logo

200 Best Position Paper Topics and Ideas to Consider

Table of Contents

What are the best Position Paper Topics?  Do you want to write a persuasive position paper? No worries! We are here to help you. In this blog post, we have shared a list of the top position paper topics from different fields of study. Continue reading this blog post and get interesting ideas that will help you fetch an A+ grade. Also, learn how to write a position paper effectively.

What is a Position Paper?

A position paper is a kind of essay that clearly focuses on one side of an arguable point about an issue. It is similar to a debate and can also be identified as an argumentative paper. The main aim of the position paper is to persuade the audience that your argument or opinion is valid. Convincing the audience is not a piece of cake. For writing a position paper, you must have a strong topic.

Position Paper Topic Selection Tips

One of the simplest ways to select good position paper topics is to consider popular subjects that excite you. Mainly, in order to create a compelling argument, you can choose subjects that are against common values, contrasting mass opinions, or any social taboos.

Position Paper Topics

In specific, ask yourself the following question during the topic selection.

  • Is your topic a real issue with uncertainty and controversy?
  • Can you find out at least two distinctive positions?
  • Are you interested in supporting one of the identified distinctive positions?
  • Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be feasible?

Finalize the topic only if you can present a strong argument. Remember, the topic you select should be original and interesting. It should match your area of interest. Most importantly, your selected topic should have enough evidence or proof to support your opinion. Additionally, the topic should help you to prepare a position paper as per your instructor’s specifications.

Know How to Write a Position Paper

After you have selected a topic, analyze the issue and come up with a valid argument. When determining your viewpoint, make sure to consider your audience. Also, prepare a list of the pros and cons of your topic. The pros and cons will assist you to evaluate your potential to support your counterclaims, with the necessary pieces of evidence.

If you are clear with your viewpoint, prepare a well-structured outline that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introductory paragraph, introduce the topic, provide brief background information on the topic, and specify a strong thesis statement. Next, generate counterarguments in the body paragraphs. For each argument, submit relevant proof from a credible source. Finally, conclude the paper by restating your arguments and giving a call to action.

The position paper you have prepared should be understandable to your readers. After you have completed preparing the argumentative paper, do a complete revision. Proofreading the paper will help you spot and rectify the errors in your content.

List of Position Paper Topics and Ideas

List of Position Paper Topics and Ideas

In general, there are numerous position paper topics available in various fields of study. But searching them all and finding one good topic is a time-consuming process. So, to help you, here, we have categorized and listed a few best argumentative paper help in some interesting areas such as health, sports, criminal justice, etc.

Position Paper Topics

Right now, are you searching for the top position paper topics for your assignment? If yes, then refer to the list of ideas suggested below and identify a topic of your choice.

Position Paper Topics on Health

  • Is drug addiction a disease?
  • Is it necessary to permit euthanasia?
  • Should doctors be allowed to advertise certain medications?
  • Pros and cons of the electronic health record system.
  • Is it necessary to give stringent punishment for medical malpractice?
  • Should the government support independent medical research?
  • The pros and cons of cosmetic surgery.
  • Should HIV testing before marriage be made mandatory?
  • Do race and ethnicity have an impact on the health of individuals?
  • Is online medical consultation a good idea?
  • Should healthcare insurance be mandatory?
  • Write a position paper on the legalization of abortion.
  • How can you best help a family member or friend who is depressed?
  • Do laws that make abortions harder to obtain decrease the abortion rate?
  • Is a nursing home the best choice for elderly people?

Additional Position Paper Ideas on Health

  • How does depression affect the workplace?
  • Write a position paper on alleviating global hunger.
  • Is a medical experiment on animals ethical? Justify your position.
  • What causes postpartum depression?
  • Should healthcare services be free for anyone?
  • Is a medical experiment on animals ethical?
  • Is it a good idea to use the medical knowledge that was gained by experiments in Nazi camps in modern medicine?
  • Should forcible quarantining of individuals with STDs like HIV aids be imposed?
  • How can you beat a teenage girl who is suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress?
  • Why do you believe that every country needs to allow healthcare professionals to help patients suffering from life-threatening diseases with assisted suicide?
  • What causes self-treatment without professional supervision risky?
  • Withholding health-related information from patients and their family create an ethical dilemma for healthcare professionals
  • People should take the required measures to prevent diseases because prevention is better than cure

Position Paper Topics on Psychology

  • Geniuses are always eccentric.
  • Mental health education in school is mandatory.
  • How can schools equip students better to deal with mental health issues?
  • Counseling in schools should be mandatory.
  • The government should invest in providing better mental health facilities.
  • Personality and psychology are related to each other.
  • People who are addicted to substances have an inherent addictive personality.
  • Trauma or poor upbringing is responsible for the sexual orientation of an individual.
  • Cyberbullying should be a punishable offense.
  • Mental health issues should not be grounds for termination of employment.
  • People with mental health issues should be provided with employment opportunities too.
  • Behavioral psychology should be understood and studied by HR personnel.
  • Do mental health issues affect a relationship?
  • Mental health disorders can be treated at home by making small changes in routines and habits.
  • Impulsive decisions should not be viewed as negative.
  • Mental health issues are responsible for substance abuse.
  • There should be more stringent tests to evaluate the qualification of mental health professionals.
  • Teachers should be taught the basics of child development and psychology.
  • Is food addiction a cause for concern?
  • Freudian principles and their relevance in modern society.
  • Should complications arising from self-treatment be covered under insurance?
  • Should the punishment for medical malpractice be more stringent?
  • Should vaccination be obligatory?

Position Paper Topics on Criminal Justice

  • Freedom of speech represents a double standard by law.
  • Improving juvenile prison systems benefits society.
  • White-collar criminals should face the same prosecution as other criminals.
  • Building more prisons can curb the increase in crime rates.
  • Media coverage can influence the outcome of criminal justice.
  • Holistic practices like yoga and meditation can improve the mindset of prison inmates.
  • Banning illegal drugs will reduce dependency.
  • Police officers must have stricter ethical codes.
  • Domestic violence must not be limited to women.
  • Women misuse sexual violence laws.
  • Consuming drugs should remain a criminal offense.
  • Providing vocational training to inmates can reduce the rate of crime when they are released.
  • Minors committing heinous crimes should be tried as adults instead of juveniles.
  • Capital punishment should be abolished.
  • Is there a relationship between socioeconomic status and crime?
  • Should healthcare be a public sector or a private sector?
  • Student-centered education or teacher-centered education, which one is better?
  • Every nation should abolish the death penalty and strengthen its criminal law to create fear among people to restrict them from committing a crime
  • A sick person should not be punished if he/she violates the law due to a poor mental condition
  • Moral policing is ineffective in terms of reducing the rate of crime among the young generation

Outstanding Claim of Facts Topics

  • Liberty is freedom.
  • Medical research can be threatening to society.
  • The plea bargaining system is flawed.
  • The rights of artists are protected on the internet
  • Diversity in the workplace improves productivity
  • Online technologies are changing the way we live.
  • Unemployment leads to a surge in crime rates.
  • Religious persecution exists even in the modern world.
  • Media can influence election results.
  • Computers are changing the way people think.
  • Women are safer when they dress more conservatively.
  • The progress of a country can be determined by the status of women in society.
  • The loyalty of employees is determined by HR policies.
  • Pursuing arts can improve the longevity of an individual
  • Freedom of the press is necessary for the development of our civilization
  • Should children be given more time for free play or should they have scheduled activities?
  • Is equal gender representation in political office important?
  • Should you pay for music or should it be free?
  • Marijuana is less harmful compared to tobacco smoking
  • Changes in land use patterns in southern California over the past five decades have rendered the Salton Sea the single most important gateway in the West for migrating waterfowl
  • Public school performance in the USA has plummeted over the past 10 years
  • Public funded art and craft offer the most expensive piece of art and craft in the world

Amazing Claim of Value Topics

  • Video games versus traditional games.
  • Should concepts of nutrition be taught at home or at school?
  • Classical education versus modern education
  • Have cell phones changed the way we relate to each other?
  • Are virtual classes better than in-person classes?
  • Write about conducting experiments on human embryos.
  • Are liberal arts in education important?
  • Is it necessary to conduct beauty contests for young girls?
  • Is it important to give enormous incomes to elite athletes?
  • Nuclear families versus traditional joint families. Which is better for children?
  • Is the use of biological mutation in warfare morally acceptable?
  • Is private tuition worth the high costs?
  • Does the racial background of police officers determine how well they do their jobs?
  • Discuss the concept of “designer babies”
  • Texts and emails versus talking face-to-face.
  • Should parents use an authoritative approach to parenting or a liberal one?
  • Is it important to ban Barbie dolls?
  • “The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie of all time”: Why or why not
  • Should Snowboarding be considered one of the greatest ways to spend a vacation?
  • Write about companies hiring human workers over the usage of autonomous machines.
  • “In one study, 37% of eighth-grade females who drank heavily reported attempting suicide, compared with 11% who did not drink” (NIH)
  • The death penalty is an inequitable, unjust capital punishment and does not deter crime

Position Paper Topics on Sports

  • College coaches have unreasonably high fees. Justify your opinion.
  • Write about the involvement of children in competitive sports.
  • Are overbearing sports parents helpful or harmful?
  • Is it important to grant compensation to college athletes in case of injury?
  • Write about the participation of female students in sports at schools and colleges.

Position Paper Topics on Economics

  • Banks are necessary. Share your views
  • Should we care more about global poverty?
  • Do you agree that “market force” leads to good outcomes?
  • Is it essential to limit the ownership of private property?
  • How do economic strategies like a “trade war” affect global stability?

Read more: Top 100 Excellent Economics Research Topic

Position Paper Topics on Technology and Social Media

  • Are the effects of living in a technological world positive or negative?
  • What role should technology play in education?
  • Is it necessary to replace Textbooks with i-Pads and online resources?
  • What are the applications of nanotechnology and its possible uses in the future?
  • What privacy policies should social media companies uphold?
  • Are social media memes ethical?
  • Should parents limit teenagers’ use of social media?
  • How is social media changing family relationships?
  • Depression and anxiety are the results of enhanced social media engagement.
  • What people should and should not post on social media?

Environmental Topic Ideas for Position Paper

  • What is the relationship between pollution and health ?
  • How can citizens be responsible for their local environment?
  • How does the current trend of species extinction compare to the past?
  • What can manufacturers do to help clean up the earth?
  • How can we encourage people to recycle more?
  • Is global warming a problem and if so, what can we do about it?
  • How can we be sure to provide clean water for everyone?
  • Should hunting be allowed?
  • How can we resolve the economy versus environment debate?
  • Explain how to stop the poaching of species that are about to extinct.

Position Paper Topics on Identity, Race, and Culture

  • Should churches work harder to be multi-racial?
  • What is the value of knowing your racial and cultural heritage?
  • How can parents help raise their children to be appreciative of other cultures?
  • Should schools teach multiculturalism?
  • Is it a good idea for people to adopt children from another ethnic group?
  • How does immigration from Latin America affect the culture of America?
  • To what extent does individual identity depend on ethnic affiliation?
  • What is the role of culture in the shaping of an identity?
  • Do you believe that reverse discrimination is a problem in the American community?

Position Paper Topics on Military

  • Is drone warfare ethical?
  • Should military spending in the U.S. increase or decrease?
  • How is cyber warfare becoming more important?
  • How do people justify war?
  • Is war inevitable?
  • How should the United States defend itself against terrorism?
  • Is the U.S. engaging in cyber-attacks on other countries?
  • Should the U.S. continue to act as a policeman for other countries?
  • How did 9/11 change the way Americans feel about themselves as a world power?
  • What might help establish peace?

Ideas Based on Immigration for Position Paper

  • What causes people to immigrate illegally?
  • How should we respond to the global problem of illegal immigration?
  • Should the U.S. have a visitor work program?
  • How to streamline legal immigration.
  • Who should and should not be allowed to immigrate?
  • Would a border fence solve the immigration problem in the U.S.A?
  • Should all states have laws giving policemen the right to require people to prove their legal status?
  • How has immigration affected the history of the U.S.A?
  • Should there be a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants currently in the U.S.A?
  • What is the relationship between immigration and nationality?
  • How to treat people with mental health problems.
  • Medical help is preferable to medical insurance for societies with limited resources.
  • Does it make more sense to teach nutrition lessons in the classroom or at home?
  • Which position is preferable, support for the unborn or support for life?
  • traditional games versus video games.
  • Should parents adopt a liberal or an authoritative style of parenting?
  • Should the healthcare industry be in the public or private sector?
  • Which is better: education focused on the student or education focused on the teacher?
  • Is it essential to ban Fast food commercials on TV  to help people make better dietary decisions?
  • The tests used to determine whether mental health professionals are qualified need to be more demanding.

Position Paper Topics to Ace an A+ Grade

  • Progressive tax or proportional tax: what is better?
  • Does class size matter for the achievement of students?
  • How can pro-life and pro-choice organizations work together?
  • Is Barbie to blame for setting high beauty standards?
  • Why are organizations investing in corporate well-being programs in their workplace?
  • Discuss the psychology of xenophobic attitudes.
  • Is it possible to reduce abortions without passing laws?
  • Should schools start giving cash credits to students with high test scores?
  • Explain the impact of demonetization on the Indian economy
  • Do GMOs harm human health?

Wrapping Up

For writing a brilliant position paper, make use of the list of the best position paper topics suggested above. If you find the position paper topic selection and writing process tougher, feel free to call us. We have a team of well-experienced academic writers on various subjects to offer high-quality assignment writing help at a nominal price. In specific, for all types of essays, research papers, and several other academic papers, we provide quick assistance through our popular assignment writing services. No matter what the topic is, our subject matter experts will provide top-quality and original content as per your needs.

Just book your order and earn the scholastic advantages of our service.

title for position paper about education

Related Post

Religious Research Paper Topics

220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Research Proposal

Read and Understand How to Write a Research Proposal

Controversial Research Topics

100+ Controversial Research Topics and Ideas to Focus On

About author.

' src=

Jacob Smith

I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

Comments are closed.

  • Featured Posts

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

200+ outstanding world history topics and ideas 2023, 190 excellent ap research topics and ideas, 150+ trending group discussion topics and ideas, 170 funny speech topics to blow the minds of audience, who invented exams learn the history of examination, how to focus on reading 15 effective tips for better concentration, what is a rhetorical analysis essay and how to write it, primary school teacher in australia- eligibility, job role, career options, and salary, 4 steps to build a flawless business letter format, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Assignment Help Pro

StatAnalytica

150+ Position Paper Topics: How to Choose the Perfect Issue to Advocate For

position paper topics

In the realm of academic writing, position papers are a unique genre. They require students and professionals to take a clear stance on a particular issue and support their position with well-researched arguments. Choosing the right position paper topics is a crucial first step in the process. 

In this blog post, we will explore the art of selecting the perfect position paper topic, offering guidance, and a list of compelling ideas to get you started.

What is Position Paper?

Table of Contents

A position paper is a concise document that states and defends a particular position on an issue. These papers are commonly used in various academic settings, including debates, Model United Nations conferences, and more. While the format and style of position papers may vary, the importance of selecting the right topic remains constant.

Importance of Choosing a Good Position Paper Topic

Selecting the right topic for your position paper is crucial for several reasons. 

  • First and foremost, it influences the quality of your paper. 
  • A well-chosen topic will make it easier for you to present a convincing argument, while a poorly chosen one may lead to a weak, unconvincing paper. 
  • Additionally, a good topic should resonate with your audience, engage their interest, and spark a productive discussion.

How to Choose the Strong Position Paper Topics?

Research and familiarity.

One of the primary keys to selecting a strong position paper topic is thorough research and familiarity with the issue at hand. Without proper research, it’s challenging to present a well-informed and convincing argument.

  • The importance of being knowledgeable about the topic

Before committing to a topic, ask yourself if you have a reasonable understanding of the issue. If you’re not familiar with it, you’ll need to invest time in researching and learning about the topic. The more you know, the better you can argue your position.

  • How to conduct effective research

Effective research involves using reliable sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Make use of online databases, libraries, and academic search engines. Don’t forget to critically evaluate your sources to ensure their credibility.

Relevance and Timeliness

Position papers should address issues that are both relevant and timely. Topics that are currently in the public eye are more likely to engage your readers and foster meaningful discussions.

  • The significance of choosing current and relevant topics

Addressing current and relevant topics allows you to connect with your audience on issues that matter to them. It demonstrates your awareness of the world around you and your ability to engage in timely debates.

  • Tips for finding timely issues

To find timely issues, read the news, follow social media, and stay updated on the latest developments in various fields. You can also explore academic journals and reports to identify emerging trends and issues.

Controversy and Debate

Choosing a topic that is controversial or subject to debate can make for an excellent position paper. Controversial issues tend to generate strong opinions, making it easier for you to argue your stance.

  • Why controversial topics make for good position papers

Controversy generates interest and engagement. It encourages readers to pay attention and consider different viewpoints, making your position paper more compelling.

  • Identifying contentious issues

Look for topics that spark debates among experts, politicians, or the general public. Controversy can be found in various domains, including politics, ethics, technology, and more.

Personal Interest

While the relevance and controversy of a topic are vital, your personal interest in the subject matter should not be underestimated. Choosing a topic you’re passionate about can significantly enhance your writing process.

  • The role of personal passion in choosing a topic

When you’re genuinely interested in a topic, it becomes easier to engage with the research and develop a persuasive argument. Your enthusiasm can shine through in your writing, making your position paper more compelling.

  • Balancing personal interest with the topic’s suitability

It’s essential to strike a balance between personal interest and the topic’s suitability for your audience and purpose. Your passion should align with the goals of the position paper and the expectations of your audience.

150+ Position Paper Topic Ideas: Category Wise

To help you kickstart your research and writing process, here’s a list of position paper topic ideas in various categories.

Social Issues

  • Universal Basic Income: Is it a viable solution to poverty?
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: Advocating for equal rights and acceptance.
  • Gun Control: Balancing the right to bear arms and public safety.
  • Racial Profiling: Addressing racial bias in law enforcement.
  • Human Trafficking: Combating modern-day slavery globally.
  • Sex Education in Schools: Promoting comprehensive or abstinence-only programs.
  • Immigration Reform: The path to citizenship and border security.
  • Privacy vs. National Security: Striking a balance in surveillance.
  • Affordable Housing: Strategies for addressing housing affordability.
  • Hate Speech: Balancing free speech and hate crime prevention.

Environmental Concerns

  • Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a greener energy future.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Deforestation: Protecting global forests and biodiversity.
  • Plastic Pollution: Reducing single-use plastics and waste.
  • Water Scarcity: Sustainable management of water resources.
  • Endangered Species Protection: Conservation efforts and policies.
  • Fracking: Balancing energy needs and environmental concerns.
  • Ocean Conservation: Protecting marine ecosystems and resources.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
  • E-Waste Management: Addressing electronic waste disposal.

Political and Governmental Topics

  • Electoral College Reform: Changing the U.S. presidential election system.
  • Cybersecurity: Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
  • Gerrymandering: Addressing political redistricting for fair representation.
  • Term Limits for Politicians: Impacts on governance and democracy.
  • International Trade: Free trade agreements and tariffs.
  • National Healthcare: Advocating for universal healthcare or private options.
  • Nuclear Disarmament: Promoting global peace and disarmament.
  • Mandatory Voting: The pros and cons of compulsory voting.
  • Separation of Church and State: Balancing religion and government.
  • Lobbying and Influence: Regulations on political lobbying.

Health and Wellness

  • Vaccination Mandates: Balancing public health and personal choice.
  • Mental Health Stigma: Reducing stigma and increasing support.
  • Healthcare for All: Achieving equitable healthcare access.
  • Legalization of Assisted Suicide: End-of-life choices and ethics.
  • Childhood Obesity: Preventing and addressing the epidemic.
  • Addiction Treatment: Expanding access to rehabilitation services.
  • Universal Healthcare: The feasibility and benefits of a single-payer system.
  • Opioid Crisis Response: Combating opioid addiction and overdose.
  • Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Labeling and regulation.
  • Aging Population: Preparing for the challenges of an aging society.

