Instructions
Your instructor will select an emerging issue in psychopathology and mental health 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.
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.
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. Use in-text citations within your assignment and a reference list at the end. Text from outside sources either needs to be fully paraphrased in your own writing style (not just a few words changed) or needs quotation marks, even if cited.
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.
Debate Topic
Personality Disorders and Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders are learned behaviors. That is, humans are not born with the characteristics or traits found within these specific disorders.
You have been assigned to defend the CON side of the debate topic. That is, you need to create a narrative and provide support from the readings and literature to refute, does not support, the debate topic. Please read the additional descriptions for how to successfully complete this assignment within the weekly content.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
