By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assignment criteria:
Competency 1: Apply information literacy and library research skills to obtain scholarly information in the field of psychology.
Articulate scholarly evidence appropriate to the argument it supports.
Competency 2: Apply psychological principles to topics in psychology.
Describe the position taken in an author's thesis statement.
Follow APA guidelines for in-text citations and reference lists.
Competency 3: Analyze scholarly information and research findings through critical thinking to solve problems in the field of psychology.
Articulate evidence-supported arguments that directly support the thesis.
Articulate evidence-supported counterarguments that directly question the thesis.
Articulate evidence-supported arguments to rebut the counterarguments.
Competency 4: Apply ethical principles and standards to topics in psychology.
Draw implications, including ethical implications, from the conclusions.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
Articulate a well-developed conclusion that logically flows from the arguments presented.
Write in a manner that is scholarly in tone, easy to follow, and free from grammatical and spelling errors.
For your final paper, you will select a controversial topic in psychology on which to take a position. Choose from the following topics:
Does cosmetic surgery promote or hinder self-esteem?
Does use of electronic technology promote or detract from well-being?
Does online learning or traditional face-to-face learning lead to higher academic performance?
Which is more effective in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—medication or behavioral interventions?