Education and Technology

  • Online Learning: The future of education in a digital world.
  • Artificial Intelligence in Education: AI’s impact on learning.
  • Net Neutrality: Supporting or opposing net neutrality regulations.
  • Educational Equity: Addressing disparities in educational outcomes.
  • School Vouchers: The role of vouchers in education choice.
  • Digital Privacy Education: Teaching digital privacy in schools.
  • Student Loan Debt: Solutions to the student debt crisis.
  • Censorship in Education: Balancing academic freedom and censorship.
  • STEM Education: Promoting science, technology, engineering, and math.
  • Homeschooling: Advocating for or against homeschooling regulations.

Ethical and Moral Dilemmas

  • Euthanasia: Legalizing physician-assisted suicide.
  • Animal Rights: Ethical treatment and rights for animals.
  • Capital Punishment: Arguments for and against the death penalty.
  • Cloning: The ethics of human cloning and stem cell research.
  • Ethical AI: Developing and regulating artificial intelligence responsibly.
  • Designer Babies: Genetic engineering and ethical concerns.
  • Right to Privacy: Balancing personal privacy with national security.
  • Torture: The morality and effectiveness of torture in interrogation.
  • Human Genetic Editing: Ethical considerations in gene editing.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: The role of corporations in society.

Global Affairs and International Relations

  • Nuclear Proliferation: Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
  • Humanitarian Interventions: The ethics of military interventions.
  • UN Security Council Reform: Expanding or reforming the UNSC.
  • Cyber Warfare: Rules and regulations in cyberspace conflicts.
  • Refugee Crisis: Addressing the global refugee and asylum crisis.
  • Peacekeeping Missions: Evaluating the effectiveness of peacekeepers.
  • China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for global geopolitics.
  • Regional Autonomy: Promoting or limiting autonomy for regions.
  • Israel-Palestine Conflict: Pathways to a lasting peace.
  • United Nations Relevance: The role of the UN in modern geopolitics.

Economic Policy

  • Minimum Wage: Raising the minimum wage and its impacts.
  • Universal Basic Income: A safety net for the modern economy.
  • Taxation of the Wealthy: Progressive tax policies.
  • Trade Wars: The effects of tariffs and trade disputes.
  • Economic Inequality: Addressing the wealth gap.
  • National Debt: Strategies for managing and reducing national debt.
  • Consumer Data Privacy: Balancing business and consumer interests.
  • Cryptocurrency Regulation: Government oversight of digital currencies.
  • Universal Basic Services: Expanding access to essential services.
  • Economic Growth vs. Environmental Protection: Balancing priorities.

Criminal Justice

  • Sentencing Reform: Alternatives to mandatory minimum sentences.
  • Juvenile Justice: Treating youth offenders and rehabilitation.
  • Prison Privatization: Public vs. private prison management.
  • Police Accountability: Balancing police powers and oversight.
  • Restorative Justice: Alternative approaches to criminal justice.
  • Body Cameras: Mandating police body cameras for transparency.
  • Three-Strikes Laws: The effectiveness and fairness of such laws.
  • Cybercrime Laws: Addressing the challenges of cybercrime.
  • Death Penalty: The case for and against capital punishment.
  • Drug Decriminalization: Alternatives to the war on drugs.

Military and Defense

  • Military Spending: Budget allocation and military preparedness.
  • Women in Combat: Expanding roles for women in the military.
  • Conscription: Mandatory military service and its merits.
  • Autonomous Weapons: The ethics of autonomous military technology.
  • Cybersecurity and Warfare: Strategies for cyber defense and offense.
  • Nuclear Disarmament: Reducing global nuclear arsenals.
  • Military Alliances: The role and effectiveness of alliances.
  • Military Bases Abroad: The impact of foreign military presence.
  • Veterans’ Services: Support for veterans after deployment.
  • Asymmetric Warfare: Challenges in fighting non-traditional threats.

Business and Corporate World

  • Competition and Monopolies: Addressing antitrust concerns.
  • Corporate Tax Avoidance: Strategies to prevent tax evasion.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Corporate efforts in sustainability.
  • Intellectual Property: Balancing innovation and intellectual property rights.
  • Corporate Governance: The role of boards and executives.
  • Workplace Diversity: Promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces.
  • Employee Rights: Labor rights and protections.
  • Ethical Marketing: Truth in advertising and ethical practices.
  • Data Breach Reporting: Regulations on data breaches and notifications.
  • Online Privacy Policies: Transparency in online data collection.

Healthcare and Medical Ethics

  • Organ Donation: Promoting organ donation and transplantation.
  • Human Cloning: Ethical and medical implications.
  • Stem Cell Research: The use of embryonic stem cells.
  • Drug Pricing: Addressing the cost of prescription medications.
  • Health Insurance Reform: Strategies for affordable healthcare coverage.
  • Medical Marijuana: Legalization and its impact on healthcare.
  • Euthanasia: The ethics of assisted suicide in healthcare.
  • Telemedicine: Expanding access to remote healthcare services.
  • Mental Health Parity: Equal insurance coverage for mental health.
  • Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants: Access to care for all.

Science and Technology

  • Space Exploration: The benefits and challenges of space exploration.
  • Artificial Intelligence Ethics: Regulating AI for ethical use.
  • Genetic Engineering: The ethics of gene editing and modification.
  • Quantum Computing: The potential and risks of quantum computing.
  • Internet Censorship: The impact of government restrictions online.
  • 5G Technology: The future of mobile communication.
  • Cybersecurity Regulations: Legal frameworks for online security.
  • Data Privacy and Security: Balancing privacy and data protection.
  • AI in Healthcare: The role of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment.
  • 3D Printing: Implications for industry and intellectual property.

Education and Academic Policies

  • Standardized Testing: The role and impact of standardized tests.
  • Homeschooling Regulations: Oversight of homeschooling programs.
  • School Funding: Equity in funding for public schools.
  • Teacher Pay: Addressing teacher salaries and compensation.
  • Inclusive Education: Promoting inclusion for students with disabilities.
  • Academic Freedom: Balancing free expression and university policies.
  • School Discipline: Alternatives to punitive discipline in schools.
  • Sex Education in Schools: Comprehensive vs. abstinence-only education.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness: Strategies for reducing student debt.
  • Bullying Prevention: Addressing bullying in schools.

Transportation and Infrastructure

  • Public Transportation: Expanding public transit options.
  • Autonomous Vehicles: Regulations for self-driving cars.
  • Infrastructure Investment: Repairing and improving critical infrastructure.
  • High-Speed Rail: The development of high-speed rail systems.
  • Air Travel Security: Balancing security measures with convenience.
  • Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure: Promoting non-motorized transit.
  • Electric Vehicles: The transition to electric transportation.
  • Urban Planning: Strategies for sustainable and accessible cities.
  • Airport Expansion: The need for expanded airport capacity.
  • Transportation Emissions: Reducing emissions in the transportation sector.

Social Media and Technology Ethics

  • Online Hate Speech: Combating hate speech on social media.
  • Social Media Privacy: Protecting user data and privacy.
  • Internet Content Regulation: Government oversight of online content.
  • Online Copyright Infringement: Addressing piracy and copyright issues.
  • Deepfakes: Regulating the use of AI-generated content.
  • Digital Addiction: Strategies for reducing screen time.
  • Internet Censorship and Freedom: Balancing online rights and restrictions.
  • Cyberbullying Prevention: Combating online harassment.
  • AI and Job Displacement: Strategies for job security in an AI-driven world.
  • Internet Access as a Human Right: Expanding access to the internet.

Family and Social Dynamics

  • Parental Leave Policies: Supporting parental leave for working parents.
  • Child Marriage: Addressing the issue of underage marriages.
  • Aging Population: Strategies for supporting elderly citizens.
  • Domestic Violence: Promoting awareness and intervention.
  • Foster Care Reform: Improving the foster care system.
  • Youth Empowerment: Encouraging youth participation and engagement.
  • Family Planning and Birth Control: Access to family planning services.
  • Child Abuse Prevention: Strategies for protecting children from abuse.
  • Divorce and Custody Laws: Addressing issues in family law.
  • LGBTQ+ Adoption Rights: Supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in adoption.

Food and Agriculture

  • Factory Farming: Ethical concerns and alternatives in agriculture.
  • Organic vs. Conventional Farming: Comparing farming methods.
  • Food Security: Strategies for global food security and access.
  • GMO Labeling: Regulations for labeling genetically modified organisms.
  • Sustainable Fishing: Protecting marine resources and fisheries.
  • Food Waste Reduction: Strategies for reducing food waste.
  • Antibiotic Use in Livestock: Addressing antibiotic resistance.
  • Land Conservation and Agriculture: Balancing land use for farming.
  • Food Deserts: Strategies for addressing food deserts in urban areas.
  • Plant-Based Diets: Promoting plant-based diets for health and the environment.

Immigration and Border Policies

  • DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): Advocating for DACA recipients.
  • Sanctuary Cities: The role of sanctuary cities in immigration policies.
  • Border Security: Balancing national security and border control.
  • Asylum Seekers: Protecting the rights of asylum seekers.
  • Refugee Resettlement: Strategies for welcoming and integrating refugees.
  • Detention Centers: Addressing conditions and policies in detention centers.
  • Immigration Enforcement: The role of ICE and immigration enforcement.
  • Path to Citizenship: Advocating for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
  • Guest Worker Programs: Strategies for temporary labor programs.
  • Immigration Detention Alternatives: Alternatives to detention for immigrants.

The Arts and Culture

  • Cultural Appropriation: Addressing issues of cultural borrowing and respect.
  • Public Art and Monuments: Balancing cultural representation and controversy.
  • Censorship in the Arts: The limits of artistic expression.
  • Copyright and Creative Commons: Expanding access to creative works.
  • Art Education: Promoting the importance of arts in education.
  • Film and Media Representation: Diversity and inclusion in media.
  • Indigenous Rights in the Arts: Recognizing and respecting indigenous cultures.
  • Art Funding: Supporting public funding for the arts.
  • Literature and Freedom of Expression: The power and limits of words.
  • Cultural Preservation: Strategies for preserving cultural heritage.

Gender and Women’s Rights

  • Gender Pay Gap: Strategies for closing the gender wage gap.
  • Women in Leadership: Promoting women in leadership positions.
  • Maternity Leave: Supporting maternity leave policies.
  • Reproductive Rights: Advocating for access to reproductive healthcare.
  • Gender-Based Violence: Strategies to combat violence against women.
  • Title IX: Addressing gender equity in education.
  • Women in STEM: Promoting gender diversity in science and technology.
  • Women in Politics: Advocating for women’s representation in government.
  • Workplace Harassment: Combating harassment in the workplace.
  • Child Marriage Prevention: Strategies for ending child marriages.

Tips for Narrowing Down Your Choice

Selecting a topic from the list above is just the first step. Here are some additional tips to help you refine your choice further:

Considering Your Audience

Tailor your topic to your audience. Think about what will resonate with them, what issues they are passionate about, and what will engage them in meaningful discussions.

Defining Your Stance

Before you start researching, clearly define your position on the chosen topic. Are you in favor of a specific policy or against it? Having a well-defined stance will guide your research and writing.

Consultation and Feedback

Don’t hesitate to seek advice and feedback from peers, mentors, or professors. Discussing your topic with others can help you refine your arguments and ensure that you’re on the right track.

Selecting the right position paper topics is a critical part of the writing process. It sets the stage for your research and argumentation, impacting the overall quality of your paper. 

Remember to conduct thorough research, choose a relevant and timely topic, embrace controversy, and consider your personal interests. 

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a compelling and persuasive position paper.

So, go ahead and explore the list of position paper topic ideas provided in this blog. Find a topic that speaks to you, aligns with your goals, and resonates with your audience. 

Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to delve into research, develop your arguments, and write a position paper that makes a difference.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

  • Privacy Policy
  • SignUp/Login

Research Method

Home » Position Paper – Example, Format and Writing Guide

Position Paper – Example, Format and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Position Paper

Position Paper

Definition:

Position paper is a written document that presents an argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. It outlines the author’s position on the issue and provides support for that position with evidence and reasoning. Position papers are commonly used in academic settings, such as in Model United Nations conferences or debates, but they can also be used in professional or political contexts.

Position papers typically begin with an introduction that presents the issue and the author’s position on it. The body of the paper then provides evidence and reasoning to support that position, often citing relevant sources and research. The conclusion of the paper summarizes the author’s argument and emphasizes its importance.

Types of Position Paper

There are several types of position papers, including:

  • Advocacy Position Paper : This type of position paper presents an argument in support of a particular issue, policy, or proposal. It seeks to persuade the reader to take a particular action or adopt a particular perspective.
  • Counter-Argument Position Paper: This type of position paper presents an argument against a particular issue, policy, or proposal. It seeks to convince the reader to reject a particular perspective or course of action.
  • Problem-Solution Position Paper : This type of position paper identifies a problem and presents a solution to it. It seeks to convince the reader that the proposed solution is the best course of action to address the identified problem.
  • Comparative Position Paper : This type of position paper compares and contrasts two or more options, policies, or proposals. It seeks to convince the reader that one option is better than the others.
  • Historical Position Paper : This type of position paper examines a historical event, policy, or perspective and presents an argument based on the analysis of the historical context.
  • Interpretive Position Paper : This type of position paper provides an interpretation or analysis of a particular issue, policy, or proposal. It seeks to persuade the reader to adopt a particular perspective or understanding of the topic.
  • Policy Position Paper: This type of position paper outlines a specific policy proposal and presents an argument in support of it. It may also address potential objections to the proposal and offer solutions to address those objections.
  • Value Position Paper: This type of position paper argues for or against a particular value or set of values. It seeks to convince the reader that a particular value or set of values is more important or better than others.
  • Predictive Position Paper : This type of position paper makes predictions about future events or trends and presents an argument for why those predictions are likely to come true. It may also offer suggestions for how to prepare for or respond to those events or trends.
  • Personal Position Paper : This type of position paper presents an individual’s personal perspective or opinion on a particular issue. It may draw on personal experiences or beliefs to support the argument.

Position Paper Format

Here is a format you can follow when writing a position paper:

  • Introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic or issue being discussed. It should also provide some background information on the issue and state the purpose of the position paper.
  • Definition of the problem : This section should describe the problem or issue that the position paper addresses. It should explain the causes and effects of the problem and provide evidence to support the claims made.
  • Historical perspective : This section should provide a historical perspective on the issue or problem, outlining how it has evolved over time and what previous attempts have been made to address it.
  • The organization’s stance : This section should present the organization’s stance on the issue or problem. It should provide evidence to support the organization’s position and explain the rationale behind it. This section should also address any counterarguments or alternative perspectives.
  • Proposed solutions: This section should provide proposed solutions or recommendations to address the problem or issue. It should explain how the proposed solutions align with the organization’s stance and provide evidence to support their effectiveness.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the organization’s position on the issue or problem and restate the proposed solutions or recommendations. It should also encourage further discussion and action on the issue.
  • References: Include a list of references used to support the claims made in the position paper.

How to Write Position Paper

Here are the steps to write a position paper:

  • Choose your topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or have knowledge of. It could be related to social, economic, environmental, political, or any other issues.
  • Research: Conduct thorough research on the topic to gather relevant information and supporting evidence. This could include reading scholarly articles, reports, books, and news articles.
  • Define your position: Once you have gathered sufficient information, identify the main arguments and formulate your position. Consider both the pros and cons of the issue.
  • Write an introduction : Start your position paper with a brief introduction that provides some background information on the topic and highlights the key points that you will discuss in the paper.
  • Present your arguments: In the body of your paper, present your arguments in a logical and coherent manner. Each argument should be supported by evidence from your research.
  • Address opposing views : Acknowledge and address the opposing views on the issue. Provide counterarguments that refute these views and explain why your position is more valid.
  • Conclusion : In the conclusion, summarize your main points and reiterate your position on the topic. You can also suggest some solutions or actions that can be taken to address the issue.
  • Edit and proofread : Finally, edit and proofread your position paper to ensure that it is well-written, clear, and free of errors.

Position Paper Example

Position Paper Example structure is as follows:

  • Introduction:
  • A brief overview of the issue
  • A clear statement of the position the paper is taking
  • Background:
  • A detailed explanation of the issue
  • A discussion of the history of the issue
  • An analysis of any previous actions taken on the issue
  • A detailed explanation of the position taken by the paper
  • A discussion of the reasons for the position taken
  • Evidence supporting the position, such as statistics, research, and expert opinions
  • Counterarguments:
  • A discussion of opposing views and arguments
  • A rebuttal of those opposing views and arguments
  • A discussion of why the position taken is more valid than the opposing views
  • Conclusion:
  • A summary of the main points of the paper
  • A call to action or recommendation for action
  • A final statement reinforcing the position taken by the paper
  • References:
  • A list of sources used in the paper, cited in an appropriate citation style

Purpose of Position Paper

Here are some of the most common purposes of position papers:

  • Advocacy: Position papers are often used to promote a particular point of view or to advocate for a specific policy or action.
  • Debate : In a debate, participants are often required to write position papers outlining their argument. These papers help the debaters clarify their position and provide evidence to support their claims.
  • Negotiation : Position papers can be used as part of negotiations to establish each party’s position on a particular issue.
  • Education : Position papers can be used to educate the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders about complex issues by presenting a clear and concise argument supported by evidence.
  • Decision-making : Position papers can be used by decision-makers to make informed decisions about policies, programs, or initiatives based on a well-reasoned argument.
  • Research : Position papers can be used as a starting point for further research on a particular topic or issue.

When to Write Position Paper

Here are some common situations when you might need to write a position paper:

  • Advocacy or lobbying : If you are part of an organization that is advocating for a specific policy change or trying to influence decision-makers, a position paper can help you articulate your organization’s position and provide evidence to support your arguments.
  • Conferences or debates: In academic or professional settings, you may be asked to write a position paper to present your perspective on a particular topic or issue. This can be a useful exercise to help you clarify your thoughts and prepare for a debate or discussion.
  • Public relations: A position paper can also be used as a tool for public relations, to showcase your organization’s expertise and thought leadership on a particular issue.
  • Internal communications: Within an organization, a position paper can be used to communicate a particular stance or policy to employees or stakeholders.

Advantages of Position Paper

There are several advantages to writing a position paper, including:

  • Organizing thoughts : Writing a position paper requires careful consideration of the issue at hand, and the process of organizing thoughts and arguments can help you clarify your own position.
  • Demonstrating expertise: Position papers are often used in academic and professional settings to demonstrate expertise on a particular topic. Writing a well-researched and well-written position paper can help establish your credibility and expertise in a given field.
  • Advocacy: Position papers are often used as a tool for advocacy, whether it’s advocating for a particular policy or for a specific point of view. Position papers can help persuade others to adopt your position on an issue.
  • Facilitating discussion : Position papers can be used to facilitate discussion and debate on a particular issue. By presenting different perspectives on an issue, position papers can help foster dialogue and lead to a better understanding of the topic at hand.
  • Providing a framework for action: Position papers can also be used to provide a framework for action. By outlining specific steps that should be taken to address an issue, a position paper can help guide decision-making and policy development.

About the author

' src=

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

What is Literature

What is Literature – Definition, Types, Examples

What is Science

What is Science – Definition, Methods, Types

Academic Paper

Academic Paper – Format, Example and Writing...

Evolution

Evolution – Definition, Types and Example

What is Art

What is Art – Definition, Types, Examples

Theory

Theory – Definition, Types and Examples

Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research Cover Image

Position Paper

Position papers are essays written by prominent scholars or organizations to advance an argument, opinion, program, or action.  They are usually invited, shorter (between 3,500 – 5,000 words) than empirical research and review papers. Position papers focus on specific topics that are of central importance to the field and make specific recommendations to advance research and practice of the topic.  

Double-blind peer review

As this journal operates a double-blind peer review system, please do not include identifying information in your main manuscript as this must remain blinded. If sections of your manuscript contain identifying information in addition to the Declaration section please include these in your Title Page, along with the author names and contact information, and upload this at the Attach Files step.

