Psychology student as advocate: Public policy in the classroom

Students of psychology are often unaware of the contribution that psychology can make to the development of public policy. This class assignment encourages students to see themselves as developing social scientists with the ability and responsibility to use psychological science in the public interest. Students select a policy question relevant to the field of psychology, evaluate the psychological research on that issue, write a brief position paper incorporating pertinent references, and forward it to the appropriate government official. The assignment generates high levels of student interest and enhances understanding of the complex political, economic, and scientific issues in the policy-making process.