Literature review on family systems theory
Scholarly Paper: Articulating & Applying Mezzo Theory to Social Work Practice
The scholarly paper assignment is designed to allow students to demonstrate their understanding
of human behavior theory and their ability to apply and critique theory. This assignment focuses
on mezzo theory, which you will apply to a case study or one of your family cases from your
agency. You must select one of the contemporary theories discussed in class. The body of the
paper should address the following (page numbers given as guidelines):
• Introduction: A brief opening paragraph about the focus and purpose of the paper. The
introduction should give the reader a clear sense of what you are going to address. Be
sure to identify the theory you will be discussing. (1/2 page)
• Literature Review*: Identify five sources on your selected theory from the literature
beyond your textbook and required supplemental readings. Grounded in this literature,
discuss: a) the underlying assumptions and basic premises of the theory regarding the
nature of human behavior; b) identify the key concepts and propositions of the theory.
This section of the paper should demonstrate the appropriate use of the literature through
correct use of appropriate citations using APA referencing style. (4 pages)
• Application: Apply key concepts and propositions from your selected theory to the
appropriate case study. You must apply a minimum of three concepts/propositions that
help explain the human behavior described in the case from the multidimensional
framework of person-environment-time. Be sure to clearly define each concept, citing
appropriately, and clarify how its application to the case is useful for understanding or
assessing the case. (3 pages)
• Critique: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your selected theory as a lens for
understanding the human behavior described in the case study using the 5 criteria for
evaluation theory presented in your textbook. Be sure to provide a rationale for your
conclusions. (1½ – 2 pages)
*Note: The best sources to use in your literature review are publications written by the theorist. You may
use your textbook and/or supplemental readings as supportive material, but the major sources you should
use are the three sources you independently located in the literature. DO NOT USE WEBSITES, AS
THEY ARE NOT SCHOLARLY LITERATURE. Scholarly literature consists of peer-reviewed journal
articles and chapters from scholarly books.
****************************************************
Your paper must include a title page, the body of your paper, and a reference page(s). It should
be typed, double-spaced, include page numbers, and range from 9-10 pages in length, excluding
the title page and references. It should be formatted using the 6th edition of APA (Publication Manual
of the American Psychological Association, 2009).
Grading Criteria:
• Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the assignment (20 points)
• Ability to appropriately select and use literature as foundation for analysis (20 points)
• Ability to correctly apply theoretical concepts and propositions to case study (20 points)
• Ability to critique theory using 5 criteria for evaluating theory (20 points)
• Organization, clarity, and demonstration of graduate-level writing (10 points)
• Correct grammar, spelling, and use of 6th edition APA (10 points)

Scholarly Paper: Articulating & Applying Mezzo Theory to Social Work Practice
The scholarly paper assignment is designed to allow students to demonstrate their understanding
of human behavior theory and their ability to apply and critique theory. This assignment focuses
on mezzo theory, which you will apply to a case study or one of your family cases from your
agency. You must select one of the contemporary theories discussed in class. The body of the
paper should address the following (page numbers given as guidelines):
• Introduction: A brief opening paragraph about the focus and purpose of the paper. The
introduction should give the reader a clear sense of what you are going to address. Be
sure to identify the theory you will be discussing. (1/2 page)
• Literature Review*: Identify five sources on your selected theory from the literature
beyond your textbook and required supplemental readings. Grounded in this literature,
discuss: a) the underlying assumptions and basic premises of the theory regarding the
nature of human behavior; b) identify the key concepts and propositions of the theory.
This section of the paper should demonstrate the appropriate use of the literature through
correct use of appropriate citations using APA referencing style. (4 pages)
• Application: Apply key concepts and propositions from your selected theory to the
appropriate case study. You must apply a minimum of three concepts/propositions that
help explain the human behavior described in the case from the multidimensional
framework of person-environment-time. Be sure to clearly define each concept, citing
appropriately, and clarify how its application to the case is useful for understanding or
assessing the case. (3 pages)
• Critique: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your selected theory as a lens for
understanding the human behavior described in the case study using the 5 criteria for
evaluation theory presented in your textbook. Be sure to provide a rationale for your
conclusions. (1½ – 2 pages)
*Note: The best sources to use in your literature review are publications written by the theorist. You may
use your textbook and/or supplemental readings as supportive material, but the major sources you should
use are the three sources you independently located in the literature. DO NOT USE WEBSITES, AS
THEY ARE NOT SCHOLARLY LITERATURE. Scholarly literature consists of peer-reviewed journal
articles and chapters from scholarly books.
****************************************************
Your paper must include a title page, the body of your paper, and a reference page(s). It should
be typed, double-spaced, include page numbers, and range from 9-10 pages in length, excluding
the title page and references. It should be formatted using the 6th edition of APA (Publication Manual
of the American Psychological Association, 2009).
Grading Criteria:
• Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the assignment (20 points)
• Ability to appropriately select and use literature as foundation for analysis (20 points)
• Ability to correctly apply theoretical concepts and propositions to case study (20 points)
• Ability to critique theory using 5 criteria for evaluating theory (20 points)
• Organization, clarity, and demonstration of graduate-level writing (10 points)
• Correct grammar, spelling, and use of 6th edition APA (10 points)