Manuscript files to be prepared include Title Page, Abstract, Blinded Manuscript, Tables, Figures, and Supplementary Materials. Title page

The title page should:

  • present a title that includes, if appropriate, the research design or for non-research studies: a description of what the article reports
  • if a collaboration group should be listed as an author, please list the Group name as an author and include the names of the individual members of the Group in the “Acknowledgements” section in accordance with the instructions below
  • indicate the corresponding author
  • Declarations: All manuscripts must contain the following sections under the heading 'Declarations': 1. Availability of data and material 2. Competing interests 3. Funding 4. Authors' contributions 5. Acknowledgements 6. Authors' information (optional) Please see below for details on the information to be included in these sections. If any of the sections are not relevant to your manuscript, please include the heading and write 'Not applicable' for that section.

1. Availability of data and materials

All manuscripts must include an ‘Availability of data and materials’ statement. Data availability statements should include information on where data supporting the results reported in the article can be found including, where applicable, hyperlinks to publicly archived datasets analysed or generated during the study. By data we mean the minimal dataset that would be necessary to interpret, replicate and build upon the findings reported in the article. We recognise it is not always possible to share research data publicly, for instance when individual privacy could be compromised, and in such instances data availability should still be stated in the manuscript along with any conditions for access.

Data availability statements can take one of the following forms (or a combination of more than one if required for multiple datasets):

  • The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available in the [NAME] repository, [PERSISTENT WEB LINK TO DATASETS]
  • The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
  • All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files].
  • The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due [REASON WHY DATA ARE NOT PUBLIC] but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
  • Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
  • The data that support the findings of this study are available from [third party name] but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for the current study, and so are not publicly available. Data are however available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of [third party name].
  • Not applicable. If your manuscript does not contain any data, please state 'Not applicable' in this section.

More examples of template data availability statements, which include examples of openly available and restricted access datasets, are available  here .

SpringerOpen  also requires that authors cite any publicly available data on which the conclusions of the paper rely in the manuscript. Data citations should include a persistent identifier (such as a DOI) and should ideally be included in the reference list. Citations of datasets, when they appear in the reference list, should include the minimum information recommended by DataCite and follow journal style. Dataset identifiers including DOIs should be expressed as full URLs. For example:

Hao Z, AghaKouchak A, Nakhjiri N, Farahmand A. Global integrated drought monitoring and prediction system (GIDMaPS) data sets. figshare. 2014.  http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.853801

With the corresponding text in the Availability of data and materials statement:

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in the [NAME] repository, [PERSISTENT WEB LINK TO DATASETS]. [Reference number]

2. Competing interests

All financial and non-financial competing interests must be declared in this section.

See our  editorial policies  for a full explanation of competing interests. If you are unsure whether you or any of your co-authors have a competing interest please contact the editorial office.

Please use the authors’ initials to refer to each authors' competing interests in this section.

If you do not have any competing interests, please state "The authors declare that they have no competing interests" in this section.

All sources of funding for the research reported should be declared. The role of the funding body in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript should be declared.

4. Authors' contributions

The individual contributions of authors to the manuscript should be specified in this section. Guidance and criteria for authorship can be found in our  editorial policies .

Please use initials to refer to each author's contribution in this section, for example: "FC analyzed and interpreted the patient data regarding the hematological disease and the transplant. RH performed the histological examination of the kidney, and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."

5. Acknowledgements

Please acknowledge anyone who contributed towards the article who does not meet the criteria for authorship including anyone who provided professional writing services or materials.

Authors should obtain permission to acknowledge from all those mentioned in the Acknowledgements section.

See our  editorial policies  for a full explanation of acknowledgements and authorship criteria.

If you do not have anyone to acknowledge, please write "Not applicable" in this section.

Group authorship (for manuscripts involving a collaboration group): if you would like the names of the individual members of a collaboration Group to be searchable through their individual PubMed records, please ensure that the title of the collaboration Group is included on the title page and in the submission system and also include collaborating author names as the last paragraph of the “Acknowledgements” section. Please add authors in the format First Name, Middle initial(s) (optional), Last Name. You can add institution or country information for each author if you wish, but this should be consistent across all authors.

6. Authors' information : This section is optional.

You may choose to use this section to include any relevant information about the author(s) that may aid the reader's interpretation of the article, and understand the standpoint of the author(s). This may include details about the authors' qualifications, current positions they hold at institutions or societies, or any other relevant background information. Please refer to authors using their initials. Note this section should not be used to describe any competing interests.

Blinded Manuscript 

Abstract The abstract should briefly summarize the aim, findings or purpose of the article. Please minimize the use of abbreviations and do not cite references in the abstract.

At the buttom of the abstract, please list three to ten keywords representing the main content of the article.

Introduction

The Introduction section should explain the background to the article, its aims, a summary of a search of the existing literature and the issue under discussion.

This should contain the body of the article, and may also be broken into subsections with short, informative headings.

Conclusions

This should state clearly the main conclusions and include an explanation of their relevance or importance to the field.

List of abbreviations

If abbreviations are used in the text they should be defined in the text at first use, and a list of abbreviations should be provided.

General formatting information

Manuscripts must be written in concise English. For help on scientific writing, or preparing your manuscript in English, please see Springer's  Author Academy .

Quick points:

  • Use double line spacing
  • Include line and page numbering
  • Use SI units: Please ensure that all special characters used are embedded in the text, otherwise they will be lost during conversion to PDF
  • Do not use page breaks in your manuscript

File formats

The following word processor file formats are acceptable for the main manuscript document:

  • Microsoft word (DOC, DOCX)
  • Rich text format (RTF)
  • TeX/LaTeX 

Please note: editable files are required for processing in production. If your manuscript contains any non-editable files (such as PDFs) you will be required to re-submit an editable file if your manuscript is accepted.

For more information, see ' Preparing figures ' below.

Additional information for TeX/LaTeX users

You are encouraged to use the Springer Nature LaTeX template when preparing a submission. A PDF of your manuscript files will be compiled during submission using pdfLaTeX and TexLive 2021. All relevant editable source files must be uploaded during the submission process. Failing to submit these source files will cause unnecessary delays in the production process.  

Style and language

For editors and reviewers to accurately assess the work presented in your manuscript you need to ensure the English language is of sufficient quality to be understood. If you need help with writing in English you should consider:

  • Getting a fast, free online grammar check .
  • Visiting the English language tutorial which covers the common mistakes when writing in English.
  • Asking a colleague who is proficient in English to review your manuscript for clarity.
  • Using a professional language editing service where editors will improve the English to ensure that your meaning is clear and identify problems that require your review. Two such services are provided by our affiliates Nature Research Editing Service and American Journal Experts . SpringerOpen authors are entitled to a 10% discount on their first submission to either of these services. To claim 10% off English editing from Nature Research Editing Service, click here . To claim 10% off American Journal Experts, click here .

Please note that the use of a language editing service is not a requirement for publication in Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research and does not imply or guarantee that the article will be selected for peer review or accepted.  为便于编辑和评审专家准确评估您稿件中陈述的研究工作,您需要确保文稿英语语言质量足以令人理解。如果您需要英文写作方面的帮助,您可以考虑:

  • 获取快速、免费的在线  语法检查 。
  • 查看一些有关英语写作中常见语言错误的 教程 。
  • 请一位以英语为母语的同事审阅您的稿件是否表意清晰。
  • 使用专业语言编辑服务,编辑人员会对英语进行润色,以确保您的意思表达清晰,并提出需要您复核的问题。例如我们的附属机构 Nature Research Editing Service 以及合作伙伴 American Journal Experts 都可以提供此类专业服务。SpringerOpen作者享受首次订单10%优惠,该优惠同时适用于两家公司。您只需点击以下链接即可开始。使用 Nature Research Editing Service的编辑润色10%的优惠服务,请点击 这里 。使用 American Journal Experts的10%优惠服务,请点击 这里 。

请注意,使用语言编辑服务并非在期刊上发表文章的必要条件,这也并不意味或保证文章将被选中进行同行评议或被接受。 エディターと査読者があなたの論文を正しく評価するには、使用されている英語の質が十分であることが必要とされます。英語での論文執筆に際してサポートが必要な場合には、次のオプションがあります:

  • 高速なオンライン  文法チェック  を無料で受ける。
  • 英語で執筆する際のよくある間違いに関する 英語のチュートリアル を参照する。
  • 英語を母国語とする同僚に、原稿内の英語が明確であるかをチェックしてもらう。
  • プロの英文校正サービスを利用する。校正者が原稿の意味を明確にしたり、問題点を指摘し、英語を向上させます。 Nature Research Editing Service と American Journal Experts の2つは弊社と提携しているサービスです。SpringerOpenのジャーナルの著者は、いずれかのサービスを初めて利用する際に、10%の割引を受けることができます。Nature Research Editing Serviceの10%割引を受けるには、 こちらをクリックしてください 。. American Journal Expertsの10%割引を受けるには、 こちらをクリックしてください 。

英文校正サービスの利用は、このジャーナルに掲載されるための条件ではないこと、また論文審査や受理を保証するものではないことに留意してください。 영어 원고의 경우, 에디터 및 리뷰어들이 귀하의 원고에 실린 결과물을 정확하게 평가할 수 있도록, 그들이 충분히 이해할 수 있을 만한 수준으로 작성되어야 합니다. 만약 영작문과 관련하여 도움을 받기를 원하신다면 다음의 사항들을 고려하여 주십시오:

  • 영어 튜토리얼 페이지 에 방문하여 영어로 글을 쓸 때 자주하는 실수들을 확인합니다.
  • 귀하의 원고의 표현을 명확히 해줄 영어 원어민 동료를 찾아서 리뷰를 의뢰합니다
  • 리뷰에 대비하여, 원고의 의미를 명확하게 해주고 리뷰에서 요구하는 문제점들을 식별해서 영문 수준을 향상시켜주는 전문 영문 교정 서비스를 이용합니다. Nature Research Editing Service 와 American Journal Experts 에서 저희와 협약을 통해 서비스를 제공하고 있습니다. SpringerOpen에서는 위의 두 가지의 서비스를 첫 논문 투고를 위해 사용하시는 경우, 10%의 할인을 제공하고 있습니다. Nature Research Editing Service이용시 10% 할인을 요청하기 위해서는 여기 를 클릭해 주시고, American Journal Experts 이용시 10% 할인을 요청하기 위해서는 여기 를 클릭해 주십시오.

영문 교정 서비스는 게재를 위한 요구사항은 아니며, 해당 서비스의 이용이 피어 리뷰에 논문이 선택되거나 게재가 수락되는 것을 의미하거나 보장하지 않습니다.

Data and materials

For all journals, SpringerOpen strongly encourages all datasets on which the conclusions of the manuscript rely to be either deposited in publicly available repositories (where available and appropriate) or presented in the main paper or additional supporting files, in machine-readable format (such as spread sheets rather than PDFs) whenever possible. Please see the list of recommended repositories in our editorial policies.

For some journals, deposition of the data on which the conclusions of the manuscript rely is an absolute requirement. Please check the Instructions for Authors for the relevant journal and article type for journal specific policies.

For all manuscripts, information about data availability should be detailed in an ‘Availability of data and materials’ section. For more information on the content of this section, please see the Declarations section of the relevant journal’s Instruction for Authors. For more information on SpringerOpen's policies on data availability, please see our editorial policies .

Formatting the 'Availability of data and materials' section of your manuscript

The following format for the 'Availability of data and materials section of your manuscript should be used:

"The dataset(s) supporting the conclusions of this article is(are) available in the [repository name] repository, [unique persistent identifier and hyperlink to dataset(s) in http:// format]."

The following format is required when data are included as additional files:

"The dataset(s) supporting the conclusions of this article is(are) included within the article (and its additional file(s))."

For databases, this section should state the web/ftp address at which the database is available and any restrictions to its use by non-academics.

For software, this section should include:

  • Project name: e.g. My bioinformatics project
  • Project home page: e.g. http://sourceforge.net/projects/mged
  • Archived version: DOI or unique identifier of archived software or code in repository (e.g. enodo)
  • Operating system(s): e.g. Platform independent
  • Programming language: e.g. Java
  • Other requirements: e.g. Java 1.3.1 or higher, Tomcat 4.0 or higher
  • License: e.g. GNU GPL, FreeBSD etc.
  • Any restrictions to use by non-academics: e.g. licence needed

Information on available repositories for other types of scientific data, including clinical data, can be found in our editorial policies .

See our editorial policies for author guidance on good citation practice.

What should be cited?

Only articles, clinical trial registration records and abstracts that have been published or are in press, or are available through public e-print/preprint servers, may be cited.

Unpublished abstracts, unpublished data and personal communications should not be included in the reference list, but may be included in the text and referred to as "unpublished observations" or "personal communications" giving the names of the involved researchers. Obtaining permission to quote personal communications and unpublished data from the cited colleagues is the responsibility of the author. Either footnotes or endnotes are permitted. Journal abbreviations follow Index Medicus/MEDLINE.

Any in press articles cited within the references and necessary for the reviewers' assessment of the manuscript should be made available if requested by the editorial office.

Preparing figures

When preparing figures, please follow the formatting instructions below.

  • Figure titles (max 15 words) and legends (max 300 words) should be provided in the main manuscript, not in the graphic file.
  • Tables should NOT be submitted as figures but should be included in the main manuscript file.
  • Multi-panel figures (those with parts a, b, c, d etc.) should be submitted as a single composite file that contains all parts of the figure.
  • Figures should be numbered in the order they are first mentioned in the text, and uploaded in this order.
  • Figures should be uploaded in the correct orientation.
  • Figure keys should be incorporated into the graphic, not into the legend of the figure.
  • Each figure should be closely cropped to minimize the amount of white space surrounding the illustration. Cropping figures improves accuracy when placing the figure in combination with other elements when the accepted manuscript is prepared for publication on our site. For more information on individual figure file formats, see our detailed instructions.
  • Individual figure files should not exceed 10 MB. If a suitable format is chosen, this file size is adequate for extremely high quality figures.
  • Please note that it is the responsibility of the author(s) to obtain permission from the copyright holder to reproduce figures (or tables) that have previously been published elsewhere. In order for all figures to be open access, authors must have permission from the rights holder if they wish to include images that have been published elsewhere in non open access journals. Permission should be indicated in the figure legend, and the original source included in the reference list.

Figure file types

We accept the following file formats for figures:

  • EPS (suitable for diagrams and/or images)
  • PDF (suitable for diagrams and/or images)
  • Microsoft Word (suitable for diagrams and/or images, figures must be a single page)
  • PowerPoint (suitable for diagrams and/or images, figures must be a single page)
  • TIFF (suitable for images)
  • JPEG (suitable for photographic images, less suitable for graphical images)
  • PNG (suitable for images)
  • BMP (suitable for images)
  • CDX (ChemDraw - suitable for molecular structures)

Figure size and resolution

Figures are resized during publication of the final full text and PDF versions to conform to the SpringerOpen standard dimensions, which are detailed below.

Figures on the web:

  • width of 600 pixels (standard), 1200 pixels (high resolution).

Figures in the final PDF version:

  • width of 85 mm for half page width figure
  • width of 170 mm for full page width figure
  • maximum height of 225 mm for figure and legend
  • image resolution of approximately 300 dpi (dots per inch) at the final size

Figures should be designed such that all information, including text, is legible at these dimensions. All lines should be wider than 0.25 pt when constrained to standard figure widths. All fonts must be embedded.

Figure file compression

Vector figures should if possible be submitted as PDF files, which are usually more compact than EPS files.

  • TIFF files should be saved with LZW compression, which is lossless (decreases file size without decreasing quality) in order to minimize upload time.
  • JPEG files should be saved at maximum quality.
  • Conversion of images between file types (especially lossy formats such as JPEG) should be kept to a minimum to avoid degradation of quality.

If you have any questions or are experiencing a problem with figures, please contact the customer service team at [email protected] .

Preparing tables

When preparing tables, please follow the formatting instructions below.

  • Tables should be numbered and cited in the text in sequence using Arabic numerals (i.e. Table 1, Table 2 etc.).
  • Tables less than one A4 or Letter page in length can be placed in the appropriate location within the manuscript.
  • Tables larger than one A4 or Letter page in length can be placed at the end of the document text file. Please cite and indicate where the table should appear at the relevant location in the text file so that the table can be added in the correct place during production.
  • Larger datasets, or tables too wide for A4 or Letter landscape page can be uploaded as additional files. Please see [below] for more information.
  • Tabular data provided as additional files can be uploaded as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls ) or comma separated values (.csv). Please use the standard file extensions.
  • Table titles (max 15 words) should be included above the table, and legends (max 300 words) should be included underneath the table.
  • Tables should not be embedded as figures or spreadsheet files, but should be formatted using ‘Table object’ function in your word processing program.
  • Color and shading may not be used. Parts of the table can be highlighted using superscript, numbering, lettering, symbols or bold text, the meaning of which should be explained in a table legend.
  • Commas should not be used to indicate numerical values.

If you have any questions or are experiencing a problem with tables, please contact the customer service team at [email protected] .

Preparing additional files

As the length and quantity of data is not restricted for many article types, authors can provide datasets, tables, movies, or other information as additional files.

All Additional files will be published along with the accepted article. Do not include files such as patient consent forms, certificates of language editing, or revised versions of the main manuscript document with tracked changes. Such files, if requested, should be sent by email to the journal’s editorial email address, quoting the manuscript reference number.

Results that would otherwise be indicated as "data not shown" should be included as additional files. Since many web links and URLs rapidly become broken, SpringerOpen requires that supporting data are included as additional files, or deposited in a recognized repository. Please do not link to data on a personal/departmental website. Do not include any individual participant details. The maximum file size for additional files is 20 MB each, and files will be virus-scanned on submission. Each additional file should be cited in sequence within the main body of text.

Examples of the American Psychological Association (APA) reference style are shown below. For further guidance, see the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association and the respective web site of the Association ( http://www.apastyle.org/ ).

Web links and URLs: All web links and URLs, including links to the authors' own websites, should be given a reference number and included in the reference list rather than within the text of the manuscript. They should be provided in full, including both the title of the site and the URL, as well as the date the site was accessed, in the following format: The Mouse Tumor Biology Database. http://tumor.informatics.jax.org/mtbwi/index.do . Accessed 20 May 2013. If an author or group of authors can clearly be associated with a web link, such as for weblogs, then they should be included in the reference.

​​​​​​​ Example reference style:

Article within a journal

Harris, M., Karper, E., Stacks, G., Hoffman, D., DeNiro, & R., Cruz, P. (2001). Writing labs and the Hollywood connection. Journal of Film Writing , 44 (3), 213-245.

Article by DOI (with page numbers)

Slifka, M.K., & Whitton, J.L. (2000). Clinical implications of dysregulated cytokine production. Journal of Molecular Medicine , 78 (2), 74-80. doi:10.1007/s001090000086.

Article by DOI (before issue publication and without page numbers)

Kreger, M., Brindis, C.D., Manuel, D.M., & Sassoubre, L. (2007). Lessons learned in systems change initiatives: benchmarks and indicators. American Journal of Community Psychology . doi: 10.1007/s10464-007-9108-14.

Article in electronic journal by DOI (no paginated version)

Kruger, M., Brandis, C.D., Mandel, D.M., & Sassoure, J. (2007). Lessons to be learned in systems change initiatives: benchmarks and indicators. American Journal of Digital Psychology . doi: 10.1007/s10469-007-5108-14.

Complete book

Calfee, R.C., & Valencia, R.R. (1991). APA guide to preparing manuscripts for journal publication. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Book chapter, or an article within a book

O'Neil, J.M., & Egan, J. (1992). Men's and women's gender role journeys: Metaphor for healing, transition, and transformation. In B.R. Wainrib (Ed.), Gender issues across the life cycle (pp. 107-123). New York: Springer .

Online First chapter in a series (without a volume designation but with a DOI)

Saito, Y., & Hyuga, H. (2007). Rate equation approaches to amplification of enantiomeric excess and chiral symmetry breaking. Topics in Current Chemistry . doi:10.1007/128_2006_108.

Complete book, also showing a translated edition [Either edition may be listed first.]

Adorno, T.W. (1966). Negative Dialektik . Frankfurt: Suhrkamp. English edition: Adorno, TW (1973). Negative Dialectics (trans: Ashton, E.B.). London: Routledge.

