Complete a worksheet in which you share your ideas and understanding on the topics of plagiarism, critical thinking, and the psychology topics covered in the Resources for this assessment
Introduction
When many people think of a career in psychology, they imagine therapists dedicated to addressing mental health challenges. While this is an important aspect, psychology is so much more. It's a dynamic and diverse science that opens doors to countless career paths and opportunities.
For this assessment, you will explore the foundations of psychology and the various career paths, subfields, and real-world applications. You will learn how psychologists gather and apply knowledge, the science of learning, and research and ethics in the field of psychology. This assessment also covers core academic skills that are important for your coursework: avoiding plagiarism and critical thinking.
Preparation
Section 1 of the worksheet is about plagiarism. Be sure to complete this activity first:https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/shb8001element240056/wrapper.asp
Section 2 of the worksheet is about critical thinking. Complete this activity first:
STAGES OF THOUGHT ASSESSMENT, I completed the assessment and my score was 46, therefore my current stage of thought is advanced thinking.
Advanced thinkers have established good habits of thinking which are "paying off". They actively analyze their thinking across all domains, they are aware of their egocentricity, but they are not yet able to think at a consistently high level across all dimensions.
To build up your critical thinking skills at this level, use the following steps:
- You have the resources to continue your development as a thinker. The challenge at this stage is to continue the practice of critical thinking skills to mastery.
- Consider attending a training event on critical thinking provided by Paul & Elder. Monitor the Foundation for Critical Thinking website and critical thinkers on the web that write about critical thinking and the refinement of your skills.
- Redefine the way you see things. Virtually any situation can be redefined from multiple perspectives. Challenge preconceived notions about yourself or your personality; focus on developing your strengths rather than overcoming your weaknesses.
- Get in touch with your emotions. Whenever you experience negativity, examine the thinking that contributes to this state. Discover more positive perspectives that can be substituted for improved health and well-being.
- Analyze group influences on your life. Examine the impact of your groups on your thinking and your life decisions. What is acceptable and what is forbidden? Evaluate what influences you wish to perpetuate and those you prefer to change.
- Seek guidance from trained thinkers who have reached higher levels of thinking than yours. As in most sports, it pays to play against people more skilled than you.
RESOURCES
Psychology 2e
https://capella.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/01CAPELLA_INST/citation/4579983690006731?auth=SAML
Instructions
Use the Worksheet 1 [DOCX] (which I have attached here as an upload)to complete this assessment. Each section has questions for you to answer. Use your own words to reply to each question and refer to the textbook for information you need.Use CitationsWhen you use ideas or words from the textbook or a Capella resource in your responses, add an APA style in-text citation and then add the resource to the References section at the end of the worksheet. Copy the examples listed below and paste them into your worksheet as needed.
Referencing the course textbook:Reference section: Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2024). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e
In-text citation: (Spielman et. al., 2024).
Referencing the plagiarism media resource:Reference section: Capella University. (2025). Use your own words: Preventing plagiarism. https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/shb8001eleme...
In-text citation: (Capella, 2025).
Referencing the critical thinking media resource:Reference section: Capella University. (2025). Stages of thought assessment. https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/psy-fpx5002e...
In-text citation: (Capella, 2025).
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.Explain why some people do not view psychology as a science.
Explain why cereal companies might claim that eating cereal causes better health.
Competency 2: Describe the scientific reasoning behind psychological concepts and theories.Explain how you could argue against the idea that cereal consumption directly causes better health.
Create a question (hypothesis) based on a social issue.
Explain how a specific research approach could help you understand your research question.
Competency 3: Describe the psychological values that address global concerns.Explain why you agree or disagree that research on animals is ethical.
Identify additional precautions that could be taken to ensure the humane treatment of animals in research.
Competency 4: Describe how psychological content and skills relate to career goals.Define critical thinking using your own words.
Describe how critical thinking can help you manage your time.
Explain which area of psychology you are most interested in learning more about and why.
Competency 5: Write using a clear purpose, organization, tone, and sentence structure.Describe plagiarism in your own words.
Explain a type of plagiarism you were surprised to learn about.
Describe how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT in a way that keeps your work original to you.
Give responses that are organized and clear and free from errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.