This document outlines the grading criteria for an assignment where students are asked to observe adolescents in a social setting and write a paper analyzing their observations. It provides scoring rubrics for 10 areas, including coverage of required elements, descriptions, links to course materials, writing mechanics, APA format, and the social situation/write-up requirements. Students are evaluated on thoroughly addressing the required elements, providing clear and insightful descriptions, integrating relevant sources, using proper formatting, and demonstrating understanding of adolescent development concepts.

1. Excellent
Good
Adequate
Needs Improvement
Unsatisfactory
Coverage of Required Elements
All 10 required elements of the write-up are included. All
elements are fully-developed
5 Points
8-9 required elements of the write-up are included or some
elements are not fully developed.
4 Points
6-7 required elements of the write-up are included or many
elements lack significant content or development.

2. 3 Points
5 required elements of the write-up are included. It is apparent
observation was inadequate to address the required elements of
the assignment.
2 Points
Fewer than 5 required elements of the write-up are included.
Most elements of the paper are not developed and lack content.
Observation inadequate to complete assignment.
1 Point
Descriptions
The student describes the adolescents, the conditions of
observation, the adolescents’ developmental skills or behaviors
as outlined in the required elements. The descriptions are
exceptionally clear and insightful.
15 Points
The student describes the adolescents, the conditions of
observation, the adolescents’ developmental skills or behaviors
as outlined in the required elements. The description is
generally clear and insightful.
12 Points
The student describes the adolescents, the conditions of
observation, the adolescents’ developmental skills or behaviors
as outlined in the required elements. The description is
generally clear, but does not demonstrate particular insight.
9 Points

3. The student fails to meet one or more of the criteria outlined in
the assignment handout. Otherwise, the description is generally
clear, but not particularly insightful
7 Points
The student fails to meet more than one of the criteria outlined
in the assignment handout. The description is generally unclear
and not particularly insightful.
5 Points
Links with Course and Academic Material
The student demonstrates remarkable understanding of and
insight into course materials. Student flawlessly integrates
descriptions with linkages to course concepts and other
scholarly material. At least two academic, peer-reviewed
sources are used.
15 Points
The student demonstrates very good understanding of and
insight into course materials. Student competently integrates
description with linkages to course concepts and other scholarly
material. One academic, peer-reviewed source was used.
12 Points
The student generally demonstrates good understanding of and
insight into course materials. Student draws upon some relevant
sources, though not always the most appropriate ones.

4. 9 Points
The student demonstrates shallow understanding of and insight
into course materials. Student makes on sporadic reference to
relevant concepts and sources and often not the most
appropriate ones.
7 Points
The student demonstrates little understanding of and insight
into course materials. Student makes only vague and often
incorrect reference to course concepts.
5 Points
Writing Mechanics
The paper contains no (or very few) errors in spelling, word
choice, punctuation, or sentence structure. The style and
organization are exceptionally clear
10 Points
The paper contains very few errors in spelling, word choice,
punctuation, or sentence structure. The style and organization
are clear.
8 Points
The paper contains a few errors in spelling, word choice,

5. punctuation, or sentence structure. The style and organization
are generally clear, with some lapses.
7 Points
The paper contains multiple errors in spelling, word choice,
punctuation, or sentence structure. The style and organization
do not meet college-level standards.
6 Points
The paper contains extensive errors in spelling, word choice,
punctuation, or sentence structure. The style and organization
do not meet college-level standards.
4 Points
APA Format
APA format is used accurately and consistently in the paper and
on the “References” page
5 Points
APA format is used. There are minor errors in in-text citations
and/or in the “References” page
4 Points
APA format is attempted. There are significant errors in APA
format throughout.
3 Points
Format of in-text citations and the “References” page is not
recognizable as APA
2 Points
Paper is completely lacking in-text citations and/or a
“References” page

6. 0 Points
Social Situation: Go to a location where teens/adolescents are
present and in social groups. Sit and observe them while paying
attention to the following questions. Your write-up should
address each of these major areas. The write-up should be 3-5
pages in length of content and written in APA format. You
should consult at least 2 peer-reviewed journal articles to
support your observations and assessments/conclusions.
Write-Up: Required Elements
1. Please give all appropriate demographic information
including:
1. Location
2. Date/time of observation
3. Number of adolescents observed
4. Estimated age range
5. Male to female ratio
6. Ethnic/cultural information
2. Biological Issues
1. Did the adolescents appear comfortable in their own
skin/bodies? Describe how you could tell.
3. Cognitive Development
1. Try and listen to conversation.
2. What kinds of cognitive skills seem to be present? (i.e.
abstract thought, reasoning, decision-making…)
4. Social Issues
1. What social situations did you observe?
2. Did you notice any differences in SES?
3. What kinds of social roles did you see being played out by

7. these adolescents?
4. Did you notice any observable emotions? Peer pressure?
Gender stereotypes?
5. Peer Groups
1. What types of cliques/crowds did you observe?
2. How important did friendship appear?
3. How important did popularity appear?
4. Did you notice any kind of power struggle?
6. Communication
1. How were the adolescents communicating?
2. What types of non-verbal communication did you observe?
3. Did you observe any technological forms of communication?
7. Identity
1. Did adolescents do anything that leads you to believe they
are searching for identity? Explain.
2. Did some adolescents appear to be more confident than
others? Explain.
8. Moral Development
1. Did you learn anything about adolescents’ moral
development? From what?
2. Do you have any opinion on their knowledge or interaction
with “right vs wrong”?
3. What kinds of values did you see in their communication
and/or behavior?
9. Problems
1. Did you observe any dangerous, illegal, self-injurious or anti-
social behaviors? Describe.
2. How severe did these problems appear to be?
10. Conclusion
1. What was the most valuable lesson learned from this field

8. assignment for you?
2. What assumptions/stereotypes of yours regarding adolescence
and adolescent culture were challenged or affirmed? Explain.