Online document

Abou-Allaban, Y., Dell, M.L., Greenberg, W., Lomax, J., Peteet, J., Torres, M., & Cowell, V. (2006). Religious/spiritual commitments and psychiatric practice. Resource document. American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psych.org/edu/other_res/lib_archives/archives/200604.pdf. Accessed 25 June 2007.

Online database

German emigrants database (1998). Historisches Museum Bremerhaven. http://www.deutsche-auswanderer-datenbank.de. Accessed 21 June 2007.

Supplementary material/private homepage

Doe, J. (2006). Title of supplementary material. http://www.privatehomepage.com. Accessed 22 Feb 2007.

Doe, J. (1999). Trivial HTTP, RFC2169. ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/rfc2169.txt. Accessed 12 Feb 2006.

Organization site

ISSN International Centre (2006). The ISSN register. http://www.issn.org. Accessed 20 Feb 2007.

Submit manuscript

  • Editorial Board
  • Sign up for article alerts and news from this journal

Affiliated with

New Content Item (1)

Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research is affiliated with the  Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University .

  • ISSN: 2662-2300 (electronic)

Annual Journal Metrics

2022 Speed 19 days submission to first editorial decision for all manuscripts (Median) 164 days submission to accept (Median)

2022 Usage  119,161 downloads 133 Altmetric mentions 

The journal is indexed by

  • Google Scholar
  • EBSCO Discovery Service
  • OCLC WorldCat Discovery Service
  • ProQuest-ExLibris Primo
  • ProQuest-ExLibris Summon
  • Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
  • TD Net Discovery Service
  • Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals and Series

5 Steps to Writing a Position Paper

  • Writing Research Papers
  • Writing Essays
  • English Grammar
  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

In a position paper assignment, your charge is to choose a side on a particular topic, sometimes controversial, and build up a case for your opinion or position. You will use facts, opinion, statistics, and other forms of evidence to convince your reader that your position is the best one. To do this, you'll collect research for your position paper and craft an outline in order to create a well-constructed argument.

Select a Topic for Your Paper

Your position paper centers around a topic that is supported by research. Your topic and position have to hold up when challenged, so it's helpful to research a few topics and pick the one you can best argue, even if it may not reflect your personal beliefs. In many cases, the subject matter and your topic are not as important as your ability to make a strong case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but your argument must be sound and logical.

Conduct Preliminary Research

Preliminary research is necessary to determine whether sufficient evidence is available to back up your stance. You don’t want to get too attached to a topic that falls apart under a challenge.

Search a few reputable sites, like education (.edu) sites and government (.gov) sites, to find professional studies and statistics. If you come up with nothing after an hour of searching, or if you find that your position doesn’t stand up to the findings on reputable sites, choose another topic. This could save you from a lot of frustration later.

Challenge Your Own Topic

You must know the opposite view as well as you know your own stance when you take a position. Take the time to determine all the possible challenges that you might face as you support your view. Your position paper must address the opposing view and chip away at it with counter-evidence. Consider having friends, colleagues, or family debate the topic with you to get alternative points of view that you might not have readily considered yourself. When you find arguments for the other side of your position, you can address them in a fair manner, and then state why they are not sound.

Another helpful exercise is to draw a line down the middle of a plain sheet of paper and list your points on one side and list opposing points on the other side. Which argument is really better? If it looks like your opposition might outnumber you with valid points, you should reconsider your topic or your stance on the topic.

Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence

Once you’ve determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position is (in your opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with your research. Go to a library and conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help you find more sources. You can, of course, conduct online research as well, but it's important to know how to properly vet the validity of the sources you use. Ensure that your articles are written by reputable sources, and be wary of singular sources that differ from the norm, as these are often subjective rather than factual in nature.

Try to collect a variety of sources, and include both an expert’s opinion (doctor, lawyer, or professor, for example) and personal experience (from a friend or family member) that can add an emotional appeal to your topic. These statements should support your own position but should read differently than your own words. The point of these is to add depth to your argument or provide anecdotal support.

Create an Outline

A position paper can be arranged in the following format:

1. Introduce your topic with some basic background information. Build up to your thesis sentence , which asserts your position. Sample points:

  • For decades, the FDA has required that warning labels should be placed on certain products that pose a threat to public health.
  • Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.
  • Fast food packages should contain warning labels.

2. Introduce possible objections to your position. Sample points:

  • Such labels would affect the profits of major corporations.
  • Many people would see this as overreaching government control.
  • Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line?
  • The program would be costly.

3. Support and acknowledge the opposing points. Just be sure you aren't discrediting your own views. Sample points:

  • It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should adhere to the policy.
  • Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.
  • Funding would fall on the shoulders of taxpayers.

4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counter-arguments. This is where you can work to discredit some of the counter-arguments and support your own. Sample points:

  • The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.
  • Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place.
  • One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.
  • The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.

5. Summarize your argument and restate your position. End your paper focusing on your argument and avoid the counter-arguments. You want your audience to walk away with your view on the topic being one that resonates with them.

When you write a position paper, write with confidence and state your opinion with authority. After all, your goal is to demonstrate that your position is the correct one.

  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • Writing an Opinion Essay
  • How to Write a Research Paper That Earns an A
  • Choosing a Strong Research Topic
  • Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
  • The Five Steps of Writing an Essay
  • What Is Expository Writing?
  • How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
  • Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition
  • Tips for Writing an Art History Paper
  • Persuasive Writing: For and Against
  • Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
  • How To Write an Essay
  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
  • Ethos, Logos, Pathos for Persuasion
  • Write my thesis
  • Thesis writers
  • Buy thesis papers
  • Bachelor thesis
  • Master's thesis
  • Thesis editing services
  • Thesis proofreading services
  • Buy a thesis online
  • Write my dissertation
  • Dissertation proposal help
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Custom dissertation
  • Dissertation help online
  • Buy dissertation online
  • Cheap dissertation
  • Dissertation editing services
  • Write my research paper
  • Buy research paper online
  • Pay for research paper
  • Research paper help
  • Order research paper
  • Custom research paper
  • Cheap research paper
  • Research papers for sale
  • Thesis subjects
  • How It Works

Best 120 Position Paper Topics for Compelling Arguments

Top 120 Position Paper Topics for Compelling Arguments

Looking forward to writing a position paper topic for your course? To write an excellent paper, you must take a stance on a particular issue and offer convincing arguments to support your position.

Examples of a Good Topic for a Position Paper

More good position paper topics, exciting argumentative essay topics for position paper, clever research topics for stem students, research topic for position paper on social media issues, quality economics research topics on position paper, more excellent position paper topics for students, interesting and best topic for position paper.

For most students, the challenge they face is developing compelling topics for position paper essays. We have simplified things for you by creating a list of 120-position paper topics that cover various issues. With these position paper topics, students can form a well-supported opinion.

When choosing a topic for your position paper, getting one that interests you is vital. With an interesting topic, you can do thorough research and consider various perspectives. Here are excellent position paper title examples you can use.

  • Why should COVID vaccine distribution be given with equal access?
  • Reasons reality shows need regulation policies
  • Is virtual schooling as good as person-class?
  • Does adding days in the school year improve learning?
  • Ways to reduce abortion without legislation policy
  • Effective ways to protect the rights of artists and writers on the internet
  • A look at video gaming: the good and the bad
  • Is it right to push young children to compete in athletics?
  • The importance of getting more minorities to join the police force
  • Should there be a policy where college athletes are paid
  • Ways that mobile phones control our relationships
  • Effective ways to deal with terrorism
  • What is culture?
  • Is global warming a real issue?
  • The impact of hunting on the environment

Did you know a good position paper topic will guide you in writing a compelling essay? Get great thesis statements about social media and fascinating position research paper ideas below.

  • What are the pros and cons of the death penalty?
  • Should parents control the time that their kids spend on social media?
  • Lecturers vs. classes with open discussion
  • Which is better: textbooks or online study material?
  • Should the government regulate the internet?
  • What impact did COVID-19 have on the global economy?
  • A look at the ethical consideration of genetic engineering
  • Do prisoners deserve prison rights?
  • Is there a link between exposing children to violent video games and behavioral issues?
  • Are chief officers paid too much?
  • A review of government surveillance
  • Child vaccination, the health benefits, and dangers
  • What are the ethical considerations of autonomous weapons?
  • Should the government regulate online speech
  • What is the impact of technology on education

Having suitable argumentative essay topics for position papers can help you get good grades. Here is a look at splendid position paper topics you can use.

  • Reasons the government should lower the age of voting to 16
  • Why college should be free for all students
  • Should the government regulate the amount of sugar in food and drinks
  • Should complications arising from self-treatment be covered under insurance?
  • Should fast food chains be held responsible for obesity
  • Should the legal drinking age be raised to 25
  • A review of why public transportation should be free
  • Should endangered species be given the same rights as humans?
  • Why should the manufacturer be held responsible for cleaning up waste and pollution they cause
  • A look at why immigration is a valuable source of diversity and talent
  • Why homeschooling should be encouraged
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • The importance of labeling genetics-modified foods
  • Why should gun control laws be stricter?
  • Ways social media is destroying family ties and personal values.

STEM students need clever position paper titles to pass their exams. You must thoroughly research to get the best research topics for STEM students . We have complained about significant social issues research topics you can use.

  • A look at the impact of gender inequality in the workplace
  • Gun control and mass shootings
  • How does mental health stigma affect access to care
  • Police brutality and accountability
  • Why are homelessness and housing insecurity high
  • What regulation should be put in place on domestic violence and abuse
  • A look at how animal rights and welfare are neglected
  • Elder abuse and neglect
  • Why is there a rise in youth unemployment
  • The effect of child abuse
  • Income tax policy and reform
  • LGBTQ rights and discrimination
  • How to improve voting integrity
  • Ways climate change affects environmental degradation
  • A thin line between internet censorship and freedom of speech

You can never go wrong with social media research topics for your position paper. More so, check the following good topic for a position paper.

  • The pro and cons of living in a technical world
  • The relationship between technology and education
  • Is the use of social media memes ethical?
  • Why should there be a regulation on how people use social media
  • Why is social media changing the family relationships
  • In what ways does social media destroy family values and ethics
  • Should social media be replaced with face-to-face communication? Why?
  • Consequences of social media companies not upholding privacy policies
  • How do social media cause depression?
  • Should politicians use social media in their campaigns
  • What regulations should be put in place for social media for business marketing and advertising
  • How does social media addiction affect the society
  • The role of social media spreading fake news
  • Does social media impact self-esteem
  • How does social media affect the spread of viral trends and challenges

Make your essay stand out by using our economics research paper topics. In addition, here are examples of position paper example topics you can use.

  • How does globalization impact society?
  • How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the economy
  • Should people care more about global poverty?
  • Is it true that the benefits of attending college outweigh the costs?
  • The impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce
  • Should there be restrictions on private property? Why or why not?
  • The role of government in regulating the economy
  • The economics of international aid and development
  • Are banks necessary?
  • How do economic strategies like a “trade war” affect global stability?
  • Why do states provide economic help to ailing sectors?
  • How do trade agreements impact the economy?
  • What is the economics of taxation and tax reform
  • Government control on economic research firms

Ready to come up with good topics for position papers? Consider choosing biochemistry topics . Here are great biochemistry position paper topics to choose from.

  • What is the role of proteins in cellular signaling
  • How biochemical conditions and brain activity are linked to crime
  • A review of the scope and application of biochemistry
  • The importance of DNA repair
  • A study of hepatitis B prevalence
  • What role do lipids play in cellular signaling
  • Research of the microbial disease evolution
  • What are the useful reaction of carbohydrates
  • A look at cancer and disorders in DNA
  • What is the oxidative stress in disease
  • A look at how carbohydrates impact metabolism
  • What are the structure and functions of a virus
  • What is DNA structure?
  • Protein quantification in organisms review
  • What does RNA do in gene expression?

You can never go wrong with biological, psychological, and anatomy research paper topics . Here are ideas to use on your position paper topics in the Philippines.

  • The importance of anatomy in medical education
  • What are the structure and functions of the brain
  • A look at the anatomy of the heart
  • Is there racism in US criminal justice
  • A look at how diversity in the workplace helps to retain employees
  • Why is there strength in large numbers
  • Psychology and personality are related to each other
  • Why parents need to study child psychology
  • What is the psychology behind racism, sexism, homophobia, and prejudice?
  • What are the impacts of bullying?
  • Effect of women’s dress code and their safety
  • A review of the anatomy and psychology of the ear
  • Why should behavioral psychology be understood and studied by HR personnel
  • Is food addiction a cause for concern?
  • How holistic practices like yoga and meditation can improve the mindset of prison inmates

Writing a position paper essay does not have to be a struggle; you only need a relevant topic and a good writer to craft the paper. Choose a topic from the list of 120 plus examples of position paper essay topics discussed above.

Besides offering great topic ideas, we also help students with their position paper writing. You will get quality essays on time when you work with us.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

logo

100+ Position Paper Topics to Ace A+ Grade

Position Paper Topics

A position paper is an academic paper that incorporates controversial topics or arguable issues that are evaluated for their pros and cons. These papers are significant pieces of writing that help keep the discussion flowing.

In general, the purpose of a position paper is to persuade the audience reading it of a fact or truth that has never been acknowledged before. In this case, the truth is only partially actual right now. Showcasing such points is challenging for anyone; perhaps this is why students usually get tormented before writing a position paper. Choosing a controversial topic for a position paper that contradicts common values and social taboos or shares a contrasting mass opinion can assist you in developing strong and enticing arguments. We have compiled a list of compelling position paper ideas and topics that will guide you in framing a strong argument. To earn high grades, continue reading this article and select the most appropriate topic.

Table of Contents

Before Topic Selection

A well-written paper is only possible if its topic is clear and exciting. Choosing the ideal topic for your paper is essential for framing the entire document. After all, it will be the topic around which your arguments will revolve. If you want to frame strong arguments, choosing a strong topic with a strong background is imperative.

To select a topic for your position paper, you should conduct preliminary research on current popular topics. Whenever you find an exciting topic, ask yourself the following questions:

  • From your viewpoint as a diplomat, is this topic genuinely significant or controversial?
  • Is this topic intriguing to you?
  • In response to that question, what recent events have taken place?
  • Can you frame arguments around it?
  • Does the topic have a manageable scope?
  • What crucial questions can you raise about such a topic?
  • What previous actions have various global bodies taken regarding this issue?
  • Are there any recent findings concerning the topic?

This process allows you to narrow down a few appropriate topics for your paper. Ensure thorough research into whatever topic you select. Make sure that the topic you choose has a solid case and that you can support it with strong arguments.

Like a typical research article, finding supporting evidence for both sides is essential. You can counter competing claims by including supporting evidence for the opposing side. Alternatively, you can identify the strengths of the evidence that strengthens your position compared to the deficiencies of the negative evidence.

Choosing a Position Paper Topic

After you have narrowed down a few position paper topics, the next part is preliminary research and sees if the following topics would be ideal for your paper. Read the following instructions to choose the best position paper topic for your project:

Choose a Familiar Topic:

When you have a foundational understanding of a subject, writing and researching about it won’t be hearing about it won’t be challenging. You already know the hooks and knocks of the topic, making it easier to move forward with your following research. It will undoubtedly be an intelligent approach to your paper. You won’t be intimidated by research since you’ll know where to begin.

Research Topics You are Enthusiastic About and Write About:

This is more of a suggestion than a regulation. If you want your readers to enjoy your writing, you must enjoy it first. Thus, choosing a tedious topic will not only make you lose interest but also make your readers lose interest. It will be simpler for you to produce quality and informative content that your readers will appreciate if you are driven by your essay topic more.

Make Sure There is Enough Support for Your Thesis

Students frequently need help selecting a compelling topic resistant to future refutations. Therefore, consider your decision and consider the evidence you have at your disposal.

Select an Argument That Will Stir the Emotions of Your Audience

When we communicate our viewpoints with someone, we want them to understand the thoughts and feelings behind those words. It’s the same with writing as well. Your sole goal when writing your paper should be to interact with or engage your audience through your writing. Your writing will undoubtedly have some rational arguments; choosing a subject that lacks emotional resonance isn’t the wisest course of action.

Before moving forward with the writing part, you must ensure that your position essay topic matches the given checklists. Consider why this topic or issue still needs to be resolved. Do some research and determine what actions the authorities have taken to address those issues. Lastly, ask yourself what should be done by the authorities to resolve it. In any case, instead of putting too much time and effort into drafting your paper, you can also choose paper help services. After all, when your grades are at stake, you shouldn’t take any risks.

Top 100 Position Paper Topics

Based on the above suggestions and guidelines, we hope you will have selected your position argument topic by this time. For students who still need to identify their ideal topic, we’re still here for you. In general, position paper topics come in a broad spectrum of ranges, so to help you, our experts have enumerated those topics according to their branches. You can look through these lists and select the best that meets your needs.

Position Essay Topics for High School Students

Instead of jumping straight to the challenging topics, let’s start this journey with some easy position essay topics. You can either select one of these topics or look for some unexpected, unorthodox viewpoint regarding the topic, or you can jump straight to the other topics as well.

  • Virtual schooling or in-person education: which is better?
  • Learning more foreign languages
  • Sleep deprivation is the cause of the “Moody Teen” phenomenon, and starting school later can fix it.
  • Is a national high school test necessary?
  • The intelligent tutoring system: is it worth it?
  • School uniforms are associated with equality.
  • Unethical or ethical comedy
  • Vernacular pupils shouldn’t be forced to change codes during class since it is exhausting.
  • Artificial intelligence: a boon or curse?
  • Do GMOs harm human health?
  • Using several perspectives while understanding global history
  • Dangerous sports should be prohibited in schools.
  • Holistic techniques like yoga and meditation should be a part of PE curricula.
  • Schools should provide nutritional support to their students.
  • Barbie dolls should be banned: the commodification of women’s bodies
  • Your past does not define you.
  • Plastic surgery affects one’s body image and is not empowering.
  • Progressive tax or proportional tax: what is better?
  • The future of competitive cheerleading in the Olympics
  • The “eccentric genius” myth is inaccurate and encourages intelligent students to conceal their abilities.
  • The hidden harmful effects of consuming junk and processed food
  • Why do children idolize celebrities?

Position Paper Topics for College Students

The following topics suit college students preparing their positions or argumentative essays. You can use these topics as-is or frame them according to your requirements.

  • The impact of demonetization on the Indian economy
  • Work from home: the route to satisfaction through balance
  • Taxation in the United States: What’s wrong with the tax system?
  • The dynamics of the gender pay gap: organizations bringing the gender pay gap to light
  • Should Shakespeare still be studied in college?
  • Is college tuition expensive in the USA?
  • Test scores are the only way to assess the abilities of students.
  • Life without faith is like life without meaning.
  • The past is only a life lesson, not a life sentence.
  • Women in STEM programs need more than a law.
  • The STEM gap: a gender gap to innovation

Position Paper Topics on Education

These are some engaging position paper ideas regarding education that you can consider for writing your paper:

  • The expectation and engagement of parents in the K–12 education of their kids and its outcomes
  • challenges facing teachers regarding funding cuts and growing classes
  • Sexism in schools: How the modern school dress code fosters sexism in our society
  • Homeschooling vs. traditional schooling: which one is better for the 21st century?
  • Does class size matter for the achievement of students?
  • Should schools start giving cash credits to students with high test scores?
  • The dimensions and paradigms of multicultural education
  • Employment opportunities during school: character building or the destruction of academic purpose?

