Position Paper Outline

Introduction to Psychology

Position Paper:  Development

Directions and Outline

The purpose of a position paper is to research a topic in depth and then take a position on the topic.  The paper should provide ample information, as well as clearly identify the position that you, as the writer, are taking. 

There is no “right or wrong” position but which ever position you take, it must be supported by research. 

·        It should be clear, to me as the reader, from the beginning what side you are taking.  Do NOT use “I think” statements, they make the paper passive.  So, for example, rather than saying

I think that women who knowingly drink during pregnancy, and that drinking leads to a baby being diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, should be prosecuted as criminals.

Say this…

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one hundred per cent preventable.  Any woman who knowingly drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, leading to her baby being diagnosed with FAS, should be prosecuted as a criminal.

·        Details, details, details, please.  Your position must be supported with factual data.  For example:  According to the CDC, “a lifetime cost for one individual with FAS in 2002 was estimated at $2 million.”  (Data and Statistics, 10/20/2016)

Requirements and Fine Tuning:

You must use at least 3 academic sources:  WIKIPEDIA, etc, are NOT academic sources.

The paper should have 1 inch margins and be double spaced.  Times New Roman font,

The paper should use APA format, however, you do not need to provide an abstract and title page.  You MUST use in text citation as you provide research to support your position.

Use this format on the first page to identify you as that student:

Name                                                                                     

Topic (goes in right margin for each page)

Introduction to Psychology

Date

Position Paper

           

Tab and begin your introduction.

The paper should be 2-3 pages, complete with a conclusion and a reference page (not included in the page count).

POSITION PAPER TOPICS:

Choose ONE  Position Paper Topic to research and write about. 

A.     To what degree should women, who knowingly drink alcohol or take drugs during pregnancy, be held accountable for any birth defects due to the use of the teratogen?

B.     Provide a position on how a violent person is created.  Is it the genes?  Is it the environment?  Is it the combination of both?  Look at some dangerous people in our history and consider their development.  Why did they end up turning violent?

C.     Is there such a thing as a “twin connection”?  Do twins contain some sort of mental or spiritual connection with each other?  (This topic may use a lot of anecdotal stories from twins rather than a lot of scientific studies).

D.     What leads to optimal growth and development for infants and children?

E.      If our country were to create a “test” or some list of criteria that each person must pass before he/she can have a child, what would it look like?  What ethical issues would this policy raise?

F.      Other… do you have another interesting topic dealing with early development that you would like to take a position on?  Email me, let’s talk.

G.     Can learning disabilities, like ADD/ADHD be treated with diet and exercise?  What is the cause and best treatment for these disorders?  Research and make an argument about what the best approach would be to help a child with either disorder.

H.     What is an effective way to discipline a child?  Should spanking be made illegal? Is spanking a reasonable form of discipline?  What are the long term effects of spanking?  If not spanking, than what? 

I.        Choose a topics dealing with early development (breastfeeding, co-sleeping, homeschooling, Montessori school vs public school etc) and take a position on best practices. 

J.       What causes bullying?  What is the best solution to stop bullying?  Are there specific type of people that end up exhibiting bullying behavior?  How can this issue be solved?  Are teenagers the only ones that have to deal with this issue or is it starting younger?  Explain.

K.     Should sexting be considered criminal behavior? If so, to what degree?

L.      Other… do you have another interesting topic dealing with middle and adolescent development that you would like to take a position on?  Email me, let’s talk.

M.    What is the secret to living a long life?  What does the research show, and what is your position? How can we improve the quality of life for people as they age?

N.     To what degree does social interaction help people live longer?

O.     To what degree do people become more intelligent with age?  Is it fair to say that wisdom comes with age?  Why/why not?  Explore the idea of increased intelligence through the lifespan

P.      What is your position on euthanasia for the elderly?

Q.     Research an issue that deals with the elderly (Alzheimers, elderly abuse, drug addiction, etc) and explain the problem and then take a stand on a solution.

R.     Other… do you have another interesting topic dealing with adulthood, later adulthood  that you would like to take a position on?  Let’s talk.