Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
Identify an issue in adolescent psychology that a work environment in an education, nonprofit, or government organization would address. Examples of appropriate topics include but are not limited to:
Media use in adolescents: The impact on social development.
Teen pregnancy: The role of adolescence risk taking.
Adolescent marijuana use: The impact on the developing brain.
Write a proposal to an organization, arguing that they should hire you as a contractor to thoroughly review research on, and the current state of, the issue in question, with the intent of providing informed recommendations for future action by the organization. Explain how current social, technological, and other changes to adolescent life require organizations like theirs to maintain currency in their thinking on this issue. Draw on current, peer-reviewed research as the foundation for your argument that the topic fits their goals and priorities as an organization.
Directions
Write a 12-page proposal for your topic that draws on current, peer-reviewed research as the foundation for your approach to this topic. Your proposal must address the following:
Justify the chosen topic in the area of adolescent development. You must make the case to stakeholders for why this is a problem or concern for adolescents.
Describe aspects of adolescent development in relation to your topic. Your proposal should focus on how this issue impacts adolescent development.
Explain what the organization might accomplish as a result of your review of the literature and subsequent recommendations. Your proposal should describe what direction the organization might take (based on evidence-based practices) to support resolution of the issue.
Use grammar, punctuation, and mechanics expected of graduate-level composition and expression. The quality of your writing will determine the clarity and acceptability of your argument.
Use APA format and style, with only minor errors that do not detract from meaning. Grounding your argument in the accepted format for the field lends credence to your document.
Additional Requirements
Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: References and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards.
Length of paper: 12 typed, double-spaced pages.
References: Minimum of three peer-reviewed, scholarly sources. Because of the nature of this particular assessment, you may choose to include trade journals or survey data as additional citations beyond the requirements.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 points