Read Also – Advanced Law Research Paper Topics

Criminal Justice Topics for a Position Paper

These criminal justice topics for a position paper are some of the most controversial subjects that you can use to draft a persuasive and sturdy position paper:

  • Freedom of speech: the constitutional double standard
  • Increasing prison capacity can slow the rise in crime.
  • Holistic practices can be effective in altering the mindset of prisoners.
  • The Suppression of Abortion Protesters: The Law’s Double Standard
  • Juvenile incarceration and health: recent achievements from strengthening juvenile incarceration systems
  • Health-related issues in prisoner reentry
  • White-collar criminals should be prosecuted similarly to other criminals for nefarious activities.
  • Humane treatment of convicts in prisons is preferable to severe living conditions.
  • The death penalty or capital punishment ought to be eliminated.
  • Evidence from legal cases involving jail overcrowding regarding the impact of prison population size on crime rates
  • Media coverage can affect how criminal justice
  • relationship between socioeconomic status and crime
  • The outcome of criminal justice can be influenced by media publicity.
  • Should media outlets be permitted to report on court proceedings involving celebrities and other significant figures?
  • Illegal drug prohibition will help reduce dependency.
  • The misuse of the sexual violence law by women
  • Since substance abuse leads to significant problems, the court should apply more rigorous laws to resolve this issue.
  • Police personnel must be more stringent about their ethical codes.
  • Substance abuse leads to significant problems in several nations.

Ideas for Position Papers on Social Issues

Social issues, including climate change, overpopulation, migrant crises, poverty, civil rights, human rights, women’s rights, and beyond, are the topics people have already worked on. However, we certainly have a long way to go. Below is a list of social topics for position papers you may find helpful. If you need samples to understand the ideal position paper format, then simply visit our profile and order now in three simple steps.

  • How significant is equitable access to COVID vaccines?
  • Providing education and medical treatment to children escaping violence and war
  • Is it possible to reduce abortions without passing laws?
  • The management of nutrition in complex emergencies
  • Pro-life, pro-choice, and the possibilities of common values
  • How can pro-life and pro-choice organizations work together?
  • The nutritional and medical health needs of refugees
  • Wealth inequality and challenging times: an uncertain future for the United States
  • Emergency relief operations and refugee camps for refugees
  • Sustainable urban transport: opportunities for the future of public transport
  • Military spouse unemployment: addressing the undiscovered facts
  • The sustainable transportation analysis for smart cities: Why should we prioritize private vehicles?
  • Ethical dilemmas and methodology of accessing and reporting domestic abuse
  • Addressing human trafficking from a global perspective
  • impressions of male and female municipal council candidates that are gender biased
  • Addressing the role of social media as a communication platform
  • Is Barbie to blame for setting high beauty standards?
  • The absurdity of homeless youth in an advanced economy
  • Why should the law require health insurance to cover birth control?
  • Maintaining equilibrium between workplace optimization and innovation regions.

Position Paper Topics in Psychology

Psychology is another essential subject that encompasses several fascinating, popular, controversial, and critical issues that need serious discussion in research and argument papers. Here is a list of some intriguing  position paper topics in psychology  that you can use for investigation in your psychology major:

  • Technical developments in the psychology field
  • The vicious cycle of comfort eating, stress, and weight stigma
  • Why are organizations investing in corporate wellbeing programs in their workplace?
  • The horrendous effects of chronic sleep deprivation on youth
  • The impact of poor mental health on relationships
  • The LGBTQ community and suicide: a deadly combination
  • The psychological impact of opiate misuse: how to avoid being dependent on prescription medicines
  • Personality and psychology: a fatal combination
  • Counseling should be provided in all schools.
  • A person’s sexual orientation results from trauma or a terrible upbringing.
  • The psychology of xenophobic attitudes
  • How are the nations dealing with the psychological complications of the COVID-19 outbreak?
  • Food addiction is correlated with irrational beliefs through character-driven anxiety and emotional eating.
  • Controlling severe stress and managing emotional recovery from natural disasters
  • Mental health is the cause of substance abuse.
  • The harmful mental health effects of limiting access to safe abortion
  • Subtle discrimination and its consequences for stigmatized populations’ mental health and wellbeing
  • Making significant changes in your routine can significantly impact your mental health.
  • Food addiction: a valid cause for concern?
  • Psychological intervention: the current state and prominent issues

The Final Words

After reading this entire piece, you may come up with your ideas for position papers. In such cases, sitting with a notebook and pen is always a better option. You can immediately jot down any ideas that come to mind in your notebook. This way, you will remember any upcoming idea or topic. Writing a position paper requires the writer to be assertive and confident in their claims.

A position paper, also known as an argument paper, presents an arguable opinion or a fact, depending on the case. That’s why students get tormented right in the beginning and pay someone to write paper , which is wholly justified. When your grades are at stake, it’s always better to consult an expert for further editing services . Seeking experts’ help is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when other academic responsibilities overburden you.

' src=

By Alex Brown

I'm an ambitious, seasoned, and versatile author. I am experienced in proposing, outlining, and writing engaging assignments. Developing contagious academic work is always my top priority. I have a keen eye for detail and diligence in producing exceptional academic writing work. I work hard daily to help students with their assignments and projects. Experimenting with creative writing styles while maintaining a solid and informative voice is what I enjoy the most.

Thesis Helpers

title for position paper about education

Find the best tips and advice to improve your writing. Or, have a top expert write your paper.

141 Best Position Paper Topics: Use Them Today!

Position Paper Topics

Position paper topics present you with controversial subjects that can be evaluated in detail for their pros and cons. These papers, often known as argumentative papers require students to choose a position or a stand on the topic and provide arguments that can support their stance effectively.

The simplest way to choose good position paper topics is to use popular subjects that interest you. Choosing subjects that go against common values, discuss social taboos or have contrasting mass opinions can help you make a compelling argument. Here is a list of position paper ideas from different fields of study to help you choose the best.

Best Position Paper Topics on Health

Position paper research topics on health have a very broad scope. They can discuss current medical practices, common health issues and the various modern influences on good healthcare.

  • Should free healthcare for all become mandatory?
  • Is a medical experiment on animals ethical?
  • Is it a good idea to use the medical knowledge that was gained by experiments in Nazi camps in modern medicine?
  • Should forcible quarantining of individuals with STDs like HIV aids be imposed?
  • Should abortion be legalized?
  • Is drug addiction a disease?
  • Should military service personnel be allowed to sue military doctors for any medical malpractice?
  • Is providing financial subsidies to senior citizens necessary?
  • Should healthcare insurance be mandatory?
  • Are social conditions in the 21 st century impacting healthcare?
  • Is online medical consultation a good idea?
  • Has modern technology and its impact on mortality rate influenced society negatively?
  • Should equal access to COVID 19 Vaccine be provided?
  • Do race and ethnicity have an impact on the health of individuals?
  • Should HIV testing before marriage be made mandatory?
  • Should the government provide healthcare aid to economically backward sectors?
  • Should the government support independent medical research?
  • Should the government invest in improved healthcare services in a country?
  • Is it the responsibility of the private sector to improve healthcare facilities
  • Should healthcare be provided in prisons?
  • Pros and cons of the electronic health record system.
  • Should euthanasia be permitted?
  • The pros and cons of the cosmetic surgery industry.
  • Should working shifts for medical staff be more defined?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of healthcare insurance?
  • Should complications arising from self-treatment be covered under insurance?
  • Should the punishment for medical malpractice be more stringent?
  • Should vaccination be obligatory?
  • Should doctors be allowed to advertise certain medication??
  • Should translators be employed in hospitals that treat minorities?

Top Claim of Value Topics

The claim of value position research paper topics compare two ideas and argue why one is better than the other. They also discuss topics that are ethically and morally contrasting. Here is a list of topics that can help you present detailed arguments:

  • People with mental health issues should be treated in society or outside of it?
  • Medical aid versus medical insurance, which is the better approach for financially backward societies.
  • Should concepts of nutrition be taught at home or at school?
  • Is it better to have a pro-choice or pro-life approach?
  • Video games versus traditional games.
  • Should parents use an authoritative approach to parenting or a liberal one?
  • Should healthcare be a public sector or a private sector?
  • Student-centred education or teacher-centred education, which one is better?
  • Classical education versus modern education
  • Are virtual classes better than in-person classes?
  • European educational system versus the American educational system.
  • Public sector schools versus private schools. Which is better?
  • Have cell phones changed the way we relate to each other?
  • Texts and emails versus talking face-to-face.
  • Should experiments on human embryos be allowed?
  • Does the racial background of police officers determine how well they do their jobs?
  • Should Barbie dolls be banned?
  • Should beauty contests for young girls be banned?
  • Should children be given more time for free play or should they have scheduled activities?
  • Is equal gender representation in political office important?
  • Should you pay for music or should it be free?
  • Discuss the concept of “designer babies”
  • Is private tuition worth the high costs?
  • Are liberal arts in education important?
  • Should schools invest in fine arts?
  • What people should and should not post on social media?
  • Is the use of biological mutation in warfare morally acceptable?
  • Should elite athletes be given enormous incomes?
  • Are memes ethical?
  • Nuclear families versus traditional joint families. Which is better for children?

Interesting Claim of Fact Topics

These topics for position paper discuss certain claims and their relevance in the current world. They are also aimed at checking if these claimed facts are true.

  • Media can influence election results.
  • Elected female officers are significantly different from elected male officers.
  • Religious persecution exists even in the modern world.
  • Liberty is freedom.
  • Adding days to the average school year improves learning
  • Teenagers who engage in promiscuous sex are more likely to develop STDs.
  • Computers are changing the way people think.
  • Unemployment leads to a surge in crime rates.
  • Women are safer when they dress more conservatively.
  • It is a good idea to replace textbooks with online resources.
  • Online technologies are changing the way we live.
  • The use of social media by teens must be limited by parents.
  • Social media companies must uphold privacy policies.
  • There is strength in numbers
  • The progress of a country can be determined by the status of women in society.
  • Spare the rod and spoil the child.
  • Diversity in the workplace improves productivity
  • Diversity in the workplace is important to retain employees
  • The loyalty of employees is determined by HR policies.
  • China is the next superpower.
  • Media is responsible for growing secular tensions
  • Freedom of the press is necessary for the development of our civilization
  • The rights of artists are protected on the internet
  • Pursuing arts can improve the longevity of an individual
  • Honesty is the best policy
  • The plea bargaining system is flawed.
  • Banning TV advertisements for fast food can improve food choices made by individuals
  • Banning alcohol advertising can help reduce dependence.
  • Medical research can be threatening to society.
  • Sex education in school reduces the occurrence of STDs.

Position Paper Topics on Psychology

Psychology encompasses several taboo subjects that can be discussed elaborately in position papers. Here is a list of the best topics for position papers related to psychology:

  • Mental health education in school is mandatory.
  • People must seek professional intervention for mental health issues.
  • Depression and anxiety are the result of enhanced social media engagement.
  • Bullying in schools should have more stringent rules and repercussions.
  • Cyberbullying should be a punishable offence.
  • The government should invest in providing better mental health facilities.
  • Mental health should be covered by insurance.
  • People who are addicted to substances have an inherent addictive personality.
  • Sexual orientation is a mental health issue.
  • Trauma or poor upbringing is responsible for the sexual orientation of an individual.
  • Counselling in schools should be mandatory.
  • There should be more stringent tests to evaluate the qualification of mental health professionals.
  • The increase in individual mental health experts and professionals is doing more bad than good.
  • People with mental health issues should be provided with employment opportunities too.
  • Mental health issues should not be grounds for termination of employment.
  • Mental health is as important as physical health.
  • Mental health issues are responsible for substance abuse.
  • Behavioural psychology should be understood and studied by HR personnel.
  • Teachers should be taught the basics of child development and psychology.
  • Studying child psychology helps improve parenting practices.
  • Freudian principles and their relevance in modern society.
  • Impulsive decisions should not be viewed as negative.
  • Military personnel should be provided with better mental health care.
  • Do mental health issues affect a relationship?
  • How can schools equip students better to deal with mental health issues?
  • The older generation is more stable when it comes to mental health.
  • Is food addiction a cause for concern?
  • Mental health disorders can be treated at home by making small changes in routine and habits.
  • Geniuses are always eccentric.
  • Personality and psychology are related to each other.

Criminal Justice Position Paper Topics

These position argument topics are among the most controversial subjects, making for a great research paper:

  • White-collar criminals should face the same prosecution as other criminals.
  • Media coverage can influence the outcome of criminal justice.
  • Should media be allowed to cover criminal cases related to celebrities and prominent individuals?
  • Prisons the treat inmates ethically are better than those with harsh living conditions.
  • It is necessary for the government to invest in better living conditions for inmates.
  • Building more prisons can curb the increase in crime rates.
  • Minors committing heinous crimes should be tried as adults instead of juveniles.
  • Improving juvenile prison systems benefits society.
  • Drugs are the major cause of violence in many countries. The laws applicable must be more stringent.
  • Banning illegal drugs will reduce dependency.
  • Women misuse sexual violence laws.
  • Domestic violence must not be limited to women.
  • Police officers are usually given a more lenient trial and treatment in the justice system.
  • Police officers must have stricter ethical codes.
  • Consuming drugs should remain a criminal offence.
  • Freedom of speech represents a double standard by law. Explain.
  • The term of inmates should be reduced if their behaviour improves significantly in prison.
  • Providing vocational training to inmates can reduce the rate of crime when they are released.
  • Inmates should be allowed to earn a living in prison.
  • Better mental health assistance should be provided to inmates in prison.
  • Holistic practices like yoga and meditation can improve the mindset of prison inmates.

If you have a tight deadline or need a high-quality position paper, there are experts for hire who can help you. You can be assured that your information will be confidential and that you will be able to submit a paper that guarantees great grades.

fashion research topics

Make PhD experience your own

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How To Write the Perfect Position Paper

title for position paper about education

Opinions are like cars. Lots of people have them, but very few know how they actually work. At some point in high school, or college, you will be required to have an opinion on something. That’s the easy part. The hard part is providing that your opinion has merit. That’s the basic premise behind writing a position paper, or a persuasive essay. This is the time-tested academic tradition where you are required to stake out a meaningful position on an important subject and, subsequently, to provide relevant and verifiable evidence that your position is grounded in solid fact.

Book Cover for The Complete Guide to Contract Cheating in Higher Education

This is an important skill, not just in school or on social media, but in real life. So if you’re on the hunt for solid facts, check out our constantly growing library of The Most Controversial Topics For Your Position Paper .

We recognize, however, that knowing a lot of facts isn’t the same as being able to write about these facts in a convincing or authoritative way. Writing an excellent position paper is a multi-step process that requires you to integrate both fact and opinion into a coherent and compelling essay. Lucky for you, we’ve got a handy step-by-step guide on how to do this.

Read on to find how you can write the perfect position paper in 10 steps...

How To Write a Position Paper

1. choose a topic that interests you.

Start with something you actually care about. If given the freedom, choose a subject that has personal meaning for you. Having real passion for the subject matter can be energizing as you dive into the research and it can infuse your writing with authenticity.

Many students like to write about controversial topics. Our study starters cover the top 25 controversial topics today .

2. Develop a Thesis Statement

Once you’ve got a subject, it’s time to define exactly where you stand on the issue. What is the point you hope to prove in your position paper? And how do you plan to prove it? If you’re not sure exactly where you stand, this is the starting point in your research. Find out what some of the leading thinkers, journalists, and public figures are saying on the subject. Which viewpoint resonates most with you? You should come away from this process with a thesis statement that both indicates your viewpoint and lays out the supporting points that will ultimately shape your essay. For instance, if you’re writing about a policy issue, your thesis might say something like “The newly proposed policy to ______ would be beneficial to the general public because it would ______, _________, and ________.

3. Identify Credible Sources

As you begin your research, it is absolutely critical that you identify only credible sources including primary sources, scholarly journals, and articles from legitimate news outlets. Of course, every source has its own implicit biases. But as you identify and use these sources, it’s your job to identify and recognize those biases. You can use a source provided by a politically biased think tank as long as you explicitly identify that bias. The most important thing you can do, as you gather resources, is ensure that they come from valid outlets , that you recognize any affiliations that might shape their perspective, and that you eliminate any sources that peddle in disinformation.

For more tips on how to do this, check out our article on How Students Can Spot Fake News .

4. Build Your Reference List

Now that you’ve identified credible resources, create your reference list. Citation is a building block of both the research process and the broader concept of academic integrity. As a student, you are expected to draw on the findings of those who came before you. But you have to credit those scholars in order to do so. Make sure you adhere to the formatting style indicated by your academic institution, course, and instructor , whether you are required to write in MLA, APA, Chicago, or its exotic-sounding twin, Turabian. Purdue’s website provides one of the more reliable style guides for your formatting reference needs .

We have a database to help you find influential scholars in a variety of subjects. We also point out influencers related to nearly 30 of the most controversial topics

5. Do Your Research

This step is all about gathering information. Now that you’ve locked in your sources, it’s time to dive deeper. If you enjoy learning new things, this is the fun part. Get comfortable and start reading. Research is the process of discovery, so take your time. Allow yourself to become absorbed in the subject matter, to be immersed, to lose yourself in the information. But come up for air every once in a while so you can take notes. Gather the ideas, statistics, and direct quotes from your research that ultimately strengthen your argument. And don’t shy away from information that contradicts your argument either. This is meant to be a learning process, so allow your position on the subject to evolve as you are presented with new information. The thesis that you’ve written is a starting point, but it’s not set in stone. If your research leads you in a different direction, don’t be afraid to refine or even revise your thesis accordingly.

6. Outline Your Position Paper

Now that your thesis has been reinforced by research, create a basic outline for what you’ll be writing . If you do this part correctly, the rest should simply be a process of filling in the blanks. Below is a basic framework for how you might structure a position paper:

  • Introduction
  • Setting up the subject
  • Thesis Statement
  • Basic Argument
  • Identification of Supporting Evidence
  • Supporting Evidence 1
  • Explanation
  • Supporting Evidence 2
  • Supporting Evidence 3
  • Counterpoint
  • Identification of Opposing Viewpoint(s)
  • Refutation of Opposing Viewpoint(s)
  • Reiterate Thesis
  • Tie Together Supporting Arguments

7. Build Your Argument

The outline above is merely a framework. Now it’s up to you to infuse that framework with your personality, your perspective and your voice. Your thesis and supporting quotes are the bones of your essay, but you’ll be adding the flesh to those bones with your set ups and explanations. This is your chance to explain why the evidence located in your research makes you feel the way you do. Remember, you are writing a fact-based essay on something that should trigger emotions in both you and the reader. Do not be afraid to lean into these feelings for your writing, as long as you keep those feelings strongly grounded in the facts of the case.

8. Address the Counterpoint

No argument is complete without recognition of its counterpart. Your willingness to acknowledge opposing viewpoints is a show of faith in your own argument. This gives you a chance to provide an honest appraisal of an opposing viewpoint and to confront this appraisal with fact-based refutation.

9. Tie It All Together

Now that you’ve spent your time fully immersed in the argument, it’s time to pull the pieces together. Revisit your introduction. Your opening paragraph should be crisp, engaging, and straight to the point. Don’t bury the lead. The purpose of your essay should be stated early and clearly. Likewise, build a concluding section that offers a compelling way of restating the thesis while incorporating some of the new things we’ve learned from reading your essay. Tie your various supporting arguments together to illustrate that we have all learned enough to agree with your initial position. And revisit each of your supporting paragraphs to ensure that each idea logically flows into the next. Write natural segue sentences between paragraphs and ensure that the connection between each supporting argument and your thesis is clear .

10. Proof, Edit, Revise, Repeat

Now you’ve assembled an essay, but it needs work. That’s not an insult. Anything ever written always needs work. Start with proofing. Look for typos, grammatical errors and incomplete sentences. Give your essay a technical cleaning. But you should also read for style, tone and substance. Does your argument hang together? Is it compelling? Do you adequately prove your point? You may find that this is an opportunity to trim gratuitous information or to add supporting information that might strengthen your argument. And as you revise your essay, try reading your work out loud. Hearing your own words out loud can reveal areas where your point might not come across as clearly. Spend as much time as you need on this step. Don’t be afraid to make substantive changes during this process. Invariably, your final draft will be significantly stronger than your rough draft.

And I’ll leave you with just one more thought-one that has always helped me as a writer. This tip comes from author Henry Miller’s famous 11 Commandments of Writing . Among the numerous valuable tips you can draw from his list, my personal favorite says “Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.”

This is great advice at any stage in your writing career. Dive in and write fearlessly.

And now that you’ve got a step-by-step roadmap for attacking your position paper, get more valuable tips, tricks, and hacks from our comprehensive collection of Study Guides and Study Starters .

And if you are struggling with how to take effective notes in class, check out our guide on note taking .

