DSM Paper Guidelines and Rubric

Students will write a 6-8 page research paper that will critically evaluate the treatment(s) available for a specific disorder, within a specified population.

Include: (a) DSM-5 disorder with relevant diagnostic criteria, (b) prevalence of the disorder in the general population and a discussion of how that disorder is relevant to a particular population of your choosing (this could be individuals of a certain age group, gender, sexual orientation, racial/ethnic background, etc.), and (c) detail of what treatment may look like for individuals with this disorder in the population selected. The paper should be between 6-8 pages, double spaced (not including title page or reference page). The DSM-5 and a minimum of two additional sources used (ideally peer-reviewed journal articles, though textbooks are also acceptable) should be cited. Use the current APA 7th formatting throughout the paper.

Grading Rubric:

Unsatisfactory Fair Good Excellent

Disorder and Diagnostic Criteria – Very few or no diagnostic criteria are identified.- The student does not display an understanding of the relationship between criteria and diagnoses. – Some criteria are included, with few examples.- Diagnostic ideas are present, but not well supported by symptoms or evidence. – The diagnostic criteria are given and supported with some examples. – The student displays a general understanding of how the disorder presents. – Diagnostic criteria are stated and clearly backed with ample examples.- Clear connection is made between specific criteria and overall presentation of individuals with the given disorder

Prevalence & Chosen Population – Prevalence of the disorder in the general population is not identified

– Population is discussed but no correlation is made between the disorder prevalence and the population chosen – Prevalence of the disorder in the general population is identified, but may not be supported by peer-reviewed sources

– Basic description of population is given with some detail clarifying why population was chosen/prevalence of the disorder among the population – Prevalence of the disorder in the general population is identified

– Description of the chosen population and the prevalence of the disorder among that population is given, though no support is given by peer-reviewed sources. – Prevalence of the disorder in the general population is identified

– Thorough description of the chosen population and the prevalence of the disorder among that population is given, with ample support by peer-reviewed sources.

Treatment -Lacking in the description of treatment options and nuance of treatment within the population are discussed-Little to no support or supporting citations are not peer-reviewed. 

-Basic description of treatment options are discussed-Information presented may not be supported by peer-reviewed research or fewer than 2 references. 

-Adequate description treatment options and nuances of treatment population are discussed-Information presented is fully supported by at least 2 peer-reviewed references 

-Complete description of treatment options and nuances of treatment population are discussed-Information presented is fully supported by at least 2 peer-reviewed references 

Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation – Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.- Language uses jargon, slang or conversational tone.- Uses “I” or “me” throughout the paper.  – There are some errors throughout the paper in punctuation, spelling, and/or language.- Language is somewhat professional; some conversational tone or “I”/”me” is occasionally used.  – Rules of grammar, and punctuation are followed with minor errors. Spelling is correct. – Language is mostly professional- Overall, the paper is comprehensive and easy to read.  – Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct.- Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.- Professional language is used throughout the paper 

Format – Paper lacks many elements of correct formatting.- Page requirement is inadequate or excessive- Paper is not in APA format.- Format and/or flow make it difficult to follow the writing.  – Paper is about 6-8 pages.- APA format has flaws, however, the general idea of how to format a paper in this structure comes across.- Format and flow neither add to nor subtract from the readability of the paper.  – Paper follows designated guidelines.- Paper is 6-8 pages long.- APA format is good, with few errors.- Format and flow are good and deliberate.  – Paper meets the 6-8 page requirement.- Paper is in APA format, following all guidelines for structure, format, font, margins, and spacing.-Format and flow between paragraphs enhances readability of paper.