Distinction (≥70)

Merit (60-69)

Pass (50-59)

Fail (≤49)

Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical

awareness of

Describes and explains the chosen topic fully, accurately and in great depth and detail, identifying all the complexities and intricacies involved.

Describes and

explains the chosen topic fully, accurately and in depth and detail.

Describes and explains the chosen topic, but there are omissions, misunderstandings, simplifications or a lack of depth or detail in a few places.

Gives a partial description and explanation of at least one aspect of the chosen topic but this is largely inaccurate, incomplete or unclear.

the cognitive

processes

underlying

normal and

abnormal

behaviour

Explain and

Offers a full, detailed and balanced evaluation of the chosen topic, which is fully supported by citations. The evaluation shows evidence of creative thinking: bringing sophisticated viewpoints and evidence together in a creative or novel way

Makes good, but not necessarily original, attempts at evaluation of the chosen topic, which are supported by citations.

Makes sporadic evaluative efforts, but these may not be fully supported by citations. May have a heavy reliance on lecture materials and/or superficial critical points

Offers no relevant or valid evaluation points, or does not support evaluation with citations.

Evaluation may be basic and/or speculative.

evaluate key

theories and

debates

within the

field of

cognitive

psychology

Development

A highly effective

A logically

Structures the

There is no clear

of a coherent

argument.

structured and

essay reasonably

structure.

argument

Structures the

signposted

well, although

There is no

essay logically and

argument, but

there may be some

coherent

creatively,

one that could

issues that disrupt

argument.

showing

have been made

the reader`s

originality of

more effectively.

understanding or

thought.

Possible slight

break the flow of

Signposts the

lack of clarity in

the argument

argument clearly

places.

with logical flow

between

arguments.

Referencing

Uses citations accurately and

One or two additional

Use of citation is partial or

Citations are generally absent

appropriately

citations required.

inaccurate in a few

and/or largely

(APA consistent).

Some minor

places. There are a

inaccurate.

Includes a full

errors in citations

few omissions or

Reference list

reference list and

or references.

inaccuracies in the

may be absent,

shows evidence of

May show heavy

references.

short or largely

extensive

reliance on

Little/no evidence

inaccurate.

independent and

limited sources,

of wider reading

There are several

wider reading.

or citations

beyond the lecture

errors in

Citations are

suggest that

material. Poor-

following the APA

largely primary,

independent

quality citations

reference system.

empirical pieces

reading was

selected. Overall

that are, where

somewhat

there are points

relevant, recent

limited.

where the APA

and of high

Overall it follows

reference system is

quality.

the APA reference

not followed.

system.

Writing style

Grammatically

A very well

A mostly well

A poor writing

precise. Writes

written essay,

written essay, with

style, with

clearly and

with a good

a reasonable

considerable

concisely in strong

structure, mostly

structure (though

problems in

academic style. A

accurate grammar

with some aspects

structure, clarity,

sophisticated

and spelling.

which could be

grammar and

writing style,

Perhaps lacking

improved) and

spelling.

showing fluency,

that originality or

fairly accurate

conciseness and

academic flair

grammar and

clarity.

needed for the

spelling

higher grade.

What are the main areas for improvement?

Suggestion

1.

2.

3.

Class

Category

Grade

%

General Characteristics

Distinction (Exceptional)

Exceptional Distinction

16

82

Exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding evidenced by own independent insight and critical awareness of r elevant literature and

concepts at the forefront of the discipline; evidence of extensive and appropriate independent inquiry operating with advanced concepts, methods and techniques to solve problems in unfamiliar contexts; Cogent arguments and explanations are consistently provided using a range of media demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats using a sophisticated level of the English language in an eloquent and professional manner to both technical and non-technical audiences; a sustained academic approach to all aspects of the tasks is evidenced; academic work extends boundaries of the

disciplines and is beyond expectation of the level and may achieve publishable or commercial standard.

Distinction (Excellent)

High Distinction

15

78

Excellent knowledge and understanding evidenced by some clear independent insight and critical awareness of relevant concepts some of which are at the

forefront of the discipline; evidence of appropriate independent inquiry operating with core concepts, methods and techniques to solve complex problems in mostly familiar contexts; Arguments and explanations are provided that is well-supported by the literature and in some cases uses a range of media demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively in a limited number of formats using own style that is suited to both tec hnical and non-technical audiences; a sustained academic approach to most aspects of the tasks is evidenced; one or more aspects of the academic work is beyond the prescribed

range and evidences a competent understanding of all of the relevant taught content.

Mid Distinction

14

75

Low Distinction

13

72

Merit (Good)

High Merit

12

68

Very good knowledge and understanding is evidenced as the student is typically able to independently relate taught facts/concepts together some of

which are at the forefront of the discipline ; evidence of some competent independent inquiry operating with core concepts, methods and techniques to solve familiar problems; Arguments and explanations are provided that are typically supported by the literature and in some c ases may challenge some received wisdoms; competently uses all taught media and communication methods to communicate effectively in a familiar settings; an academically rigorous approach applied to some aspects of the tasks is evidenced; some beyond the prescribed range, may rely on set sources to advance work/direct

arguments; demonstrates autonomy in approach to learning.

Mid Merit

11

65

Low Merit

10

62

Pass (Sufficient)

High Pass

9

58

Satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the area of study balanced towards the descriptive rather than critical or analytical and mostly confined to

concepts that are not at the forefront of the discipline ; evidence of some independent reading and research to advance work and inform arguments and approaches; Arguments and explanations are limited in range and depth although some are adequately supported by the literatur e albeit descriptively rather than critically; competently uses at least one taught media and communication method to communicate appropriately in familiar settings; although the approach applied to some aspects of the tasks may lack academic rigour, there are some clear areas of competence within t he prescribed range. Relies

on set sources to advance work/direct arguments and communicated in a way which shows clarity but structure may not always be coherent.

Mid Pass

8

55

Low Pass

7

52

FAIL

(Insufficient)

Borderline Fail

6

48

Knowledge and understanding is insufficient as the student only evidences an understanding of small subset of the taught concepts and techniques; fails to make sufficient links between known concepts and facts to adequately solve relevant aspects of the brief/problem; little ability to independently select and evaluate reading/research with almost total reliance on set sources and unsubstantiated arguments/methods; communication/ presentation may be competent in places but fails to demonstrate structure, clarity and/or focus; inability to adequately define problems and make reasoned judgements; the general approach to tasks lacks rigor and competence. A good night`s sleep helps your memory: Critically discuss this statement with support from relevant literature

Mid Fail

4

45

Low Fail

2

42

FAIL

(Incompetent)

Very Low Fail

1

38

Knowledge and understanding is highly insufficient as the student is unable to evidence any meaningful understanding of taught concepts or methods; very limited evidence of reading and research to advance work; inadequate technical and practical skills as the student is unable to use and apply such skills to address problems or make judgements; limited or lack of understanding of the boundaries of the discipline and does not question received wisdom; approach to learning lacks autonomy and approach to tasks is not sustained; inability to communicate coherently.

ZERO

Zero

0

0

Work not submitted, work of no merit, penalty in some misconduct cases.