Illustration

  • Essay Guides
  • Essay Topics

Position Paper Topics You Can Argue About

  • Speech Topics
  • Basics of Essay Writing
  • Other Essays
  • Main Academic Essays
  • Research Paper Topics
  • Basics of Research Paper Writing
  • Miscellaneous
  • Chicago/ Turabian
  • Data & Statistics
  • Methodology
  • Admission Writing Tips
  • Admission Advice
  • Other Guides
  • Student Life
  • Studying Tips
  • Understanding Plagiarism
  • Academic Writing Tips
  • Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Illustration

  • Research Paper Guides
  • Formatting Guides
  • Basics of Research Process
  • Admission Guides
  • Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Position paper topics

Table of contents

Illustration

Use our free Readability checker

A position paper is a brief essay summarizing the main problem and its solutions. With good position paper topics, you need to convince people of a particular issue. And how good you are at persuading your readers mostly depends on the idea that you want to convey. The audience should feel that your opinion is important. This will enable you to gain trust.  Luckily, you’ve got to the right place. In this blog post you will find myriads of topic ideas for your position paper. Besides, we will share some valuable tips on how to pick the best idea. Let’s get down to the business.

How to Come Up With a Topic for a Position Paper

To understand how to pick a position paper topic, you should choose the field you are interested in. Study some information about it. Informational and scholar papers, guides and other materials will help with this task. By referencing them, you can pick ideas that you can easily develop in the text. Consider over the following steps:

  • Brainstorm some broad ideas.
  • Do preliminary research.
  • Narrow down the scope of your theme.
  • Study similar papers by other authors.
  • Make sure that your article is useful for society.

Provide solid arguments that will make your reader think that research you’ve conducted is right.

Position Paper Topic Ideas

To make the process easier for you, we have compiled a list of position paper topics . Choose the one that you like and get ready to write your essay. For your convenience, our list is divided into categories by disciplines.  Whether you are studying Psychology, Sociology, or Science, you will surely find an exciting idea. To choose a topic, look through this list of fields suggested below.

Good Position Paper Topics

A good topic for a position paper may express the main claims of the society. You can choose from fields that will surely touch the readers’ hearts. Check out these amazing ideas on social issues that are of great interest to most modern people.

  • Digital world influence on youth development.
  • Social discrimination.
  • Business and movie industry.
  • Alternative to imprisonment.
  • Educational innovations.
  • Loneliness and social isolation.
  • Social crisis caused by COVID-19.
  • Domestic violence and its effects on child development.
  • Should abortion be restricted?
  • Human cloning legalization.

A good topic will help to reveal your potential and involve readers in solving global issues.  Spotted a good position paper topic idea but have no time for writing? Hire a paper writer having vast experience in academic writing and get professional assistance.

Easy Topics to Write a Position Paper on

You shouldn’t start your position essay with complex ideas if it’s the first time you deal with this kind of writing. Choose easy position paper topics, then proceed to more complex debates. The list of some basic ideas is as follows:

  • Youth against bad habits.
  • Support on computer technology issues.
  • Restrictions on social networks for children.
  • Female clothing and fashion trends.
  • Transition to distance education.
  • Social adaptation for children.
  • Ban of animal testing.
  • Abolishment of death penalty.
  • Should adolescents be treated as adults?
  • Development of school voucher programs in the US.

Many people are concerned about these issues. So a detailed description of these problems may cause a storm of emotions and supporting comments.

Position Paper Topics for High School

High school position paper topics will become important not only for adults, but for children as well.

  • A need for exams after every grade.
  • Whether the Internet is useful for education.
  • Climate change : risks and preventive measures.
  • Violence in modern cartoons.
  • Need for a gap year after high school.
  • Bottled water: threat to environment.
  • Going green: Need for sustainable living.
  • Waste sorting – inconvenience or necessity?
  • Evolutionary theory debate.
  • Benefits of sports in student days.

By starting debates at high school, you could influence the perception of your classmates.

Position Paper Topics for College Students

Position paper topics for college will help understand social issues better. Consider the following topics.

  • Can renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels?
  • Same sex marriage.
  • Globalization as an origin of inequality.
  • Urbanization – are inclusive cities key to sustainability?
  • Artificial intelligence: benefit or threat?
  • Genetic engineering: possible risks.
  • Should online pharmacies be allowed?
  • Whether tutors are necessary.
  • Choosing a profession after graduation.
  • Humanities or technical education.

You can provide society with detailed information that will affect the further development of these hot issues. There are blogs with topics for explanatory essay  and persuasive writing topics on our platform. Read these ideas, they may help.

Position Paper Topics on Economics

Many people avoid topics for an economic position paper. This means that people haven’t found the most interesting issue to develop. Here are some good ideas for you.

  • World poverty impact on the economy.
  • Why are banks useful?
  • Impact of the 2008 crisis on the modern economic market.
  • Pay for university education – should education be free?
  • Suppression of small business by the state.
  • What innovations will save your country’s economy.
  • Can society prevent a new crisis?
  • Where are Asian Asian economies headed?
  • International monetary system: Economic trigger or source of instability?
  • Is there any future for bitcoin?

Choose a title from these suggested economics papers topics  to impress your instructor with trendy ideas.

Position Paper Healthcare Topics

Health is the most important topic to debate on. By choosing position paper topics on health, you can help everyone change their perception of modern medicine. You shouldn’t go into details about some benefits of medicines. Study some social and psychological factors that affect the health condition. A position paper topic will help you understand better what a person’s emotional condition depends on and how to improve society's attitude.

Position Paper Topics on Health

Developing position paper health topics is highly controversial. Choose the most relevant topics and expand them in your paper:

  • Healthcare needs and resource allocation.
  • Withholding information from patients as an ethical dilemma.
  • Insufficient places in hospitals.
  • Healthy lifestyle – a myth or reality.
  • Health deterioration over time.
  • Benefits of free medicine.
  • Increasing a gene pool.
  • Vaccination as a method of battling pandemic.
  • Self treatment: risks of treating oneself without professional supervision.
  • Help retired people maintain their health.

Still not sure? Look through opinion essay topics  for some kind of inspiration. Express healthcare-related claims – society will support your bold ideas.

Position Paper Topics for Psychology

Good topics for psychology position paper will help overcome barriers related to contacting a professional for solving these problems.

  • Free support for psychological help.
  • Domestic violence: preventive measures.
  • Influence of the emotional state on performance.
  • Choosing psychology as a profession.
  • When one needs to consult a psychotherapist.
  • Psychological tests before hiring.
  • Aggression in children.
  • Anxiety disorder as a response to social stress.
  • Mind vs Body debate.
  • Is a psychologist useful at school?

Think about important issues everyone is concerned about and encourage the readers to discuss them.

Position Paper on the Topic of Protection of Human Rights

People must comply with the laws to avoid claims from the justice system. By writing an interesting position paper on human rights, you can make the laws easier to understand or help novice lawyers understand their activity field. Thanks to your essay, people won’t have to spend time reading complex legal literature.

Criminal Justice Position Paper Topics

If you’ve decided on position paper topics for criminal justice, study the most popular issues in this field.

  • Violating the law due to a poor psychological condition: must the sick be punished?
  • How does a criminal record affect employment?
  • Social status and crimes.
  • Whether death penalty should be abolished.
  • Juvenile crime.
  • Due process or crime control?
  • Adversarial or inquisitorial system?
  • Is private policing better than public policing?
  • Allowed punishment for murder.
  • Is it possible to reduce the sentence for a severe crime?

Who is responsible for committing atrocities and how to reduce crime in every city of your country – you can write about everything in your paper.

>> Read more: Criminal Justice Research Topics

Human Trafficking Position Paper Topics

By choosing human trafficking in the United States position paper topics as research, you will be able to convey the danger of this activity to most people.

  • State of mind of those who are engaged in human trafficking.
  • Victims’ histories.
  • Impact of human trafficking on the economy.
  • Human rights violations.
  • Kidnapping children and adolescents.
  • Countries where human trafficking is thriving.
  • Reasons for kidnapping for slavery.
  • Should human trafficking be reported anonymously?
  • How can human trafficking be prevented?
  • Poverty as cause of human trafficking.

Increase public interest in this topic to toughen control over illegal trafficking. This will help to strengthen measures against kidnapping and human trafficking.

Inequality of Gender Position Paper Topics

Inequality of gender position research paper topics are becoming increasingly popular. This topic is included in various fields, including business, psychology, sociology, and others. You can choose:

  • Are there any successful women in business ?
  • Patriarchy evolution in the world.
  • Men’s fear of feminists.
  • Conflict women’s and men’s worldview.
  • Equality in everyday matters.
  • Unequal remuneration for sexes.
  • Sexism in Hollywood movies.

People will most likely reconsider their views on the allowed social conventions and interaction with other sex in different areas of life.

Position Paper Topics: Education

Many people are concerned about issues of educating children in a school. Choose position paper topics on education from the list below and increase the society’s involvement in these topical issues. You will help many people to reconsider their opinion on education. Parents will be able to help children decide on a future profession and understand whether there is a need for additional education.

  • Benefits of online education.
  • Use of technological advancements in teaching students.
  • Are single-sex groups more effective than mixed ones?
  • Tests: Most effective technique to measure academic success?
  • Should dual-language school programs be promoted?
  • Lectures or practical classes – which is better.
  • Whether printed materials are necessary.
  • Compliance of a family status with academic performance.
  • A look at educational reforms.
  • Optimal workload for students.

Have research questions on education ? We have got you covered. Read one more of our blogs.

Position Paper Topics in Special Education

Special education position paper topics help to study the best choice of an activity field for your child.

  • Choosing a profession.
  • Tutors or self-education.
  • Benefits of additional classes.
  • Support in choosing a university.
  • Impact of additional education on a child’s success in society.
  • Attitude to different activity fields.

Get across your ideas correctly and allow readers to completely immerse in your topic to be able to upgrade the modern education.

Best Topic for Position Paper on Media

If you decide on a position paper on media, you will have to study a lot of information. The media data changes every minute. The paper must contain only relevant information that can be useful for each reader. You will be free to describe any field of activity and increase the readers’ interest in relevant problems.

Best Topic for Position Paper: Social Media

When choosing a position paper on social media for your dissertation, you can consider one of the following issues:

  • Social networks for business development.
  • Problem of dependence on phones and social networks.
  • Parental control: benefit or harm to children.
  • Reliable protection of personal data in social networks.
  • Spam danger.
  • Education in social networks.
  • Deteriorating offline communication in society due to social networks.

A good study of information will help to assess the quality and impact of social networks on society. In case you need research topics for social media , read one more blog.

Position Paper Topics About Music

Position paper topics about music streaming will be a great way to express yourself:

  • Influence of music on health.
  • The best musicians and composers.
  • Development of musical directions.
  • Music psychology in different genres.
  • Attitude to opera.
  • Music therapy.
  • Learning with calm songs.

A variety of creations by famous performers available online will become of excellent help in writing your essay.

Position Paper Topics for Movie Industry

Everyone is passionate about a certain movie genre, which can be used when choosing position paper topics for movies.

  • Influence of horrors on human psychology.
  • History of cinema development.
  • Better special effects in movies.
  • Influence of a soundtrack in different movie genres.
  • Development of silent movies.
  • Online movies against theatrical productions.
  • The best modern directors.

You can study new movies and cinema history for free to compile the best report.

Sport Position Paper Topics

Regular physical activity is of invaluable importance. To make sports more valuable for society, choose sports industry paper position topics.

  • History of professional athletes.
  • Worth achievements of world sports.
  • Development of sports disciplines.
  • Advantages of doping control.
  • Overwork and its harm to health.
  • The best modern coaches.
  • Principles of maintaining athletes’ sports mood.

A research paper will be an excellent incentive to increase interest in sports not only for you, but for other people as well.

Position Paper Topic Ideas Social Work

If you want to choose a topic for a position paper in sociology, read the suggested research directions.

  • Social services must work for society.
  • Are social workers beneficial for dealing with troubled adolescents?
  • Customer opportunities in self-service.
  • Impact of the awkward age on an adolescent’s psyche.
  • Responsible arguments for making decisions when old.
  • How to get rid of anxiety when pregnant.
  • How the media affects children’s perception of the world around.

You need to study the chosen subject thoroughly before you start writing your essay. Make time and look at our blog with ideas for descriptive essay . Get some inspiration with new ideas. 

Last Thoughts on Position Paper Topics

Choosing topics for a position paper will help with research work. You will study a lot of information and become a real expert in your field. Your thoughts on debate may revolutionize society – readers will be able to get new information and expand their horizons. Gradually, the attitude towards pressing problems will change as you  provide your personal opinion. Don’t forget about possible solutions to the issue, otherwise it won’t make sense to write an essay on such dilemmas.

Illustration

If you aren’t sure how to develop your essay, consider professional college paper help . Our academic experts have helped thousands of students to create outstanding essays for different disciplines. All our writers are well-versed in their specific field of study, so you are sure to enjoy the result!

FAQ About Position Paper Topics

1. what is a position paper topic.

Position paper topics give the reader an opportunity to get acquainted with controversial issues. Each of them will contain an argument for and against. You will need to decide on your personal opinion, providing as much useful information as possible. The readers will be able to support the arguments or suggest contra arguments to be discussed.

2. What should a position paper include?

To make it easier to write a position paper, you should adhere to a clear 5-paragraph essay structure. By dividing it into subtopics and using headings, you will be able to present information on the chosen topic better. Don’t forget about a concise introduction and summary, which will make the gist of your essay more comprehensible.

3. What are the characteristics of a good position paper?

Good position paper starts with a clearly posed question. It will be controversial and may cause certain emotions in readers. You will be able to gain your supporters’ trust and convince those who are of a different mind that your position is correct. For this reason, you should use an indisputable argument and civil tongue. An adequate and correct presentation of the basic information will make your research more valuable.

4. What is a position argument?

A position argument is an argument on controversial points that the author specifies when writing their paper. A solution to this issue will help people make the right decision after reading an article. To make sure that an audience supports your argument, suggest alternative options and disapprove them.

Daniel_Howard_1_1_2da08f03b5.jpg

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

You may also like

thumbnail@2x.png

gardeshq, best essay writing service, best termpaper writing service, best write my paper service

Does a Position Paper Have a Title? Is It Double Spaced? Does It need References and Quotes?

A position paper is a piece of writing that offers a debatable viewpoint on a particular topic, usually the viewpoint of the author or another party. These papers are published in various fields, including academics, law, politics, and others. A position paper’s objective is to persuade the reader that your viewpoint is credible and defendable.

Note that you must carefully study the concepts you are contemplating before deciding on a topic, formulating your arguments, and setting up your essay. Observing and sticking to the paper’s structure is also pretty vital. Therefore, it is essential to ask yourself pertinent questions like does a position paper have a title? How many paragraphs are in a position paper? Stick around to answer these questions and more.

Does a Position Paper Have a Title?

An effective position title should have a title. The title is pretty vital because it gives the audience a glimpse of what your paper is about. It does so by specifying the essay’s narrow topic and informing the reader about the position the paper will be defending.

New Service Alert !!!

We are now taking exams and courses

When composing the position paper, begin its outline with a compelling title that briefly summarizes your argument. Be careful when composing it because the title forms the first impression of your paper. Therefore, it should be no more than ten words. Get immediately to the point and avoid using an “abstract” or imaginative title.

Also see: Tips on how writer killer essay titles

Your title must enlighten the reader and persuade them if you intend to influence them. Note that the first chance you get to influence the reader is with your headline. Therefore, avoid wasting it.

Sometimes, coming up with a valid title for a position paper is pretty challenging. If you are having trouble thinking of one, it would be wise to compose the rest of the essay and return to the title later. Otherwise, it is pretty straightforward to generate the title when given a topic to write about or when responding to a precise question.

Do You Put References on a Position Paper?

Putting references on a position paper is key. It is crucial to provide references to your position paper to offer additional backing for your viewpoint beyond what is provided by the presented data, facts, and evidence. It is also key in presenting readers with links to other papers they could read to understand more about the context of your article.

Remember, extensive research is part of a well-versed position paper. Therefore, you should always cite your sources and provide a bibliography after the conclusion. Please bear in mind to properly acknowledge any other sources of material you use, including statistics, maps, past answers, and even quotes.

How Do You Quote in a Position Paper?

First, it is worth noting that quotes in position papers are applied when citing a source or directly quoting another writer. Every time you use someone else’s words and concepts in your essay, you should give them due credit. This should be both on the document’s Works Cited (MLA) or References (APA) page and next to the relevant quote (in-text citation).

A direct quotation needs to be enclosed in quotation marks (” “). Furthermore, it must be presented as a block quotation if it contains 40 characters or above. After the quotation, you should include an In-Text Citation to indicate its source. It is brief, placed in parentheses, contains the page number, and directs the reader to the full citation on your bibliography.

An in-text citation in the MLA style is added after the final quotation mark, which includes the author’s last name and the page reference. Similarly, the in-text citation comes after the final quotation mark in APA format. However, it is written slightly differently, with commas and p. before the page number. It also incorporates the date of publication.

When referencing both, you should place the title in quotation marks (“Title of Document”) for works that are components of a larger total. These works include journal articles, book chapters, reports, and websites. Similarly, the title should be in italics (“Title of Source”) for independent works, such as films and books.

Is a Position Paper Double Spaced?

It is no standard requirement that a position paper should be double-spaced. Some professors or publishers call for double-spaced papers, while others demand single-spaced articles.

The amount of line and paragraph spacing to employ is usually given as part of the formatting guidelines. For example, the instructions could require you to specifically employ double or single spacing. However, the line spacing is sometimes dependent on the number of words and pages required for a position paper. In that case, it is up to you to make the determination.

Nevertheless, some formatting requirements are standard for all position papers. For example, all printed papers should be in 12point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins.

How Many Paragraphs are in a Position Paper?

Like a critical essay, a classic position paper comprises three basic paragraphs. They include the introduction, the body paragraph, and the conclusion. However, some position papers will comprise more than three paragraphs. This depends on the number of body paragraphs the author wishes to include.

The introduction should present the reader with background information on the paper’s subject matter. On the other hand, the body paragraphs provide supporting details and evidence to back them. Finally, the conclusion re-asserts your stance and the reasons for defending it.

What Should Be Avoided in Writing a Position Paper?

As mentioned earlier in this article, a position paper’s objective is to argue and defend a particular opinion to persuade the reader that your viewpoint is credible. In trying to write a well-versed paper, there are mistakes that you should avoid. Such errors include;

  • An Ambiguous or General Thesis

You need to establish your stance instantly in the paper with your thesis argument. Your stance must be pretty straightforward too. Similarly, if you are composing a position paper, your viewpoint must be debatable in some way. It can’t just be a general statement that most people would agree with. Otherwise, your viewpoint is not unique.

A position paper needs to be as original as possible, and committing plagiarism would indicate that you have stolen someone else’s ideas and points. To avoid doing so, ensure to rephrase your work and acknowledge other sources by citing them.

  • Grammatical Errors

Grammatical errors are a sign of a poorly composed position paper. In your paper, avoid contractions, spelling and punctuation mistakes, and the improper use of tenses. You can only avoid such blunders by carefully proofreading and revising your work before submission.

So, does a position paper have a title? After reading this article, you can agree that a title is a key component of a position paper. You can also agree that there are a lot of guidelines to observe and uphold when composing one. Therefore, utilize this information and better your position paper writing skills.

How to Make an Outline for a Position Paper

Louise balle, 24 aug 2018.

Person wearing black and gray jacket in front of bookshelf.jpg

If your instructor asks you to write a position paper, he or she wants you to take a strong stance on an issue and present your argument. This paper is similar to writing one side of a debate. While making your assertions, you must also back them up with research and sources to lend credibility to your paper and convince your audience to accept your position. But, before you start writing, it's best to create a position paper outline and take a look at position paper samples.

Explore this article

  • The Best Approach to Writing an Outline
  • Create Your Title
  • Write Your Introduction
  • Find Your Main Idea
  • Present Your Argument
  • Outline Your Conclusion

1 The Best Approach to Writing an Outline

Before writing your position paper, you'll need to create an outline that can help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Having an outline will make it easier when it comes time to write the actual paper. Writing outlines is easier for some people than others, and likewise, some people find it easier to just jump right into the writing part. Either way, an outline doesn't hurt.

