All Kinds of Me
A case study of my intellectual strengths, learning preferences
and cognitive style
Possible Thesis Idea and Structure
Assignment Handout
Objectives
- You have two primary objectives in this paper
- To learn and write all about your academic profile
- To write a paper genre that is perhaps new to you
Academic Profile This is the fun part of this paper. You'll need to learn as much about your intellectual self as you can through the use of pyschoeducational tests (we'll do some of these in class), on-line quizzes and inventories (a list of these is attached), books (such as 7 Kinds of Smart), previous academic work, and more. Your challenge will be to generate enough information about your intellectual strengths and weaknesses, learning preferences, and cognitive style to give a full profile of who you are as an intellectual being.
Genre Generally speaking, a genre is a category of literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content. For this paper, the genre is that of a case study. A case study is something psychologists, social workers, anthropologists and others typically write after conducting an in-depth analysis of a person or situation.
Style For this case study, assume the roll of a skilled diagnostician. This implies that you will write in the third person. You are writing for a variety of readers: the subject of the study, career counselors, possible employers, potential admissions personnel for college (perhaps a transfer or graduate school is in this person's future), the subject's parents. A variety of people will be reading this case study, and they will be doing so for various purposes. What is most important is that you maintain an objective tone: you do not want to distort the strengths or weaknesses of the person.
Form The form (shape and structure) of this paper is determined in part by its style (the elements mentioned above) and its content (those elements mentioned below). How you combine these will suggest the form the case study takes. In general, however, case studies tend to fall into sections delineated by headings. It is also typical that case studies include lists and/or charts. See the attached page entitle "Possible Thesis Idea and Structure" for suggestion on how this type of study might be organized.
Content Even this sort of paper needs a thesis, and that thesis should suggest the organization of the case study. Attached is a matrix on which you might want to plot your information as you gather it. Once having done so, you can see how the information is clustered, which may give you a clue about how the case study should be organized.
Thesis: You may want to use the thesis idea of this study to determine ways that this person improve her or his academic standing, find methods to improve her or his academic weaknesses, explore potential careers for a person with this profile, or for another task. Each one of these ideas-all of which are thesis ideas-suggests slightly different content and organizational plan.
Expectations
With this case study, the thorough analysis of your intellectual profile in regard to whatever thesis you have chosen is vital. Your task is to share with your readers what you've learned about yourself. Therefore, it is not just the product (the case study) but also the process (completing the various tests and inventories) that is important.
Equally important, whenever possible discuss the "why" of an issue. For example, if you suggest you learn best by studying in social groups, discuss why that is the case. You'll need to draw conclusions from the data you collect.
Naturally, the quality of your written expression is paramount. As with everything you write, you should aim for clarity, accuracy and conciseness. Although these reports are regulated in form and content, your own voice and ideas should still be evident.
Technicalities
Suggested Length 7 to 8 pages of 10- or 12-point Times, Times Roman or similar font.
Format Please follow the template handout distributed in class; it is based on the APA style of documentation, which is the style we'll be following for this class.
Important Dates
- Friday, February 19: Have at least the recommended computer tests completed
- Friday, February 26: Early versions for critique (optional but recommended)
- Tuesday, March 2: In-class workshop
- Friday, March 5: Final version of paper due
Grading Look to the "Grading Criteria" handout for the specific qualities for each grade. This paper will be graded on an A, B, C, D, F scale; plus and minus grades will be given. It counts for 12.5% of your final course grade
Reminder Refer to page 4 of the course syllabus for details that pertain to all formal papers, such as late penalties, revisions, and more.
Hints
Organization You will be collecting quite a bit of information during the process of writing this case study. This information should be helpful to you not just for this project but also for your own personal enlightenment. Keep it organized in some fashion (a 3-ring binder might be a good choice) so you can refer to it easily.
Tests and Inventories While a number of sources for the content of this paper have been suggested and some will be conducted in class, go beyond what is here. Look for other on-line tests, seek out sources in the library, use previous information you have-whatever is at your disposal. Do keep in mind, however, the quality of your sources is crucial. Many on-line tests lack credibility; not all sources are equal. Pay attention to where the source originates and use whatever information you find accordingly.
Format It should not have to be said, but just in case: If you use a source, you MUST document it-including on-line sources! We are using the APA format in this class. If that's not clear to you, speak up! We can discuss it either in class or privately, but if you are having difficulties, then most likely your classmates are as well.
Notes
As class discussions progress, the nature of this paper assignment may evolve or be refined. It is your responsibility to keep abreast of how it does so.
And, most importantly, don't forget to use me as a resource. If you are having difficulty, need clarification or would just like to talk about your paper, stop by during my office hours. If my office hours don't work with your schedule, we can make an appointment for a more convenient time.
Possible Thesis Idea and Structure
I. Introduction
Thesis: Chris's strengths in the verbal and interpersonal areas suggest that her academic work should as much as possible emphasize written expression and reading for understanding. Her preference for being in social groups suggests that collaborative learning and leadership are crucial for her success.
II. Background Information
A. Particulars
1. Name
2. Age
3. Year in school
4. Educational history
5. Family status
6. etc.
B. Purpose of profile (related to thesis): To determine the best possible way for Chris to use her study time.
C. Tests Taken
1. List of tests and inventories*
III. Results of tests and inventories(either as charts* or narrative) (Give results for all tests and inventories that fall under each category.)
A. Learning Preferences
B. Intellectual Strengths and Weakness
C. Cognitive Styles
IV. Discussion of all results (Group results of various according to following categories)
A. Specific Strengths
B. Mid-areas
C. Specific Weaknesses
V. Suggestions for improvement of study time
A. Read and write to achieve deep and meaningful understanding
B. Study in social groups whenever possible
C. Assume leadership roles to facilitate learning
VI. Conclusion
A. Others with these characteristics
B. Future implications
Notes:
1. All sections that would have headings in the body of the paper are underlined.
2. Sections that may appear as a list or chart are marked with an *.
3. This structure is only an example. You need not follow it.
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