Reaction Paper

Reaction papers do not review or summarize the article. Rather, you will give a reaction to the reading. Reaction papers can be fun to write (I know, but stick with me here). There are different approaches to reaction papers, and you can vary yours for each paper. What will remain consistent is that you will think critically about the information and respond with a thoughtful response. Here are some possible approaches to reaction papers, but there are others. Feel free to google “good reaction papers” for more ideas or tips. A discussion of why you feel the topic is important and worthy of study (or not). If it helps, you can also frame this as “Why the instructor thought this paper was something we should all read.” An application of the information to your own experiences. An application of how the information might relate to your future career. Relating the information/findings from the article to other information from the course. This can be very interesting when it is not an obvious connection. Alternative interpretations of the findings or ideas. Discuss whether the information illuminated something in your thinking or changed your perspective. Relate the information to current issues in life or society. Discuss how development in this are might look different at other developmental stages. Regardless of the approach you take, you will want to demonstrate that you have read the information and critically thought about it. You may discuss multiple topics within a paper to achieve the length requirement if necessary.