The best approach to writing an outline depends on what works best for you. Some students may find it easier to use pictures and diagrams to create their outline or a template provided by their teacher. Others may find it easier to write the outline from scratch. You can write it on the computer, or you can write it in a notebook. It's up to you. There is no right or wrong way to establish your outline, yet, it's necessary that your outline includes all the vital points that you'll need to have in your position paper. You may want to look at a position paper sample before starting the process.

2 Create Your Title

Start your position paper outline with a strong title that expresses your position briefly. Keep the title to 10 words or less. Don't write an "abstract" title or get too creative—just get right to the point. An example of a position paper title would be, "Why Hybrid Cars Are the Wave of the Future." If you're having difficulty coming up with a title, then come back to it later. Sometimes, it's easy to come up with a title if your teacher suggests the topic or you're answering a very specific question. Otherwise, if the title isn't coming to you right away, do the rest of the paper and come back to it later.

3 Write Your Introduction

Write the introduction. The introduction poses a fact or question for the reader to consider and presents the thesis (main idea). Keep the introduction to about one to two paragraphs. Similar to coming up with a title, an introduction can sometimes be much easier to write after the body of the essay is already completed. This way, you will know exactly what the main ideas are that should be mentioned in the introduction.

4 Find Your Main Idea

Outline a general background on the issue you plan to discuss. Here you're not yet presenting your argument—just informing the reader on why the issue is important. Plan a section of about one to four paragraphs.

5 Present Your Argument

Present your argument in the next section of the outline. This is the "meat" of your position paper outline. Here you'll state your position clearly and provide statements and facts from your research that supports this opinion on the matter. A position paper argument should include plenty of examples, charts, quotes from experts and other data in this section that will back up your position. This section should be several paragraphs (about one to five depending on your instructor's length requirements).

6 Outline Your Conclusion

Finish the outline with a conclusion. Here you'll summarize everything you've presented in the position paper and focus in on one or two points you mentioned that you feel are most relevant. Be careful not to repeat yourself word-for-word in the conclusion. End it with an interesting question or thought for the future regarding the issue.

  • When writing out your outline, use a numbered list. For instance, "1. Title," "2. Introduction," etc. You can then go back and type in your various ideas for the position paper next to each point in the list.
  • Be brief when filling out your outline. Short bullet points beneath each numbered section is fine. You will expand on each point when you're writing the actual paper.
  • 1 Study Guides and Strategies: Writing Position Papers
  • 2 Kibin: This Position Paper Outline Will Help You Get Started
  • 3 SFU.ca: Writing a Position Paper

About the Author

Louise Balle has been writing Web articles since 2004, covering everything from business promotion to topics on beauty. Her work can be found on various websites. She has a small-business background and experience as a layout and graphics designer for Web and book projects.

Related Articles

How to Write a 10th Grade Book Report

How to Write a 10th Grade Book Report

How to Start a Research Paper Introduction

How to Start a Research Paper Introduction

How to Write a Thesis Statement in High School Essays

How to Write a Thesis Statement in High School Essays

Tips for High School Students on Creating Introductions & Conclusions

Tips for High School Students on Creating Introductions...

How to Make a Good Thesis Title

How to Make a Good Thesis Title

How to Improve Your Handwriting for Left-Handed People

How to Improve Your Handwriting for Left-Handed People

How to Write an Introduction

How to Write an Introduction

How to End an Informative Paper

How to End an Informative Paper

Transitions For Essays

Transitions For Essays

How to Write a Rough Draft

How to Write a Rough Draft

How to Write a Thesis for a DBQ

How to Write a Thesis for a DBQ

How to Write a Thesis Rough Draft

How to Write a Thesis Rough Draft

How to Write a Critical Response Essay

How to Write a Critical Response Essay

Good Ways to Start an Essay

Good Ways to Start an Essay

Key Ideas to Help Write an Argument & Persuasion Essay

Key Ideas to Help Write an Argument & Persuasion Essay

How to Write a Good High School English Essay

How to Write a Good High School English Essay

How to Write a Thought Paper

How to Write a Thought Paper

How to Write a Conclusion

How to Write a Conclusion

How to Write a Debate Essay

How to Write a Debate Essay

Beginning an Informative Essay

Beginning an Informative Essay

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Manage Preferences

© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

Put a stop to deadline pressure, and have your homework done by an expert.

201 Great Position Paper Topics To Try

Position Paper Topics

The first step in putting together a great college or university paper is choosing a great topic. This can be hard for some students because it can time consuming as well as stressful digging through the countless topics for position papers. If you are having trouble coming up with something to write about, these position paper sample topics should give several ideas:

Position Paper Topics for Psychology

These claim of fact topics are among the first types of essays students learn in this discipline. These are a handful of topics they should consider if they are interested in the psychology field:

  • What are the major causes of social anxiety disorder?
  • How does spending time working out at the gym impact body confidence?
  • What is the link between the number of times people watch TV and obesity?
  • What is the relationship between physical activity and mental illness?
  • How do males and females experience depression differently?
  • Why does the U.S. rank among the highest in-home sexual abuse cases?
  • How does depression affect physical health?
  • What is the state of sports psychology in today’s world?
  • What impact does athletic coaching have on young people?
  • How do certain teaching methods work better with specific personality types?
  • Why are professional sports athletes in need of mental health checks?
  • How are social hierarchies formed at the workplace?
  • How do children learn to solve problems at an early age?
  • What is the relationship between mental health and obesity?
  • Which factors affect guilt more than others?
  • How does social media affect our social interactions?
  • Do restrictions of short-term memory affect the way the elderly socializes?
  • What are some factors that contributed to childhood obesity?
  • What causes attraction among couples?
  • How do packaging and advertising affect consumer choices?

Criminal Justice Position Paper Topics

Criminal justice is a field that is constantly evolving. We are at a point where you can find all the background information you need on the web. But there is a lot you can learn by conducting some in-depth academic research in the library:

  • How has online security changed the way people commit fraud?
  • Should society consider decriminalizing marijuana use?
  • What impact does a person’s education have on the kind of crime he/she commits?
  • What are the challenges of social cohesion and criminal justice?
  • Should young adults who commit violent crimes be charged as adults?
  • Do juries consider crimes committed by law enforcement more seriously?
  • What kind of crimes are teenagers more likely to commit?
  • Should people that commit public shootings face the death penalty?
  • How can noncriminal behaviors be acquired by imitating role models?
  • How important is education when it comes to prison terms?
  • What is a natural legal crime and how does it affect the legal system?
  • Does a person’s gender affect how he or she is penalized?
  • Should drug use be considered when giving sentences to criminals?
  • Does a person’s employment status affect how he or she is sentenced?
  • Should the federal government ban certain types of firearms?
  • How much effort should the government put into rehabilitation?
  • Should the United States invest in privately owned prisons?
  • Is the jury selection process fair for all races and ethnicities?
  • Is it possible to remain neutral in mental disorder cases?
  • Is there a gender bias when people testify in criminal cases?

Position Argument Topics for Middle School Students

These ideas are designed for students that are learning how to conduct research and properly form a reasonable argument to support their arguments. They can be easily researched on the web and using school resources:

  • Should schools emphasize art education?
  • Should books with questionable scenes or language be banned?
  • Should students be required to attend summer school?
  • Should student-athletes maintain a certain GPA?
  • Should students have the choice to take virtual classes?
  • In which grade should sexual education be taught?
  • Should public colleges be free for all?
  • Should physical education still be a required school subject?
  • Should students be allowed to skip a grade level if they overachieve?
  • Why do Americans eat so much fast food?
  • Should home chores be mandatory?
  • Should graffiti be considered art?
  • Do parents of the right to put restrictions on internet use?
  • Why is it important to participate in school politics?
  • Should the school day have fewer hours?
  • What are the best activities to do during the summer?
  • Should students be allowed to take more electives?
  • Should the minimum wage be increased?
  • Should music sharing on the internet be allowed?
  • Do online streaming services adequately regulate content?

Topics for Position Paper for High School Students

When writing any assignment, you always want to make sure you choose a good topic. These types of position paper ideas are great for students that are still learning skills in researching and writing. The ideas listed below don’t require a lot of in-depth academic research and can be dealt with by doing some easy background research on the web:

  • Should military service be mandatory in the United States?
  • Should the Covid-19 vaccine be made mandatory in all workplaces?
  • How effective are anti-bullying policies at your school?
  • What are the best professional traits to have in the workplace?
  • What is the best food to serve at a party?
  • Is the dress code at your school fair?
  • What are the pros and cons of distance learning?
  • Should the United States raise the federal minimum wage?
  • Will the U.S. ever become 100% green?
  • Why is exercise important to enhance mental focus?
  • Should the U.S. limit the number of immigrants that come into the country?
  • Is it a good idea to make school uniforms mandatory?
  • Should students be expelled for cheating?
  • Should companies force employees to get periodic Covid-19 tests?
  • How long should detention be for students caught smoking on campus?
  • Why do Americans have the world’s unhealthiest diet trends?
  • Should schools allow students to choose what courses they want to take?
  • Should the U.S. government offer better incentives for properties that use solar power?
  • Should the U.S. provide universal healthcare coverage?
  • How does listening to music help students finish assignments?

Position Paper Topics Ideas for College Students

If you are a college student, these topics may suit your needs. They cover a wide range of topics across several disciplines and are sure to earn the interest of your readers:

  • Should the United States stop selling weapons to countries around the world?
  • How much should parents be involved in their children’s education?
  • Should the United States ban unpaid internships?
  • Should the federal government legalize prostitution?
  • Does the DSM-IV adequately characterize abnormal symptoms?
  • Should corporations have a lower or higher tax rate?
  • Why does the U.S. have an obesity problem?
  • Do healthy diets impact your mood negatively or positively?
  • What are the characteristics of high-functioning adults suffering from schizophrenia?
  • Does law enforcement need to be reorganized and regulated?
  • Should the FDA take a bigger role in regulating the American diet?
  • How does the average American diet compare to other diets from around the world?
  • Do public schools provide adequate nutritious meal choices?
  • Are college students forced to take too many courses per semester?
  • How much influence should parents have on their children’s relationships?
  • Should the United States allow companies to form monopolies?
  • Does the U.S. effectively deal with misdemeanors committed by youth?
  • Should females be allowed to participate in professional male sports?
  • Should the United States end the use of privately owned prisons?
  • Should transgender people be allowed to participate in professional sports?

Position Paper Topics on Health for Graduate Students

The health field is constantly evolving and this poses challenges for students looking for topics that do not become outdated by the time they need to write their dissertations. Here is a list of ideas to consider:

  • What impact will Juneteenth have on American society?
  • What are the major problems with the BLM movement?
  • Should the pledge of allegiance remove its reference to God?
  • Should the possession of drugs be decriminalized?
  • Does capital punishment deter people from committing crimes?
  • How does the U.S. justify giving tax breaks to large corporations?
  • Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
  • Should collegiate athletes be given guaranteed contracts?
  • Is it a good idea to invest in pieces of art?
  • Should the United States allow Presidents to serve a third term?
  • Should the Electoral College be eliminated?
  • Should there be term limits for the Supreme Court Judges?
  • How do religious organizations justify not paying taxes?
  • Should Puerto Rico become the 51 st state?
  • What are the pros and cons of animal testing?
  • Should people have the right to elect Supreme Court Judges?
  • Should birth control pills be available for free?
  • What impact do third-party candidates have on elections?
  • Should students be allowed to hire problem solvers?
  • Should college students be taught how to invest?

Good Position Paper Topics for a Short Project

If you are working on an assignment that needs to be completed in a few days, you need a topic that you can quickly find information about online and at the library. The following topics are perfect for this situation:

  • Should teachers use social media in their lessons?
  • Are students prepared to return to a full day of classes?
  • What are the benefits of making virtual friends?
  • Should men receive paid paternity leave?
  • Should high school students learn how to budget?
  • Should employees have the right to evaluate their supervisors?
  • What is the best type of music to listen to when studying?
  • At what age should children start school?
  • How effective is online learning?
  • Should the pass/fail system be applied to all classes?
  • Should cooking be a mandatory subject taught at school?
  • Should journalists be forced to reveal sources in court cases?
  • What are the pros and cons of social media?
  • What are the benefits of having a dog or cat as a pet?
  • Should students have to repeat the grade lost to Covid-19?
  • Should students have the right to evaluate their teachers?
  • Can society adequately conserve energy to reduce pollution?
  • Can media outlets be held accountable for spreading false news?
  • What is a subject that is underfunded at your school?
  • Should driver’s education be made mandatory?

Position Research Paper Topics for a Long Project

This set of ideas are tougher than the ones we listed earlier. These ideas are geared towards students that have gained ample experience writing research papers and know how much hard work needs to go into putting them together:

  • Should doctors be allowed to share confidential information in certain cases?
  • Is public school better than private school education?
  • Does the use of smartphones help or hinder employee performance?
  • What is the negative impact of watching reality shows?
  • Why do people become addicted to social media communication?
  • Why do people idolize celebrities?
  • Are genetically modified foods safe for human consumption?
  • Why is it important to teach children family traditions?
  • Why do people create misleading online profiles?
  • Should standardized testing be eliminated?
  • What are the negative effects of staying “connected” through technology?
  • Why do young adults feel more confident communicating online than in person?
  • Do colleges put too much value on standardized test scores?
  • Should young adults be allowed to get tattoos with parental approval?
  • Should felons be allowed to vote in state elections?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the public schools their children attend?
  • How important is it for employees to take vacations?
  • How much does culture influence health in American health?
  • How does social media affect a person’s physical activity?
  • Should people be mandated to participate in local politics?

Position Paper Ideas are Great for a Tight Deadline

These claim of value topics are great for assignments that have tight deadlines. You can quickly find information on the web and find current information by checking journals at the library. You should be able to complete these topics within a week:

  • What are some subjects that should be removed from the curricula?
  • Should the United States’ taxation system be revamped?
  • What are the negatives of winning the lottery?
  • What life experiences are important for character growth?
  • How much does music impact the way people learn?
  • Should schools make the study of classical music mandatory?
  • Have we reached a state of gender equality?
  • What influence does religion have on our perspective of life and death?
  • How do males and females raise children differently?
  • Should sports betting be made legal nationwide?
  • Does a college degree make a person smart?
  • Which genre of music has had the most influence on modern society?
  • Do schools do enough to prepare students for the real world?
  • Should there be a reasonable age gap between couples?
  • Do we need to do more than work hard to achieve financial success?
  • Is it still important to earn a college or university degree?
  • What impact did the MeToo movement have on romantic relationships?
  • Should eSports be considered sports?
  • Are female athletes sexualized by the uniforms they are forced to wear?
  • Should student-athletes receive money for playing sports?

Controversial Position Paper Topics

A written assignment should try to engage with personal interests while simultaneously trying to push the envelope when it comes to academic research. You can also research and write about something controversial to capture the attention of your readers:

  • Are students learning less because of the amount of homework they receive?
  • What causes young adults to bully other young adults?
  • Would there be less street crime if marijuana were legalized?
  • Can someone under the age of 18 be allowed to vote in elections?
  • Are children safe using social media and the internet?
  • Should the United States interfere with international laws protecting rainforests?
  • What right does the government have in regulating who smokes?
  • Is it ethical to euthanize a patient that is suffering from excessive pain?
  • What are the scientific and moral arguments for and against human cloning?
  • Should prostitution be legalized and regulated to increase revenue?
  • Is it fair to ban smoking in open public spaces like parks and sidewalks?
  • Is it ethical to prevent cross-cultural marriages?
  • Should students receive financial compensation when they perform well?
  • Should the federal government take an active role in lowering the cost of college?
  • Should public schools ban public prayer in classrooms?
  • What are the negative effects of banning controlled substances?
  • Should sex workers be given the same employee rights as in other industries?
  • Does placing bans on controlled substances lead to more crime?
  • Is the amount of homework harmful to students’ mental health?
  • Should rich people pay more taxes to reduce the cost of social services?
  • Should states invest in building same-sex schools?

Our experts for hire specialize in a variety of academic disciplines. We create professional high-quality assignments that earn the best grades in class, no matter the topic or discipline. We can also provide hundreds of topic ideas and sample assignments for students needing a jump start. Check out our other topic lists, resources, or contact us for specific needs.

special occasion speech topics

Get on top of your homework.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • CONNECT COMMUNITY
  • CE ORGANIZER
  • LABUCATE VIRTUAL LEARNING
  • MEMBER CENTRAL
  • Constituent Societies
  • Membership Packages
  • Registration
  • Accommodations
  • Poster Abstract Submissions
  • Poster Information
  • Partner Engagement
  • eCLECtic Blog
  • Laboratory Educators Institute
  • CE Organizer Data Transfer
  • Labucate Virtual Learning
  • Online P.A.C.E. Courses
  • Legislative Symposium
  • Social Media
  • Society News Now
  • ASCLS Today
  • ASCLS Connect Community
  • Clinical Laboratory Science Journal
  • The Bench Connection
  • Ascending Professionals Forum
  • Developing Professionals Forum
  • House of Delegates
  • Governance Resources
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Scientific Assemblies
  • Lab Week-MLPW
  • Mentorship Program
  • ASCLS Political Action Committee
  • Patient Safety
  • Labvocate Action Center
  • Position Papers
  • Career Center – Job Search
  • Career Center – Employers
  • How do I become a laboratory professional?
  • Online Academic Programs
  • Certification Information
  • DCLS Body of Knowledge
  • Career Recruitment Tool Kit
  • Laboratory Science Careers Website
  • PACE Providers List
  • Mission Vision Statement
  • Code of Ethics
  • Board of Directors
  • Leadership Directories
  • Leadership Resources
  • Past Presidents
  • Professional Staff
  • Awards and Scholarships
  • Education & Research Fund
  • Industry Support
  • ASCLS Voices Under 40

Standardizing the Professional Title of Medical Laboratory Professionals

  • Standardizing the Professional Title of…

A Position Paper of American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC). Adopted by the ASCLS House of Delegates July 2, 2020.

The following sponsoring and participating societies of the ASCP BOC Board of Governors (BOG) support this position paper: AABB, American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA; Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT); American Society of Cytopathology (ASC); American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS); American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Society for Microbiology (ASM); Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA); National Society for Histotechnology (NSH).

Download a PDF of the Position Paper

Appendix Table 1 and Table 2

Problem Summary

The medical laboratory profession has played an integral role in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment for approximately a century. There is, however, a lack of understanding among the public as well as other health care professionals of who we are, the nature of our work, and the critical influence laboratory data has on diagnosis and treatment. In addition, these groups do not comprehend the level of education and training necessary to achieve competency as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). Laboratory professionals feel a lack of respect from other healthcare professionals who should view us as peers. This may be due, in part, to the fact that we have limited direct patient interaction and/or that laboratories are often ‘invisible’ behind locked doors, in the basement, in separate buildings, or off site.

Interpretation of federal regulations governing standards for laboratory personnel has allowed those with insufficient laboratory-related education and training to perform moderate and complex testing, further diminishing the profession and confusing the health care community regarding required credentials for laboratory professionals.

Another aspect to this problem is that many educational programs closed in the 1990s, resulting in a workforce shortage that has lasted more than 20 years. In response, managers and administrators have hired non-Medical Laboratory Scientist credentialed individuals to perform laboratory testing.

To further complicate this situation, our professional credentials, how we refer to ourselves, how others refer to us, and the job/position titles for similarly educated individuals are not consistent. We refer to ourselves as Medical Technologists or Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical Laboratory Scientists, depending on degree program, certification, or job title. Job titles often do not reflect current professional credential designations. Some facilities use Medical Technologist while others have adopted the current professional credential designation of Medical Laboratory Scientist. Individuals use casual, non-professional terms such as ’med tech’, ‘lab tech’, or ‘tech’ in referring to laboratory professionals. Unlike physicians, nurses, physical therapists, or other health care professionals, we have not adopted a single identity/title that in turn denotes us as a recognizable profession.

