Debatable Psychology Topics
Support
Refute
Should psychology
adopt a Theory of
Multiple Intelligences?
Does giving praise harm
children?
Is Creativity
Endangered?
Are People Getting
Dumber?

Are social media, like
Facebook and Twitter,
turning us into
narcissists?
Do standardized tests
show accurate
measurements of a
student’s knowledge?
Do cognitive abilities
change smoothly over
time?
Is Drug addiction a
choice?
Does the divorce of
parents harm a child?
Do people always act
selfishly, to foster their
own self-interest or
happiness?
(Psychological Egoism)
or through a series of predetermined
steps?
Psychology Debate
Worth 50 points, Due Wed. 11/13
You must follow the guidelines of a debate and you must include an outline.
DO NOT JUST WING IT!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Structure for the Formal Debate
Opening Statements (1 minute) 5 points
Like an introduction to a formal paper, introduce yourself/team and the topic you will be debating. Tell what you are going to argue during the
debate (like a thesis statement) and tell why your position should win.
Oral Arguments (2-3 minutes) 15 points
Like the body of a formal paper, present the evidence that proves your position is correct. This argument should be very factual and persuasive.
Opinions not backed by facts could be used to show the weakness of your case, so be careful! Provide your sources on where you gathered
these facts!
Rebuttal Arguments (1 minute) 10 points
Presentment of counter evidence that shows: false, inaccurate, misrepresented, or weak points in the opposition’s argument.
Cross Examinations (1 minute) 10 points
As each team finishes its rebuttal, the other team has time to ask questions about the evidence presented in order to prove the invalidity of the
argument.
Closing Arguments (1 minute) 5 points
Like the closing paragraph of a formal paper, summarize the key points you presented. Conclude with a persuasive argument that will win the
debate for you even if you are losing based on facts!
5 points for speaking clearly and being professional
Psychology Debate
Worth 50 points, Due Wed. 11/13
You must follow the guidelines of a debate and you must include an outline.
DO NOT JUST WING IT!
Structure for the Formal Debate
1. Opening Statements (1 minute) 5 points
Like an introduction to a formal paper, introduce yourself/team and the topic you will be debating. Tell what you are going to argue during the
debate (like a thesis statement) and tell why your position should win.
2. Oral Arguments (2-3 minutes) 15 points
Like the body of a formal paper, present the evidence that proves your position is correct. This argument should be very factual and persuasive.
Opinions not backed by facts could be used to show the weakness of your case, so be careful! Provide your sources on where you gathered
these facts!
3. Rebuttal Arguments (1 minute) 10 points
Presentment of counter evidence that shows: false, inaccurate, misrepresented, or weak points in the opposition’s argument.
4. Cross Examinations (1 minute) 10 points
As each team finishes its rebuttal, the other team has time to ask questions about the evidence presented in order to prove the invalidity of the
argument.
5. Closing Arguments (1 minute) 5 points
Like the closing paragraph of a formal paper, summarize the key points you presented. Conclude with a persuasive argument that will win the
debate for you even if you are losing based on facts!
5 points for speaking clearly and being professional