The purpose of this paper is to encourage you to consider two sides of a debated issue in psychology, to critically evaluate each side, and to interpret your own opinion on this particular issue.
First, download one of the debates available to you as .pdf files in the links below. You only have to read ONE of the debates; you must choose from the following four options:
https://bvu.instructure.com/courses/25371/files/2654466/download?verifier=ZhDC5L88G9dDvtfyHxgW6HZrFhOAtcdmSclIxpab&wrap=1
Introduction to the topic/controversy. Why does it matter, either to the field of psychology, to the “real world,” or both? This section should be at least one full paragraph long.
Summarize each article offered for the debate. Explicitly name the author and title of each article you’ve read in this section, but after that you don’t need to include citations or a references page. As you discuss each article, make sure to refer to the authors by their last names. This section of the paper should be about 3 paragraphs long for each side of the debate.
Critically analyze each side of the debate. For each side:
What is the strongest, most persuasive argument made by each author? Why is this persuasive? You should include at least one full paragraph for each side.
What is the weakest argument offered, and why is it weak? (again, one full paragraph for each side)
Are there aspects of this side of the debate that the author has not considered? This section of your paper should be at least one full paragraph long.
Implications: What do you think are the social implications of this issue? In other words, whom does it affect? What people, procedures, etc. in psychology might change if one side or the other “won?” Would it affect college curricula/courses, how research is conducted, how psychology is applied to the world, etc.? You can answer additional questions if they are relevant. This is the part of the paper where you show that you understand the importance of this debate on a larger scale than just getting points in this class. This section of the paper should be at least two full paragraphs long.
Personal opinion: Which side of the debate do you, personally, support, and why? Be specific and detailed. This section should be at least one full paragraph.
Conclusion paragraph to wrap up the paper, provide final thoughts, etc.
As usual, this paper should be in 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins on all sides and double spaced. This paper is worth up to 50 points. Plagiarism of any kind will result in a zero for the paper. You may also be reported to officials at BVU and the instructor withholds the right to fail you for the entire class if your case is extreme or it is not your first infraction. Late papers will also be penalized, according to the syllabus.