Biology 231 - Research Methods

The basic purpose of any position paper is to present an arguable opinion about a particular topic. 

The primary objective is to convince the audience that your opinion on the topic is valid and worth considering, using well-researched facts and other expert opinions to support your claims.  The secondary objective is to factually refute the validity of the opposing side's counter-claims.  This indicates to your audience that you are a credible, well-informed resource.

Abstract: The abstract contains the purpose of the paper. Give a very high-level overview of the content of the paper and include a clear case for action. The intent is to convey to the reader why this is important. Most abstracts are written in the future tense, because the reader hasn’t read the paper yet, so explain what they will read, not what they already know.

Background: Describe the issue(s) and give any relevant background. (Basically, a literature review)

Position: Include a description of the position paper subject with focus on the issue the paper is addressing. Include two or three paragraphs describing the issue. Provide background details that are required to understand the scenario. This is one of the most important sections – work to clearly convey thoughts and issues.

Conclusion: Conclude gracefully. If applicable, make a recommendation of one solution over another to solve the problem. Explain succinctly why the association is taking this position.

References: Include a bibliography of resources used during the preparation of the paper. Be sure to cite references actually used in the paper.

(ALA website)

The structure of a position paper is flexible, but it should generally follow a simple flow that clearly conveys the problem and the position of the author(s). A position paper should begin by clearly stating the problem and its relevance to the scientific community or even to the society as a whole. It should then address the main position of the author. For example:

Background: For decades, the WHO has urged the adoption of a tax on unhealthy foods to discourage the consumption of products that are harmful to our health.

Relevance: Sugar has been shown to have a negative impact on health, and play a major role in the rising obesity rates in America.

Position: The United States should adopt a tax on drinks with added sugar, to reduce the consumption of sugar, and promote healthier eating habits.

The author should then clearly list the common arguments and possible objections against this position. To continue with our example:

Argument 1: A sugary drink tax that focuses on soda may not impact other products that have an equally negative health impact such as fruit juice or candy.

Argument 2: A sugary drink tax is regressive and places a financial burden on the poorest consumers.

A strong position paper acknowledges the validity of the counter-arguments and then puts forth reasons why the author’s position is still the correct one. In our example paper, the author can address the counter-arguments in the next section like so:

Counter-argument 1: It is true that a sugary drink tax would not impact all sources of added sugar in the average American diet. However, it would still have a significant impact on a major source of added sugar to achieve its goal of reducing overall sugar consumption.

Counter-argument 2: All consumption taxes are regressive. A sugary drink tax would be most effective accompanied by subsidies for healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables.

Finally, summarize your main points and re-state your position in your conclusion. All arguments in the paper should be backed up by facts, data, and evidence, with proper citation attributed to your sources. In this way, a position paper is no different from an ordinary research paper.

(enago.com)

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Note: A position paper should not restate the obvious facts about the text or topic.  Position papers rely on critical evaluation that goes beyond a mere surface reading or a passionate personal reaction.  The thesis statement of the paper should be crafted in such a way as to ensure that discussion of the subject is necessary and relevant.

Ineffective: Legislators continue to debate the extent to which government should be involved in the lives of individual citizens.

Effective: A responsible government must respect the rights of individuals and agree not to interfere with citizens’ abilities to make sensible decisions for themselves.

The second point can easily be debated while the first states a well-known fact that is not open to individual interpretation.

(agnesscott.edu)

1) Gather evidence – prioritize relevance and credibility.  VERIFY the credibility of your sources and be sure that the evidence you’re using is grounded in the most recent research.

2) You can use expert quotes to support your stance, but sparingly.  The strength of your argument will come from the critical evaluation, interpretation and presentation of a multitude of sources – don’t over-rely on a single voice.

3) Keep it simple! Position papers don't need to go into excessive detail.  Present your points clearly and briefly.

4) Each paragraph in the paper should discuss a single idea.

5) Avoid using the passive voice and words such as “maybe, perhaps, possibly, etc.” that weaken your argument. Phrases like “in my opinion” are also needless and sound apologetic instead of certain. if you’re writing the paper, it’s obviously your opinion.

6) Don’t be afraid to be argumentative. That’s why it’s called a “position” paper.

(grammarly and agnesscott.edu)