Assignment Overview
First of all, if reading the title of this assignment causes your anxiety to rise, take a deep breath and relax before you continue reading. It is not nearly as intimidating as it may sound. I would recommend keeping two issues in mind as you prepare for this assignment: 1) this is a position paper, not a scholarly paper, and 2) this is intended to be an initial formulation of your position.
In class and your readings, we will be addressing a variety of different epistemological positions common in today's world and the contemporary field of psychology. All psychological theories have an implicit values system and approach to epistemology. As you grow and begin to develop a psychological orientation, it is helpful to be able to recognize the different values and epistemological assumptions which are part of each theory. A primary purpose of this assignment is to challenge students to critically think about your beliefs, the nature of truth, and your values as they apply to philosophical and psychological theories.
While students are encouraged to begin thinking about these issues, it is also expected that most of you are just beginning this journey. In other words, I do not expect a well delineated epistemological theory. Rather, I expect that paper demonstrates critical thought and consideration to the approach you choose. I hope this is a paper which remains in your awareness and is revisited as you continue through the rest of the program and the beginning of your professional career. In other words, I hope this paper provides a basis for you to think critically, ethically, and philosophically about the way your approach your clients, your career, and your life.
Basics of a Position Paper
Positions papers are a very different type of writing from other academic papers you write. For example, a scholarly paper is generally centered around a major topic or issue. It is primarily content driven. The paper is developed around a central idea or ideas. Conversely, a position paper centers on your position. While scholarly papers spend more time focusing on what the professional literature states as a primary focus, a position paper focuses on your position and what you have to say as primary.
A couple of important implications should be noted here. First, your position paper should not focus excessively on what other people have said and should not spend too much time describing the theory. I know the theories and am not interested in a reiteration of them in these papers. Rather, I'm wanting to see what you have to say about where you stand in relation to these theories. Second, while I do expect some references for this paper, your position should not be as centered on what others have said on this issue. Third, you should choose the position that is the best fit with you, your world view, and your values. Your position should not just be a reflection of the position you believe the professor wants to hear or the position you believe the professors maintains. The paper should reflect your position.
Epistemological Positions
It is recommended that you choose from one of four, broad epistemological positions. From within these positions, you may address more discrete theories and approaches that are consistent with your theory of choice. However, unless you are already well-versed in these issues, it will likely be easier and more productive for you to stick with one of the broad epistemological classifications. It is not expected that the position you choose be an exact fit. The theory may just be the best fit for where you are at right now. In the paper, you are encouraged to also address points of tension and disagreement with the primary position that you choose.
The four broad perspectives it is recommended you chose from include:
1) Premodernism
2) Modernism
3) Postmodern Realism
4) Postmodern Anti-Realism
Approach to Writing the Paper
The first task of writing this paper should be identifying the position from which you wish to write your paper. Be sure this position is clearly stated in the beginning of your paper. If the position you are writing from is not clearly stated in the paper, you will automatically loose 10-points off the final grade. Your position should also remain consistent through the paper. While you may address points of disagreement or concern with your primary position and you may voice areas of agreement with different positions, your primary position should remain consistent and evident.
After identifying your position, I would recommend developing an outline for your paper. While this is a position paper and not intended to be a fully articulated theory, it is expected that the paper is presented in a logical, coherent manner. In other words, the organization of the paper should make sense. This is not a merely a journal process where you will be randomly addressing thoughts about your epistemological position. In order to ensure that your paper is well organized, developing an outline for your paper which includes the major points you wish to address in the paper may be helpful. I would recommend considering 1) points of agreement, 2) points of concern/confusion/disagreement, 3) how this position impacts your world view, and 4) how this paper does (or should) influence your approach to psychology.
Other Paper Requirements
1) The paper should be 8-15 pages of text (not including the title page or references).
2) The paper should be written in APA style unless otherwise noted. No absract is required.
3) The paper should include 4-8 references from scholarly sources. These may be references from the required class readings or outside scholarly resources.
4) The paper must be turned in electronically to the professor unless the student receives permission ahead of time to turn in a hard copy. The paper must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday of week 9, finals week. No late assignments will be accepted. It is strongly recommended that you send a copy (cc) of your paper to your own Email address to be able to verify your attempt to send the paper. If there is an error in transmission and the student is unable to demonstrate evidence they attempted to send the paper, late points may be deducted from the paper.