I. Research Paper (no less than 15 pages and no more than 20
pages)
Counseling is not only an art but a science. Acceptable
counseling theory is based upon research. For this reason,
students are required to write a research paper during the
semester that explores the literature for evidence of the
effectiveness and applicability of the various counseling
theories to rehabilitation counseling situations.
Students will compare and contrast two of the major
counseling theories discussed during the course and the
applicability of these theories to the rehabilitation counseling
process. Papers should focus primarily on the application part
of these theories in rehabilitation but should provide enough
background about each of the theories being discussed to
demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the major tenets of
each.
Regardless of paper option chosen, students must address use of
the chosen theory(ies) when counseling individuals with a
disability who face lifestyle changes that may involve gender or
multicultural issues.
Compare and Contrast:
Psychoanalytic Theory/Therapy and Person-Centered
Theory/Therapy
APA-style formatting is required for this paper. Students are
strongly encouraged to acquire a copy of the APA Publication
Manual (6th edition). Because the 6th edition is relatively new,
used copies of the APA manual may or may not yet be available
at campus bookstores or online; local libraries should carry the
manual.

Your paper should be no less than 15 pages and no more than 20
pages. This does not include the title page and the references.
An abstract is NOT required.
To develop your research skills and encourage scholarly
research, a minimum of seven (7) professional journal articles is
required. Journal articles should relate directly to your selected
counseling theory(ies) and/or to the rehabilitation counseling
process. These references are IN ADDITION TO the class
textbook. Do not, under any circumstances, cite web sites!!
Don’t worry if you cannot locate a journal article that talks
about both the theory of interest and about a specific
rehabilitation population. In such cases, find several articles
about your theory and several about the rehabilitation
population and, in your paper, discuss the ways in which you
believe the theory could be utilized with the population.
Rehab 711 Research Paper
Grading Rubric
Your grade for the research paper will be based on the format,
writing style, references, and content of your paper. The paper
is based on a 100-point scale and your grade constitutes 10% of

your final grade.
APA Format. 5 points. APA format is required. This involves
attention to the title page, headers, headings, page numbering,
in-text citations, and a reference list. You do NOT have to
include an abstract although you may do so if you wish. You are
urged to acquire an APA style manual (its official name is the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association,
6th ed.).
Writing style. 5 points. Writing style includes proper spelling,
grammar, and construction of well-written (e.g. clear)
sentences. Writing style also includes (1) providing adequate
information about a source when citing or paraphrasing it and
(2) using original language wherever possible and only directly
quoting when necessary and/or appropriate.
References. 10 points. The textbook may be used as a reference,
but at least 5 additional references must be included. The
additional references must be articles from professional journals
– not websites. Journal articles should address aspects of
counseling theory that are relevant to rehabilitation. All USC
students have on-line access to the USC library electronic
journal collection and many articles are available in full-text.
Content. 80 points. In this paper, you have the opportunity to
fully explore counseling theories as they relate to a
rehabilitation population and do so in a well-organized way.
The content of your paper is where you describe this theory and
its applicability. You should also integrate your research into
the paper and rely more on the research articles than the
textbook when describing key points. The content should give
evidence of considerable thought and must demonstrate
understanding of the counseling theory (or theories if you are
doing a compare/contrast paper) you’ve selected.

The final paper will contain the following parts:
· Title page (Header and page #)
· Abstract (Not needed)
· Paper content (at least 15-20 pages double spaced)
· References (at least 7).
Components
Does Not Meet Requirements
Meets Requirements
Exceeds Requirements
0 – 31 Points
32 – 35 Points
36 – 40 Points
Content
(Description of theory(ies))
No attempt to describe the theory or description not supported
by literature/references
Theory is adequately described using references for support
Includes adequate description of the theory, making connections
between articles/references and coursework
0 – 31 Points
32 – 35 Points
36 – 40 Points

Content
(Applicability of theory(ies))
No attempt made to discuss the applicability of the theory to
rehabilitation or discussion not supported by references
Applicability of the theory to rehabilitation is adequately
discussed using references for support
Includes adequate discussion of the applicability of the theory
to rehabilitation, making connections between
articles/references and coursework
0 – 4 Points
4.5 Points
5 Points
Writing Style
Several errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and/or
sentence structure showing carelessness
A few overlooked errors
Proper spelling, grammar, and construction of well-written (e.g.
clear) sentences
0 – 4 Points
4.5 Points
5 Points
APA Format
Not in APA style
APA style but a few errors in cover page content, page
enumeration, format (margins & indentation), headers, citation
& reference format
Appropriate APA format with title page, headers, headings,
page numbering, in-text citations, and a reference
Does Not Meet Requirements
Meets Requirements

0 – 8 Points
9 – 10 Points
References
Less than 7 journal articles as references. Articles are not
relevant to the field of rehabilitation.
At least 7 articles from professional journals. Articles are
relevant to the field of rehabilitation.