Explain how ethics inform professional behavior in the field of human sexuality.
Develop a 3–4 page research paper based on a selected case study related to reproductive choices. Since the processes of reproduction and birth represent one of the potential biological outcomes of heterosexual activity, it is important to examine the biological foundations of human sexuality. This includes knowledge of fertilization and early development, including some of the most recent findings. There is more than a litany of birth control methods; this assessment offers a sound basis for understanding the issues to be weighed in personal decision making about contraception and abortion, which continue to generate debate and controversy.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
Competency 1: Apply psychological theories to topics in human sexuality.
Apply psychological theories to a case study in human sexuality.
Competency 2: Apply scholarly research findings to topics in human sexuality.
Apply scholarly research findings to a case study in human sexuality.
Competency 3: Explain how ethics inform professional behavior in the field of human sexuality.
Explain how ethics inform professional behavior in the field of human sexuality.
Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
Use APA format and style.
APA Resources
Because this is a psychology course, you need to format this assessment according to APA guidelines. Additional resources about APA can be found in the Research Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom. Use the resources to guide your work as needed.
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Available from the bookstore.
APA Paper Template [DOCX].
Required Resources
The following resource is required to complete the assessment.
Human Sexuality Case Studies: Sexuality Confronts Social Policy | Transcript.
Suggested Resources
The resources provided here are optional and support the assessment. They provide helpful information about the topics. You may use other resources of your choice to prepare for this assessment; however, you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. The PSYC-FP2800 – Introduction to Human Sexuality Library Guide can help direct your research. The Supplemental Resources and Research Resources, both linked from the left navigation menu in your courseroom, provide additional resources to help support you.
Human Sexuality and Reproductive Choices
Kelly, G. F. (2015). Sexuality today (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available from the bookstore.
Chapter 10, “Reproduction, Reproductive Technology, and Birthing,” pages 250–280.
Chapter 11, “Decision Making About Pregnancy and Parenthood,” pages 281–313.
Examples of Applied Research Related to Reproduction
These resources provide examples of current research on the topic of reproduction.
Myers, E. R. (2015). Repeated in vitro fertilization cycles for infertility. JAMA, 314(24), 2627–2629.
Griesemer, J. (2016). Reproduction in complex life cycles: Toward a developmental reaction norms perspective. Philosophy of Science, 83(5), 803–815.
Dean, E. (2017). Contraception. Primary Health Care (2014+), 27(1), 10.
Swigger, N. (2016). Sexual responsibility and the politics of abortion and contraception. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 13(3), 263–275.
Ethics
Use this resource to examine the ethical standards that guide professional behavior as they relate to the issues and concepts identified in the human sexuality case study you select for your assessment.
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx