Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment and this module, you will have demonstrated your ability to:

1. Apply positive psychology theories to propose an intervention to improve an area of health or performance.
2. Critically evaluate positive psychology theory and approaches and explain their application in contemporary research.

Summative Assessments [Graded Assessments]

Detailed guidance

Assessment Component 1:  Oral Presentation

You are required to present a 10-minute narrated oral presentation (using PowerPoint, Prezi etc.) that critically evaluates positive psychology theory and evidence in order to propose a positive psychological construct or intervention covered on the module (e.g., mindfulness, creativity, flow, motivation, happiness, wisdom, compassion) for improving an aspect of health or human performance in an area of applied psychology.

You need to submit your audio presentation alongside the written transcript of your presentation to Turnitin by the date highlighted above. The written transcript is the verbatim speech you use for your 10-minute presentation and should be in the notes section of each slide of your PowerPoint presentation. A detailed video of how to do this can be found on this link: https://derby.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=4216a049-f2ea-498f-bf05-a889009bb3a1

You will need to include:

• A title slide
• An overview slide
• An introduction to the applied psychological setting and specific aspect of health or human performance that you have chosen to focus on
• An introduction to the positive psychology construct or intervention you are proposing
• A justification for proposing this approach which discusses the contribution of empirical research to this area
• A conclusion to your presentation
• A reference slide (you don’t need to mention this in your recording)

Things to consider:

• Your narration style
• The presentation of your slides
• Our academic writing and referencing style
• The timeliness of your presentation
• The structure and clarity of your presentation
• Evidence of wider reading
• Subjectunderstanding and evaluation

Assessment Component 2:  Critical Review

For assessment component 2, you will be required to select one of the two essay titles below and provide a critical review of no more than 2,500 words.

Standard Submissions, Late Submissions and AED Submissions

If you are submitting to the standard deadline, if you have received approval to make a late submission or if you have an Advanced Agreed Extended Deadline then you should choose to answer one of the following two questions:

1)         With reference to relevant theory and empirical evidence, critically review the different types of attentional processes that underlie flow, mindfulness and compassion meditation.

2)         With reference to relevant theory and empirical evidence, critically review what novel contributions positive psychology has made to the scientific understanding of wellbeing and optimal human functioning.

Illustrative structure of critical review:

• • Introduction (approximately 350 words): identify the essay question as well as the main issues and aims. Include relevant background information and briefly clarify key terms and concepts in the essay question. Provide an outline of how the critical review will unfold and of how it will address the essay question.
  • Main body (approximately 1,800 words): use headings to help structure your critical review and ensure each paragraph is value-adding. Use signposts to help orientate your readers.
  • Conclusion (approximately 350 words): summarise your key points/arguments and highlight their implications.  Refer back to the essay question and aims to indicate how you have met your objectives.
  • Reference list: this should be formatted according to APA referencing guidelines.

Assessment Rubric

Your work will be marked based on the rubric below.