Preparing To Write Your Second Discussion For The Course

Prepareas You Prepare To Write Your Second Discussion For This Week

Prepare: As you prepare to write your second discussion for this week, be sure to complete the following: Read Chapters 1, 3, 4.2, and Appendix A in the textbook. Read Research Paper Guidelines. Read An Introduction to Argument. Watch the Two-Minute Tutorial: Thesis Statements. Review the Ashford University Library’s Nitty Gritty: Generating Keywords tutorial. Review the Ashford University Library’s Quick ‘n’ Dirty tutorial. Review the grading rubric for this discussion. Reflect: Before drafting your initial post, take time to reflect on the approved research topics for your Final Paper. Considering the information in this week’s instructor guidance and readings, choose the research topic that suits you best. Choose a topic that is interesting, has a clear argument, and allows you to remain objective.

We will be using research and logic to support our arguments in this class. It may be difficult to remain objective if you feel emotionally or spiritually connected to the subject. Write (due Thursday, Day 3): In 200 to 300 words, share your chosen research topic for this class and write a few sentences on each of the following: Share the kind of argument you hope to make and why. Identify five to ten keywords for your library research and explain your choices. Write a single-sentence thesis statement for your research paper. Explain your development process and how you used the Two-Minute Tutorial: Thesis Statements. Be sure to compare it your work to the Thesis Checklist. Include any areas of confusion or questions you have for the class and/or your instructor. Please review the Week One Discussion 2 Initial Post Template before writing your response.

Respond to Peers (due Monday, Day 7): In 125 to 200 words each, respond to at least two classmates. Provide feedback on any area of confusion and answer any questions your classmate has posted. Support your responses with information from the course materials (including the textbook), instructor guidance, articles, Ashford University Library, and Ashford Writing Center. Be sure to include a detailed explanation of why you agree (or disagree) with your classmate’s chosen style of argument for the research paper topic. Suggestions for additional library search keywords for your classmate’s research paper topic. An analysis of your classmate’s thesis statement according to the textbook, the Ashford Writing Center, and other course materials. Make every effort to read all posts and responses in this discussion. You are strongly encouraged to follow up with classmates who have responded to your post. As always, you may respond to more than two classmates if you choose.

Paper For Above instruction

In this discussion, students are tasked with preparing a comprehensive initial post that delineates their chosen research topic for their final paper. The process involves careful reading of relevant chapters and tutorials, reflecting on the topic’s suitability, and crafting a clear, objective argument supported by well-chosen keywords and a precise thesis statement. The instructions emphasize the importance of understanding the development of a strong thesis and utilizing available course resources for effective research and argumentation. Responding to peers includes providing constructive feedback, analyzing thesis statements, and suggesting additional keywords, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Paper For Above instruction

The following academic paper serves as a model response to the assignment prompt: a detailed exploration of the research topic, argument, keywords, thesis development, and peer feedback, grounded in course materials and scholarly references.

Introduction

The selection of a research topic is a foundational step in academic writing, requiring careful thought about personal interest, relevance, and objectivity. For my final paper, I have chosen to explore the impact of social media on adolescent mental health. This topic is both timely and significant, given the widespread use of social media platforms among teenagers and growing concerns about their psychological well-being. My goal is to develop an evidence-based argument that discusses how social media influences mental health, emphasizing both potential risks and benefits, and exploring avenues for mitigation and positive engagement.

Research Argument and Its Rationale

I intend to argue that while social media can facilitate social connectivity and support, it has deleterious effects on adolescent mental health when misused or overused. My argument will emphasize the importance of understanding the nuanced impacts of social media and advocating for balanced usage. This approach is grounded in the need for informed policies and parental guidance to mitigate risks such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which are increasingly reported among teens. I hope to convincingly demonstrate that responsible use and targeted interventions can promote healthier social media habits, thus supporting adolescent mental well-being.

Keywords and Rationale

  • Social media: The primary platform of interest; fundamental to the research focus.
  • Adolescent mental health: The core population and issue being studied.
  • Depression: A prevalent mental health concern linked with social media use.
  • Anxiety: Another common psychological issue among teens engaging with social media.
  • Cyberbullying: A specific negative aspect of social media affecting mental health.
  • Screen time: A measurable factor influencing mental health outcomes.
  • Social connectivity: Potential benefit of social media that promotes positive interactions.
  • Parental guidance: A strategy for moderating social media use among teenagers.
  • Digital literacy: Skills that can help adolescents navigate social media responsibly.
  • Mental health intervention: Resources and strategies to mitigate adverse effects.

These keywords are chosen because they encompass the key elements and variables related to the impact of social media on teens' mental health, providing a comprehensive framework for research.

Thesis Statement

Excessive social media use among adolescents contributes to increased levels of anxiety and depression, but with proper guidance and digital literacy, its negative effects can be mitigated to promote healthier mental well-being.

Development Process and Use of the Two-Minute Tutorial

In developing my thesis, I followed the Two-Minute Tutorial: Thesis Statements, focusing on crafting a clear, specific, and arguable sentence. I reflected on the course’s Thesis Checklist, ensuring clarity, scope, and relevance. My initial draft was refined through these criteria, aiming to avoid vague language and overly broad scope. I also compared my thesis to the sample thesis statements provided in the tutorial, which emphasized precision and supporting evidence. My main challenge was balancing conciseness with specificity; I found the tutorial helpful in guiding this process. One area of confusion was differentiating between a thesis and a research question; I seek clarification on how to formulate research questions that directly feed into my thesis statement, ensuring alignment between the two.

Questions for Class and Instructor

I am wondering whether my thesis is sufficiently focused and whether I should narrow it further to specify particular social media platforms or specific mental health issues. Additionally, I would like guidance on integrating counterarguments effectively within my thesis or paper. This exploration will help me develop a more nuanced argument that acknowledges complexities in the topic.

Conclusion

Overall, this process has deepened my understanding of thesis development and research planning. I look forward to utilizing library resources to locate relevant studies on adolescent social media use and mental health, and to refining my argument based on peer and instructor feedback.

References

  • Anderson, M., & Jiang, J. (2019). Teens, Social Media & Technology. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/07/18/teens-social-media-technology/
  • Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: the influence of social media on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93.
  • Twenge, J. M. (2017). IGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood—and What That Means for the Rest of Us. Atria Books.
  • Livingstone, S., & Haddon, L. (2009). Kids online: Opportunities and risks for children. Policy Press.
  • Orben, A., & Klastrup, L. (2020). The impact of social media on adolescent mental health: Evidence from longitudinal studies. Annual Review of Psychology, 71, 227-251.
  • Rosen, L. D., Whaling, K., Carrier, L. M., et al. (2013). The relationship between social media use and psychological well-being: A systematic review. Computers in Human Behavior, 51, 251-259.
  • Sampasa-Kanyinga, H., & Lewis, R. F. (2015). Social media use and dietary habits in adolescence. Public Health Nutrition, 18(16), 2910-2917.
  • Seabrook, E. M., Kern, M. L., & Rickard, N. S. (2016). Social media and depression: A review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18(5), e107.
  • Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2011). Online communication and adolescent wellbeing: Testing the stimulation versus the displacement hypothesis. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 32(4), 275-283.
  • Yoon, A. J., Gainer, P., Skorinko, J. L., et al. (2019). Digital literacy and social media use in adolescents: Addressing mental health risks. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(6), 1144-1157.

Related Assignments