Question Public Policy Psychology Term Paper

09 Jun Question Public Policy Psychology Term Paper

Question
Public Policy Psychology Term Paper

Summer 2019

1

Policy Memo Assignment Instructions (be sure to read all 7 pages)

For the final assignment you will write a brief memo, advocating for a psychology–based policy solution for a particular social issue.

First, choose a social issue that you think should be addressed (if it is not currently being addressed) by the government (federal, state, or local) or that it should be addressed differently; and the solution(s), at least partly, should be based on psychological research.

You can choose any issue that either was covered or not covered in this class, except for the suspension/expulsion issue that I discussed in my lecture.

You may choose any of the covered course materials to support your evidence-based solution(s). You can also find additional scientific literature to provide support to your claims.

Your Memo should include the following information:

1. Description of the social issue that you believe the government needs to address differently; and explain why the government should be concerned with the issue.

2. Describe any governmental program(s) or law(s), if any, that are already in place to address the issue. If none exists, state that. Explain why more needs to be done (e.g., is the law/program ineffective?)

3. Discuss the complexity of the issue (please refer back to my “wicked problems” lectures and reading by Rittel and Webber, 1973).

4. and finally explain why a new policy based on psychological research will be more effective than what is currently in place (if anything). Explain how psychological research can shed more light on the issue and its potential solution.

USE THE TEMPLATE BELOW TO WRITE YOUR PAPER

REFER TO THE GRADING RUBRIC FOR ADDITIONAL HELPFUL HINTS

Summer 2019

2

Policy Memo

To: Name of the individual or government organization that should read this memo

From: Your First and Last name

Re: [Insert Your Main Message/Proposal/or Conclusion]

___________________________________________________

Executive Summary (about one or two paragraphs)

This part of your memo should provide a clear and concise summary of the memo (background,

analysis, and recommendations). Highlight major ideas and draw together key points, as this

may be the only part of the memo that the reader be willing or able to read. Make every word

count.

Background (about two or three paragraphs)

Briefly provide background information on the social issue. The purpose of this section is to get your reader up to speed on the issue and the policy area that he/she may not be familiar with.

Analysis (this is the main body of your memo)

Describe the “wickedness” of the issue; and what, if anything, has been done to solve it.

Then, discuss the psychology of the issue, and explain how psychology can help address it.

Cite at least 5 different academic sources; at least 4 must come from psychological literature, published in professional journals (feel free to use the articles discussed in this course).

You can also include additional sources of evidence that were not covered in the class, as long as they come from credible sources and relevant to your point.

Organize and connect the topics in such a way that together they provide a clear, concise and coherent assessment of the effectiveness of your proposal.

Conclusion (about one paragraph)

Summer 2019

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Conclude your memo by giving your final thoughts on the issue and policy solution.

For more help on how to write a policy memo, visit http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/policymemo

References (separate page)

Cite all your sources using APA or any familiar to you style (but be consistent).

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS:

1 Your memo should be between 2 and 4 pages in length—single-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman) and 1-inch margins. The assignment should not be longer than four pages

(not including the reference page). Anything past 4 pages will not be read or graded. You

must write it in paragraph form and submit it in Microsoft Word format. Make certain

you submit it in Microsoft Word format, either in 97-2003 format or a more recent

version (2007 or later are fine).

2 You should use in-text citations supporting your arguments, if needed. Provide the full citation for any sources you cited (like the textbook or some other book or article) in

“References” page.

3 You have to use APA format or style used in your field (e.g., Chicago Manual) to cite things. Whatever style you use, be consistent throughout the paper.

4 When referring to readings or other sources, put the concept into your own words. Never use quotes from the literature in the paper–NEVER. Quotes will not be read and any

ideas expressed with quotes will not be counted as part of your responses.