Assignment: Biopsychology

Brain Part Infographic

STEP 1: Pick a part of the brain you learned about in this module that you would like to learn more about. Do some background research and then find at least one journal article that provides more insight into that part of the brain.

STEP 2: Pick some aspect of your research and show it off! Pick out some of the details about the part of the brain, the result from an experiment, the importance of some research, or the pull out some favorite insights, graphs, or charts—whatever you choose (NOTE: You do not have to summarize all of your research). Your objective is to create an interesting visual (think: infographic) so that an outside observer could quickly learn at least three new things by looking at it. It must include at least 2 images (pictures, charts, and graphs all count as images) and some text. Include your references in APA format either at the bottom of the visual or on a separate page.

You should put effort into this assignment, but please do not feel overwhelmed by creating a visual. There are tools out there to make your information look good and presentable that require no skill or knowledge of graphic design. You can think of it as making a simplified “poster” about either a part of the brain or a study that teaches about that part of the brain. You may design the poster in any medium you desire, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, or one of the following programs:

  • Canva.com: Canva is really easy to use and convenient because it has tons of free shapes and designs for you to use. This program does not specialize in infographics, however, so you probably just want to choose the option to create a “poster” or “presentation.”
  • Infogram.com: Infogram is a fabulous tool if you want to include a chart or graph in your infographic.
  • Easel.ly: Easel.ly has some great pre-designed Infographic options to work with.

STEP 3: Share your creation with the world so that others can benefit from your work! Using either Flickr or Wikimedia Commons, upload your finished product and publish it so that other psychology instructors and students can use your work. Although not required, we strongly recommend uploading and releasing your work with a Creative Commons license.

Rubric

Sample Grading Rubric
Criteria Proficient Developing Not Evident Points
Creates a visual infographic poster on a part of the brain Visual is attractive and interesting. Visual is somewhat attractive and interesting. Visual is not attractive or interesting. __/5
Includes at least two images and text about the part of the brain Visual includes at least two visuals as well as some text Visual partially includes visuals and text Visual does not include at least two visuals as well as some text __/5
Presents at least three pieces of information Includes at least three pieces accurate and informative facts about the part of the brain Partially includes accurate and informative facts about the part of the brain Does not includes at least three pieces accurate and informative facts about the part of the brain __/10
Includes correct APA citations Provides APA citations either on the image or a separate reference page Provides partial or incorrect APA citations either on the image or a separate reference page Does not provide APA citations __/5
Total: __/25