of the key points that you make in the essay.

• You can base the case study on someone that you know ensuring that their confidentiality is maintained by using pseudonyms, but you must not use a case study that is from the textbook or other readings.

SOURCES
You will need to find at least 2 additional references on your selected topic. A good way to do this can be to look at papers by other authors who have cited the starting reference. You can do this by going to Google Scholar. You can also enter an appropriate search term into Google Scholar to find additional references.

MARKING CRITERIA: PSY216 Psychology of Ageing Essay Assignment-Charles Sturt University Australia

Your essay will be marked according to the following criteria:

Quality and consistency of Argument. Cited material is used critically to develop a clear, compelling, strongly supported argument. Theoretical and empirical perspectives are examined and links are formed between theory and research to explain and  support the argument.

Standards
High Distinction: Excellent use is made of reference materials that carefully integrated to develop a well structured and compelling argument. Both theoretical and empirical perspectives are clearly used as a strong framework for the argument, which is obviously signposted. The manner in which the argument is pursued and the
general approach to the topic may involve originality and flair.

Distinction: Good use is made of reference materials to provide a compelling argument. Theoretical and empirical perspectives
provide a strong support base for the argument, which is signposted and cast within a strong, well-structured framework; however, signposting of the argument could be clearer or theoretical and/or
empirical perspectives may need further detail or a stronger and more coherent exposition.

Credit: Reference materials are used to support an argument; however, the argument could be more compelling and/or may need a clearer framework and more obvious signposting. A support base for the argument in terms of theoretical and/or empirical  perspectives may be provided but may need further detail or a
stronger and more coherent exposition.

Pass: An argument is attempted using some reference materials as support, but is not compelling, is not clearly signposted and lacks clarity and consistency. A support base for the argument, by way of theoretical and empirical perspectives, may not be provided.

Fail: No argument is presented or the essay may lack a clear argumentative framework.