ASSESSMENT 2: Critical Review
Each student is required to submit a critical review on one of four “Clinical Aspects of Psychology” topics (listed
below) based on a limited search of recent literature. Each topic has an associated starter reference, available
for download on VU Collaborate. You will then need to locate at least 6 to 10 additional empirical research
papers published on this topic in the last 10 years. The critical review will take the form of an integrated
discussion of the contribution made by these empirical research papers to our understanding of the particular
disorder/topic. Where the papers report a conflict in findings this should be clearly indicated and its implications
addressed.  The relationship of empirical reports to theory on the topic should be included in your critical review
where relevant.
Please note that you are asked to do more than summarise the articles. Where your own thinking comes into the
paper is in terms of your critical analysis and evaluation of the articles and your discussion of the articles’
contribution to our understanding of the topic.

Topic 1:  “Use it or lose it” is a well-worn motivational slogan which has been applied to cognitive disorders such
as dementia. Review and critique the recent evidence that cognitive training or “mental exercise” can
stave off the development of dementia, or slow its progression.
Kanaan, S.A., McDowd, J.M., Colgrove, Y., Burns, J.M., Gajewski, B., et al (2014). Feasibility and
efficacy of intensive cognitive training in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. American Journal of
Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, 29(2), 150-158.
Topic 2:  Sports-related concussions have been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Critically review the
evidence that repeated concussion is causally related to early brain degeneration in sportspeople such
as footballers or boxers.
Randolph, C., Karantzoulis, S., & Guskiewicz, K. (2013). Prevalence and characterization of mild
cognitive impairment in retired national football league players. Journal of the International
Neuropsychological Society, 19, 873-880.

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Topic 3:  What is the relationship between depression and sleep disturbance? Review and critique the literature
relating to the impact of sleep upon mood disorders, considering what this might mean for treatment.
Lee, E., Cho, H.J., Olmstead, R., Levin, M.J., Oxman, M.N., et al (2013). Persistent sleep disturbance:
A risk factor for recurrent depression in community-dwelling older adults. SLEEP, 26(11), 1685-1691.
Topic 4:  Borderline personality disorder, early life experiences and neurodevelopment: critically review the
evidence that there is an early developmental contribution to adult borderline personality disorder.
Richter, J., Brunner, R., Parzer, P., Resch, F., Stieltjes, B., & Henze, R. (2014). Reduced cortical and
subcortical volumes in female adolescents with borderline personality disorder. Psychiatry Research:
Neuroimaging, 221, 179-186.

Critical Review length:    1200-1500 (max) words.

Submission dates:   Hard copy in your Week 9 seminar class and electronically by 5pm Friday 19
th

September

Critical Review Assessment Criteria: The following aspects will be taken into account
  That the paper addresses the set task and meets the requirements for satisfactory completion as
specified below
  Quality of argument and critical, analytic stance
  Complexity of content (including relationship to relevant theory)
  Structuring of the paper to facilitate argument and readability
  Clarity of writing and exposition
  Editing (spelling, grammar etc) and referencing (APA style)
APP3037 Clinical Aspects of Psychology Semester 2, 2014

A satisfactory completion of assignment requires:
  The topic is clearly addressed
  Review of the required number of research papers (at least 6 to 10) published in the last 10 years
  Appropriate papers are selected for review i.e. papers reporting empirical research, relevant to the topic,
and published in scholarly (peer reviewed) journals

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  The focus of discussion is the contribution these empirical research papers make to our understanding
of the topic
  Writing, structuring of the discussion, and referencing meet satisfactory academic standards
  Paper is of the specified length
  Submission of electronic copy by email to unit co-ordinator

Written Assessment Grading
This table provides a general overview of criteria for grading – to be read in combination with the marking criteria
set out above.

HD  High Distinction  80-100    Very high level of critical thinking and reflection
  Appreciation of complexity
  High quality structure and expression
  Scholarly in citing ideas of others

D  Distinction  70-79    High level of critical thinking and reflection
  Appreciation of complexity
  Very clear, well developed argument
  Coherent structure and flow of ideas
  Scholarly in citing ideas of others

C  Credit  60-69    Integration of literature and argument
  Clear, well developed argument which illustrates some understanding of
complexity in issues
  Coherent structure and flow of ideas
  References well using APA

P  Pass  50-59    Evidence of structure
  Addresses the topic
  Attempts to analyse – more than simply descriptive
  Demonstrates understanding of concepts being used
  Discusses relevant literature and uses APA referencing

N1  Fail  40-49    Poor evidence of structure
  Doesn’t address the topic adequately
  Very little analysis – mainly descriptive
  Poor understanding of concepts being used
  Arguments often not understandable to audience/reader
  Errors in using APA referencing

N2  Low Fail  0-39    Poor evidence of structure and Doesn’t address the topic
  Very little or no analysis – mainly descriptive
  Poor understanding of concepts being used
  Arguments not understandable to audience/reader
  Failure to use or many errors in using APA referencing

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