Psychology Topic

Final Paper

The final paper is a solo project. You will write about your position on the controversial debate

topic. The final paper will be due via the iLearn site by 12/12/2021. The guidelines for the paper

are as follows:

1. Determine the position (supporting/opposing) you are taking on your chosen issue.

2. Find a minimum of three (3) sources. One of your sources must be arguing against your position.

3. The final paper should be in APA style, 3-4 pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, one-inch margins. References

and title pages will not be part of the count.

4. Include an APA formatted reference page citing all sources used in the development of your argument (this will not be part of the page count).

5. In-text citations of sources when needed. There are three objectives that must be fulfilled for the final paper:

1. Clearly present the position you are taking on the chosen topic.

2. Deconstruct/unpack the arguments made for and against this issue based on the articles you have gathered as evidence. What makes them valid arguments? What features

weaken each argument? What are the strengths of each argument?

3. Construct and present your own argument for your position. Show that you understand the arguments being made in support of and against your position.

4. You should end up with a minimum of 5 pages (including the title and references pages) and no more than 6.

Each criterion is worth

40 points possible.

Criteria 10-20 20-30 30-40

1. Organization and

Clarity of Position:

Position and

viewpoints are outlined

both clearly and

orderly.

Clear in some

parts but not over

all

Mostly clear and

orderly in all

parts

Completely clear and orderly

2. Use of Critical

thinking in

Arguments:

Logical reasons are

given to support

viewpoint.

Some relevant

reasons given

Many reasons

given: fairly

relevant

Most relevant reasons given in

support

3. Use of Examples

and Facts:

examples and facts are

given to support

reasons, with

references

Some relevant

examples/facts

given

Many

examples/facts

given: fairly

relevant

Most relevant supporting examples

and facts given

4. Use of

Counterargument:

counterarguments are

unbiased and

responded to

effectively.

Few effective

counterarguments

made

Some effective

counterarguments

made

Many effective counterarguments

made

5. APA formatting:

Title page,

introduction, in-text

citations, conclusion

reference page

Few features

were used

correctly

Some style

features were

used correctly

Most/All style features were used

correctly

Total = 200 points possible Points earned =