What do you think about psychologists being involved in the interrogation of prisoners?

Emerging Issues Debate Paper

A. Prompt:
I have selected an emerging issue in abnormal psychology which has to do with the ethics of the
profession and assigned you to either the “pro” or the “con” side of the debate. You may think about
times in history when ethics, laws, and morality worked together and times when they did not.
However, what do you think about psychologists being involved in the interrogation of prisoners? Are
ethical guidelines enough to guide behavior? Are state laws and federal laws enough?
Your goals in the debate will be to:
 Demonstrate understanding of the emerging issue and relevant research findings
 Display critical thinking skills, while demonstrating an understanding of the emerging issue that
enables you to present your side in a rational manner.
 Identify at least two critical dilemmas and/or points related to the issue (e.g., ethics, socio-
cultural norms)
 Defend your position with compelling arguments and predictions for future trends
 Select and apply relevant theoretical discussion, empirical data, and practical evidence from
professional, scholarly journals.
 Accurately use APA citations and references when referring to findings supporting your side of
the debate.
You are assigned to the PRO side- The ethical standards of a profession (APA) with state and federal
laws should guide behavior of psychologists at all times and an individual’s moral code has no place in
such decisions.
Use this article amongst other references: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-12959-006

B. Assignment Details:
Your instructor will select an emerging issue in abnormal psychology and assign you to either
the “pro” or the “con” side of the debate. For example, you may debate the use of video and/or
telephone therapy in the assessment and diagnosis of those seeking services.
You are the “PRO” side of the debate
Your goals in the debate will be to:
 Demonstrate understanding of the emerging issue and relevant research findings
 Display critical thinking skills, while demonstrating an understanding of the emerging issue that
enables you to present your side in a rational manner.

 Identify at least two critical dilemmas and/or points related to the issue (e.g., ethics, socio-
cultural norms)
 Defend your position (pro side) with compelling arguments and predictions for future trends
 Select and apply relevant theoretical discussion, empirical data, and practical evidence from
professional, scholarly journals.
Format:
 A page length is not set for this assignment. The emphasis is on clear, critical analysis.
Historically, strong, well-developed papers average around 5-pages of text, before adding title
page and references page.
 Structure your paper utilizing APA style (7th Edition); this includes title page, headings, in-text
citations, reference page, and general paper format (1-inch margins, double-spaced,
appropriately sized sans serif or serif fonts – e.g., 12 Times Roman). An abstract is not required.
 Accurately use APA style citations and references.
 Apply sound writing mechanics: write with clarity, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and
syntax.
 Submit to your Assignment Folder as a single document in either Microsoft Word, PDF, or RTF
format.

Last Completed Projects