These factors contribute to a crisis in our professional identity not only within, but also external to the medical laboratory profession. Our name is important. Adopting a unified term is one step toward controlling our professional destiny. If we don’t refer to ourselves in a consistent, recognizable, professional manner, how can we expect the public and other health care professionals to regard us as a single profession, to acknowledge our professional identity, and to recognize the fundamental part we play in the health care team?

To summarize, – what’s in a name? Everything important to our profession — our professional identity, as well as recognition from the healthcare team, administration, government agencies, and the public. In addition, it affects recruitment to, and retention in, our profession. It is time we move to one name — Medical Laboratory Scientist .

NOTE: This position paper focuses on the title for those with a baccalaureate degree. Individuals who have an associate degree and who have successfully met the requirements of a national certification program have minimal problems with consistency of title and will not be addressed in this paper.

History of our name

One problem causing confusion about our identity is rooted in our professional history. We have changed our professional title and certification multiple times. Unlike other professions, we currently have multiple credentialing agencies, each with different titles and requirements to qualify for their examinations. Table 1 in the Appendix provides a comprehensive look at titles and certification agencies. Although some of the credentials listed are no longer available, individuals still use them when representing themselves as members of the profession. Several key points in our professional history illustrating the nomenclature changes are listed below.

  • 1926 – ASCP resolution was passed to appoint a “Committee on the Registration of Laboratory Technicians” to define a technician and to differentiate classes of technicians.
  • 1928 – permanent ASCP Board of Registry was created to issue certificates of registration. They adopted the classification of Laboratory Technician and Medical Technologist based upon minimum qualification standards.
  • 1929 – original draft of Rules & Regulations of the American Registry of Medical Technologists was published in the Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine and was entitled: “The Registry of Technicians – Proposed Working Scheme”. The section “Classification of Laboratory Technicians ” identified the Medical Technologist and Laboratory Technician . (The detailed section ‘requirements for eligibility’ is analogous to the current ASCP BOC eligibilities for certification.)
  • 1931 – use of initials L.T. (Laboratory Technician) and M.T. (Medical Technologist) after the registrant’s name was instituted. The parenthetical “ASCP” after L.T. and M.T. was adopted to clearly identify ASCP certification.
  • 1933 – designation “ Registered Medical Technologist ” was restricted to college graduates. In the early years of the profession, the name Laboratory Technician was used interchangeably to mean both Laboratory Technicians AND Medical Technologists .
  • 1936 – title “ Laboratory Technician ” was discontinued. All subsequent registrants were designated “ Medical Technologists ”.
  • 1939 – other organizations started to develop examinations and nomenclature for the profession. Over the years, this included American Medical Technologists (AMT), International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT), and American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB). AMT has maintained the term Medical Technologist, as has AAB. The federal government also provided an examination (now discontinued) to allow individuals to become Clinical Laboratory Technologists CLT(HEW). See Table 1 in the Appendix for the complete listing of agencies and titles.
  • 1977 – National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA) was formed by the American Society for Medical Technology (ASMT) as an independent certification body. NCA used the designations of Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) and Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) as their designations for MLT and MT respectively.
  • 2009 – NCA and the ASCP Board of Registry (BOR) unified to become a single certification agency, known as the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) . Under the auspices of this new single certification agency, the professional credential designations for the profession became Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) .

Impact of Multiple Professional Titles

Educational requirements, program and degree names

  • Educational requirements to sit for the credentialing examination have also been an issue. At one time a baccalaureate degree was not required, only a specified number of college credits/hours. In 1973, ASCP Board of Registry (BOR) began to require a baccalaureate degree as part of the educational requirements to sit for the Medical Technologist (MT) credentialing examination. Some credentialing organizations, however, still do not require this crucial minimal educational qualification.
  • Educational institutions or hospitals have changed the names of programs or departments over the years to mesh with the professional credential designations. Not all, however, have made the change. See Table 2 in the Appendix for a breakdown of current program titles. There is also lack of a standardized degree title designated to those who earn a bachelor’s degree in a laboratory profession. Therefore, graduates can have different degree titles on the diploma and may refer to themselves based on degree title rather than credential title.

Federal Regulations

  • Federal government regulations have further complicated the evolution of our professional name and identity. Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) passed by Congress in 1988 individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical or physical science may legally function as personnel who test human samples in hospitals, public health settings, and in reference laboratories. In turn, human resource departments and laboratory managers have created their own job categories for these individuals or, even worse, have placed them in the same job category as the credentialed MLS. Just recently, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified their interpretation of CLIA 88, stating that a bachelor’s degree in nursing is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biology or MLS for the purpose of performing high complexity laboratory testing. Those with specific MLS education and certification maintain there is a difference in educational content compared to other science bachelor’s degrees. Few believe there is equivalence in preparedness, test performance, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Although recent data demonstrating the value of MLS education and certification are lacking, literature from the 1990s is supportive of these differences.

Workforce shortage and hiring of non-MLS in the laboratory

  • Another aspect to this nomenclature problem is that many educational programs closed in the 1990s, resulting in a workforce shortage of appropriately educated and trained individuals that continues to this day. Numbers of graduates have not kept up with the vacancies. The most recent ASCP Vacancy Survey reported vacancy rates between 5.68% and 11.48%, depending on laboratory department. In turn, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected an 11% increase in job growth (combined MLT and MLS) of about 35,000 new positions between 2018 and 2028. In response to current shortages, managers and administrators have hired non-MLS credentialed individuals to perform laboratory testing. These individuals may have a bachelor’s degree in a biological or chemical science, but no specific medical laboratory training and no certification. In many cases, they have no educational background in the scientific or quality assurance concepts so inherent in MLS education — only on-the-job training in one area of the laboratory. The certified MLS and MLT should be distinguished from other laboratory workers. No one other than a nurse, physician, dietitian, physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) would be allowed to perform the duties of these professionals. Neither is there any confusion about who these professionals are. No one would be given the job title of nurse or PT or OT without specific educational degree. Neither should this be the case for the medical laboratory profession.

As is evident, our professional history demonstrates a lack of a standardized credential. We have a checkered past with respect to professional name and credential. At one time, the title technician was applied to all; at other times there was a distinction. This has resulted in a situation in which there is no standardized nomenclature among employers leading to confusion for pay grade, educational programs, regulatory agencies, certification agencies, and the public. We have allowed shorthand references such as ‘med tech’, ‘lab tech’, and ‘just a tech’ to cause further ambiguity to our professional identity. The designation for laboratory professionals needs to be standardized and broadly communicated.

Given these challenges and threats to the profession, we need to identify and adopt a standardized credential and title for those with education (baccalaureate degree) and training in the medical laboratory sciences. Names of educational programs and job titles should parallel the credential. It is also important that those with MLS education and certification be distinguished from those with a bachelor’s degree in a science and no certification.

The ASCP BOC and ASCLS:

  • support the designation of Medical Laboratory Scientist for all who have graduated with a baccalaureate degree and have successfully met the requirements of a national certification program.
  • support the designation of Medical Laboratory Technician for those who have graduated with an associate degree and have successfully met the requirements of a national certification program.
  • encourage all educational programs to adopt the term Medial Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technician – as appropriate – as the formal designation for programs to further establish the continuity between educational program and professional credential.
  • encourage, support, and endorse all efforts to use the job title of Medical Laboratory Scientist for those with a baccalaureate degree who have successfully met the requirements of a national certification program.
  • encourage, support and endorse all efforts to use the job title of Medical Laboratory Technician for those who have an associate degree and who have successfully met the requirements of a national certification.
  • support and endorse all efforts to find alternate job titles for those with any education and training other than what has been stated above.

In summary, ASCLS and the ASCP BOC acknowledge the importance of standard nomenclature to link educational program, credential, and job title. We realize to move the entire Medical Laboratory Science professional body in this direction is a substantial undertaking. Managers and human resource departments at hospitals, reference laboratories, and public health facilities will need to re-evaluate and rename job categories and titles. Educational programs may need to change the title of their program which may involve significant resources at the institutional and state level. Most importantly, individuals will need to rethink how they refer to themselves and consistently use the title Medical Laboratory Scientist.

We would not make this proposal and suggest the laboratory community go to this effort if we believed the status quo was an advantage to the profession. These changes will not resolve all of the issues related to lack of recognition from other health care professionals. They will not assure that everyone recognizes and values the laboratory’s integral role in providing care every day. However, this initiative for a single professional designation and title is a step in the right direction and will help to cement our professional identity and control our professional destiny. In turn, it will clarify the role we play in patient care for other health care professionals, the public, and ourselves. It is in a name!

{/textblock_content}[/yee_text_block][yee_text_block css_animation=”no” ex_class=”” style_detail=”” yee-widget-theme=”default” border_color=”” border=”none” visiable=”1″]{textblock_content}

Montgomery L. A short history of the Registry of Medical Technologists of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, Am J Clin Pathol. 1970;53(4):433-446.

Karni K. Opportunities in Clinical Laboratory Science Careers , 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education, 2002.

Karni K. American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists website. https://ascls.org/aboutus/history. Accessed August 20, 2019.

Fydryszewski N. What’s in a name? – a reflection. ASCLS Today . 2015;29(9):10-14.

BOARD OF CERTIFICATION TIMELINE (1920s to 2010s). American Society for Clinical Pathology website.https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/boc-pdfs/about_boc/boc-historytimeline.pdf?sfvrsn=10. Updated May 2018. Accessed August 20, 2019

Laboratory Field Services. California Department of Public Health website. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OSPHLD/LFS/Pages/CLS.aspx. Accessed August 20, 2019.

Office of the Professions. New York State Education Department website. http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/clt/clp-cltlic.htm.

Find a Program. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences website. https://www.naacls.org/Find-a-Program.aspx. Accessed August 20, 2019.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov. Accessed October 20, 2019.

Garcia, E, I Kundu, M. Kelly, R Soles. 2019. The American Society for Clinical Pathology’s 2018 Vacancy Survey of Medical Laboratories in the United States. Am J Clin Pathol. 152:155-168.

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Addressing the Clinical Laboratory Workforce Shortage. Position Paper. (ASCLS) 2018.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/ascpcdn/static/BOC/Newsletter/2019/BOC_Newsletter_Feb.pdf

Hurst, J, K Nickel, LH Hilborne. 1998. Are physicians’ office laboratory results of comparable quality to those produced in other laboratory settings? JAMA 279:468-471.

Lunz, ME, BM Castleberry, K James, J Stahl. 1987. The impact of the quality of laboratory staff on the accuracy of laboratory results. JAMA . 258:361-363.

Delost, MD, WG Miller, GA Change, WJ Korzun, TS Nadder. 2009. Influence of credentials of clinical laboratory professionals on proficiency testing performance. Am J Clin Pathol. 132:550-554.

Lunz ME, BM Castleberry, K James. 1992. Laboratory staff qualifications and accuracy of proficiency test results. A national study. Arch Pathol Lab Med 116:820-924.

Help | Advanced Search

Computer Science > Robotics

Title: universal manipulation interface: in-the-wild robot teaching without in-the-wild robots.

Abstract: We present Universal Manipulation Interface (UMI) -- a data collection and policy learning framework that allows direct skill transfer from in-the-wild human demonstrations to deployable robot policies. UMI employs hand-held grippers coupled with careful interface design to enable portable, low-cost, and information-rich data collection for challenging bimanual and dynamic manipulation demonstrations. To facilitate deployable policy learning, UMI incorporates a carefully designed policy interface with inference-time latency matching and a relative-trajectory action representation. The resulting learned policies are hardware-agnostic and deployable across multiple robot platforms. Equipped with these features, UMI framework unlocks new robot manipulation capabilities, allowing zero-shot generalizable dynamic, bimanual, precise, and long-horizon behaviors, by only changing the training data for each task. We demonstrate UMI's versatility and efficacy with comprehensive real-world experiments, where policies learned via UMI zero-shot generalize to novel environments and objects when trained on diverse human demonstrations. UMI's hardware and software system is open-sourced at this https URL .

Submission history

Access paper:.

  • Download PDF
  • HTML (experimental)
  • Other Formats

References & Citations

  • Google Scholar
  • Semantic Scholar

BibTeX formatted citation

BibSonomy logo

Bibliographic and Citation Tools

Code, data and media associated with this article, recommenders and search tools.

  • Institution

arXivLabs: experimental projects with community collaborators

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs .

IMAGES

  1. Education Position Paper Final

    title for position paper about education

  2. Sample Position Paper Outline

    title for position paper about education

  3. Position Paper What Is The Purpose Of Education / Malcolm Forbes quote

    title for position paper about education

  4. 200 Best Position Paper Topics and Ideas to Consider

    title for position paper about education

  5. A Student Sample Position Paper

    title for position paper about education

  6. Education and Training Position Paper June 2013 EN (Final)

    title for position paper about education

VIDEO

  1. First Year-Application

  2. Position Paper II Manifesto

  3. POSITION PAPER 12 HUMMS HISTORY GROUP 2

  4. January 28, 2024

  5. 2 essays questions and 1 template ?

  6. Writing a position paper unit 9

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Position Paper, With Examples

    A position paper is a type of academic writing that supports the author's position on a topic through statistics, facts, and other pieces of well-researched, relevant evidence. The purpose of a position paper is to clearly and concisely communicate the author's position on a topic.

  2. Position paper on Education Post-2015

    2014. 1 Position Paper on Education Post-2015 ED-14/EFA/POST-2015/1 Original : English1 INTRODUCTION 1. Efforts towards achieving Education for All (EFA) since the year 2000 have yielded unprecedented progress. However, the EFA and Millennium Development Goal (MDG) education agendas will remain unfinished by 2015 and the continued relevance and ...

  3. 200 Best Position Paper Topics and Ideas to Consider

    For writing a brilliant position paper, make use of the list of the best position paper topics suggested above. If you find the position paper topic selection and writing process tougher, feel free to call us. We have a team of well-experienced academic writers on various subjects to offer high-quality assignment writing help at a nominal price ...

  4. 100+ Argument or Position Paper Topics With Sample Essays

    The argument or position essay is a standard type of writing exercise that almost everyone encounters at the high school or college level. This essay has two primary defining components: It has to be about an issue that people don't agree on. It focuses on disagreements about facts, definitions, causes, values, or solutions. How to Choose a Topic

  5. 150+ Position Paper Topics: How to Choose the Perfect Issue

    A position paper is a concise document that states and defends a particular position on an issue. These papers are commonly used in various academic settings, including debates, Model United Nations conferences, and more. While the format and style of position papers may vary, the importance of selecting the right topic remains constant.

  6. 38 Argumentative Essay Topics on Education You Will Enjoy Writing

    1. Can online education be compatible with a traditional one? 2. Is homeschooling compatible with/better than traditional schooling? 3. Should parents have an active role in the education of their children? 4. Does the use of computers/technology benefit the educational process? 5.

  7. Position Paper

    January 6, 2024 by Muhammad Hassan Table of Contents Position Paper Definition: Position paper is a written document that presents an argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. It outlines the author's position on the issue and provides support for that position with evidence and reasoning.

  8. How To Write a Position Paper in 7 Steps (With a Template)

    1. Choose a topic In some classes or jobs, you can choose the topic of a position paper. If you're choosing your topic, consider ones relevant to your industry or academic interests. The purpose of a position paper is to persuade, so your ability to provide supporting evidence for a claim can be more important than the topic itself.

  9. How to Write a Position Paper: Guide & Examples

    A position paper is a written statement that presents a particular perspective on any issue or topic. It typically argues a specific point of view and presents evidence to support that position. To write a position paper, you need to research and understand the topic, develop a supported argument, and address opposing viewpoints.

  10. Position Paper

    Position Paper | Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research Position Paper Position papers are essays written by prominent scholars or organizations to advance an argument, opinion, program, or action. They are usually invited, shorter (between 3,500 - 5,000 words) than empirical research and review papers.

  11. 5 Steps to Write a Strong Position Paper

    5 Steps to Writing a Position Paper Paul Bradbury/Getty Images By Grace Fleming Updated on July 19, 2019 In a position paper assignment, your charge is to choose a side on a particular topic, sometimes controversial, and build up a case for your opinion or position.

  12. Top 120 Position Paper Topics for Compelling Arguments

    Here are ideas to use on your position paper topics in the Philippines. The importance of anatomy in medical education. What are the structure and functions of the brain. A look at the anatomy of the heart. Is there racism in US criminal justice. A look at how diversity in the workplace helps to retain employees.

  13. 100+ Position Paper Topics to Ace A+ Grade

    A position paper is an academic paper that incorporates controversial topics or arguable issues that are evaluated for their pros and cons. These papers are significant pieces of writing that help keep the discussion flowing.

  14. 141 Position Paper Topics And Writing Ideas

    141 Best Position Paper Topics: Use Them Today! Position paper topics present you with controversial subjects that can be evaluated in detail for their pros and cons. These papers, often known as argumentative papers require students to choose a position or a stand on the topic and provide arguments that can support their stance effectively.

  15. How To Write the Perfect Position Paper

    10 Steps To Write A Position Paper: Choose a Topic That Interests You Develop a Thesis Statement Identify Credible Sources Build Your Reference List Do Your Research Outline Your Position Paper Build Your Argument Address the Counterpoint Tie It All Together Proof, Edit, Revise, Repeat

  16. Position Paper Topics That You Will Love

    Choose a title from these suggested economics papers topics to impress your instructor with trendy ideas. Position Paper Healthcare Topics. ... Choose position paper topics on education from the list below and increase the society's involvement in these topical issues. You will help many people to reconsider their opinion on education.

  17. Position paper

    A position paper (sometimes position piece for brief items) is an essay that presents an arguable opinion about an issue - typically that of the author or some specified entity. Position papers are published in academia, in politics, in law and other domains. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that the opinion presented is valid and worth listening to.

  18. Does a Position Paper Have a Title? Is It Double Spaced ...

    - GradesHQ Does a Position Paper Have a Title? Is It Double Spaced? Does It need References and Quotes? A position paper is a piece of writing that offers a debatable viewpoint on a particular topic, usually the viewpoint of the author or another party. These papers are published in various fields, including academics, law, politics, and others.

  19. How to Make an Outline for a Position Paper

    Every student will be assigned an essay at some point in their academic career. There are many different kinds of essays a teacher can assign, and one is a position paper. If you're required to write a position paper for class, then you should start by creating a position paper outline.

  20. 2 Position Paper Examples That Stand for Something

    2 Position Paper Examples That Stand for Something. You're sitting in the back of a sociology class, trying to focus on the lecture, when the prof brings up a controversial topic, such as abortion, gun control, capital punishment, or marijuana legalization. I'm almost positive that you have a position on every single one of these topics.

  21. 16 Position Paper Topics That Pick a Side

    Position Paper Topics About the Workplace. 1. Submitting electronic or paper resumes. Old-school thought mandates paper resumes because of their formality. But others hold the position that electronic resumes are more appropriate for today's more modern (and green) workforce. 2.

  22. 201 Position Paper Topics To Ace Your Assignment

    201 Great Position Paper Topics To Try The first step in putting together a great college or university paper is choosing a great topic. This can be hard for some students because it can time consuming as well as stressful digging through the countless topics for position papers.

  23. Standardizing the Professional Title of Medical Laboratory ...

    The most recent ASCP Vacancy Survey reported vacancy rates between 5.68% and 11.48%, depending on laboratory department. In turn, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected an 11% increase in job growth (combined MLT and MLS) of about 35,000 new positions between 2018 and 2028.

  24. TITLE IV-A ARTS EDUCATION SPECEALIST

    Arizona Department of Education The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. TITLE IV-A ARTS EDUCATION SPECEALIST Job Location: Title IV Section Phoenix Location Posting Details: Salary: $67,000 - $72,000 Grade: 21 Closing Date: 02/29/2024 Job Summary: • This position's duties include responsibility for the ...

  25. Title: Universal Manipulation Interface: In-The-Wild Robot Teaching

    We present Universal Manipulation Interface (UMI) -- a data collection and policy learning framework that allows direct skill transfer from in-the-wild human demonstrations to deployable robot policies. UMI employs hand-held grippers coupled with careful interface design to enable portable, low-cost, and information-rich data collection for challenging bimanual and dynamic manipulation ...