Health Psychology – Academic Essay
Grading Criteria:

CRITERIA

MARKS AWARDED

Introduction – 20%

· Sets the scene of the essay

· ‘Signposts’ the reader to the overall shape of the essay

· Clear definition and explanation of relevant terms / main discussion points

/ 20

Discussion – 50%

· Detailed description and understanding of key psychological theories and/or constructs

· Critical assessment and synthesis of relevant literature

· Evidence of wider reading around the topic to support discussion with a balance of seminal and contemporary reference sources

· Clear focus on answering the question

· A coherent structure to the essay, presenting a concise argument supported by examples from relevant literature

/ 50

Conclusions – 20%

· Ability to draw main points of discussion together

· Linkage of conclusions to assignment title

/ 20

Presentation & Referencing – 10%

· Correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling

· Appropriate writing style (use of “third” person)

· The majority of references are from academic journals and primary sources

· References reported accurately in essay text

· References reported accurately in attached ‘References’ section

/ 10

Students should recognise that the marking criteria are weighted to indicate its importance in relation to the information required.

NB: these subsections should only be used as guidance towards marking and content. This is an academic essay and subsections should not be used within the main body of work.