Social Impact Analysis Paper Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Abstract (a short summary of the paper): The abstract presents an overview of the paper. It identifies the
design, product, or concept (DPC) being analyzed. It states the thesis on which the paper bases its
conclusions. It identifies the ethical arguments for and against development or deployment of the DPC. It
states the conclusion regarding whether development or deployment of the DPC should continue.
DPC Background:
a. Provide a technical description of the design/product/concept (DPC). Explain the technology
that enables the DPC. Explain generally how the DPC works.
b. Who is responsible or accountable for creating/producing/building it?
c. What need is it intended to fill?
i. What benefits are anticipated for this DPC
ii. What drawbacks are anticipated for this DPC
d. Identify direct and indirect stakeholders who would might be impacted positively or negatively
by the DPC. Examples might be inventors, developers, investors, corporations, stockholders,
consumers, competitors, home owners, business owners, communities, cities, tax payers,
regulatory agencies, etc.
Critical Analysis:
a. Identify the most significant benefits of developing or deploying the DPC. Explain why these are
the most significant.
b. Identify the most significant drawbacks of developing or deploying the DPC. Explain why these
are the most significant.
c. Which of the three ethical theories (utilitarianism, respect for persons, virtue ethics) that we
have studied do you find most plausible in dealing with ethical issues that may arise in
development or deployment of the DPC? Explain your reasoning in enough detail to
demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of the approach.
d. What elements of the NSPE Code of Ethics or the Code of Ethics for your discipline are most
relevant to the development or deployment of the DPC.
Conclusion: Based on your critical analysis provide well-reasoned arguments why the development or
deployment of the DPC should or should not continue.
a. What is the most compelling argument in favor of development or deployment of the DPC
b. What is the most compelling argument against development or deployment of the DPC
c. What is your position on development of deployment of the DPC.
Example Grading Rubric
Element
Abstract
DPC Background
Critical Analysis
Conclusion
Originality
Follows Required
Outline
Length
Correct Use of
References
Total Score
Weight
5%
15%
15%
15%
15%
10%
15%
10%
100%
5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Score
5.0
5.0
4.5
13.5
4.5
13.5
5.0
15.0
4.5
13.5
5.0
10.0
5.0
15.0
3.5
7.0
92.5
Each element is scored on a scale of 0.0 to 5.0 as follows:
Exceptional
Significantly Exceeds Expectations
Above Expectations
Meets Expectations
Below Expectations
Significantly Below Expectations
Significantly Below Expectations
Significantly Below Expectations
Significantly Below Expectations
Significantly Below Expectations
Not Addressed
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0