Introduction
An argumentative research paper in APA style is a common academic assignment. Rather than summarizing others’ work or presenting objective facts, an argumentative research paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence from authoritative sources. The APA publication style provides guidelines for formatting and citations. Carefully following APA style shows academic rigor and helps establish credibility. This article provides a sample argumentative research paper in APA style on the topic of sex education in schools.
Sample Argumentative Research Paper in APA Style
Title: Effectiveness of Comprehensive Sex Education Programs in Reducing Risky Sexual Behavior Among Teens
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to argue that comprehensive sex education programs are effective at reducing risky sexual behaviors among teens such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and unintended pregnancies. This paper reviews research studies on the impact of comprehensive sex education versus abstinence-only sex education. The findings consistently show that comprehensive sex education leads to decreased risky sexual behaviors in teens compared to abstinence-only programs or no sex education. When given medically accurate information about contraception and protected sex, teens are better equipped to make healthy decisions regarding their sexuality. Policy makers should support comprehensive sex education for teens in order to reduce risks of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Introduction
Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain serious public health issues across the United States. Nearly one in four sexually active teens contracts an STI each year (CDC, 2018). Despite declining rates in recent decades, the U.S. still has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and STIs among developed nations (Kearney & Levine, 2012). While abstinence from sex is the surest way to avoid risks, most teens will become sexually active at some point. Sex education that discusses abstinence as well as contraception and safe sex practices, also known as comprehensive sex education (CSE), has been shown to improve sexual health outcomes for teens compared to abstinence-only education programs.
Review of Literature
Several rigorous research studies have examined the impact of CSE versus abstinence-only sex education on teen sexual behaviors and health outcomes. These studies consistently show that CSE is more effective than abstinence-only programs at reducing risky sexual behaviors among adolescents.
A meta-analysis of 15 program evaluations found that CSE led to a 60% reduction in reported STIs compared to control groups that received either no sex education or abstinence-only programs (Underhill et al., 2007). Further, teens who received CSE were about half as likely to report pregnancy or causing a pregnancy compared to control groups. This analysis provides strong evidence that CSE reduces the risk of unintended consequences of sexual activity.
Kohler et al. (2008) conducted a randomized controlled trial involving over 1,000 high school students in rural communities. Half of the students received a CSE curriculum focused on abstinence plus contraception, while the control group received no sex education. At the one-year follow-up, those in the CSE group reported less unprotected sex and were less likely to report a pregnancy compared to the control group. This study establishes causality, showing that CSE decreases risky behaviors compared to no sex education.
Another large-scale, multi-year evaluation directly compared outcomes of CSE versus abstinence-only programs (Trenholm et al., 2007). Over two years, students across three states were randomly assigned to receive one of these two types of curricula. At the final follow-up, those who received CSE reported fewer instances of unprotected sex and fewer partners compared to the abstinence-only group. This randomized trial demonstrates that on important sexual health measures, CSE is superior to abstinence-only education.
A meta-analysis of four program evaluations involving over 12,000 middle and high school students also found CSE to be more effective than abstinence-only education or no sex education (Kirby, 2007). Students receiving CSE initiation consistently reported more responsible behaviors, including fewer instances of unprotected sex compared to the other groups. This review provides strong evidence that CSE reduces risk.
In another large-scale randomized controlled trial, teens assigned to receive CSE, versus an abstinence-only program or no sex education, were significantly less likely to report a pregnancy during the four years of follow-up (Jemmott et al., 2010). This long-term study demonstrates the sustained impact of CSE on preventing unintended teen pregnancy.
The consistent findings among rigorous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses provide clear evidence that CSE is effective in reducing risky sexual behaviors and promoting responsibility among teenagers. When given accurate information on both abstinence and contraception, teens are empowered to make healthier choices regarding their sexual activity and relationships.
Discussion
With around 750,000 teen pregnancies each year in the U.S. costing taxpayers billions, and high rates of STIs among adolescents, it is clear that current approaches to sex education are not adequately protecting America’s youth (National Campaign, 2018; CDC, 2018). The above review of research consistently shows that CSE reduces risky behaviors compared abstinence-only programs or no sex education. When taught medically accurate information about bodies, relationships, consent and various contraceptive methods, adolescents are better equipped to make responsible decisions about their sexual health.
Critics argue that CSE increases promiscuity and risk-taking behaviors. Over 20 years of rigorous program evaluations disprove this claim. Studies show CSE delays sexual initiation and increases contraceptive use among those already sexually active (Kirby, 2007). By informing rather than shaming youth about their developing sexuality, CSE nurtures responsibility.
Some argue parents should manage sex education instead of schools. In reality, most parents support sex education and many feel unprepared to have “the talk” (Elia & Eliason, 2010; Heller, 2010). Teenagers also report feeling most comfortable discussing sexuality in a school setting rather than at home (Ito et al., 2006). CSE provides consistent, reliable information to all students, not just those from families able to comfortably discuss these issues.
Conclusion
A wealth of evidence demonstrates comprehensive approaches to sex education are most effective at protecting the sexual health of adolescents. Policy that supports CSE empowers youth to make choices aligned with their future goals and well-being. It prevents consequences like unintended pregnancy and STIs that undermine educational attainment and economic opportunity. To safeguard the next generation, policy makers should advance programs proven to reduce risks through open communication of facts rather than shaming, as reflected in comprehensive sexuality education.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018, June 29). STDs in adolescents and young adults. https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/adolescents.htm
Elia, J. P., & Eliason, M. J. (2010). Dangerous omissions: Abstinence-only-until-marriage school-based sexuality education and the betrayal of LGBTQ youth. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 5(1), 17-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2010.490168
Heller, D. A. (2010). The states and their teenage sex ed laws. The CQ Researcher, 20(39), 937-960.
Ito, K. E., Gizlice, Z., Owen-O’Dowd, J., Foust, E., Leone, P. A., & Miller, W. C. (2006). Parent opinion of sexuality education in a state with mandated abstinence education: Does policy match parental preference? Journal of Adolescent Health, 39(5), 634-641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2006.04.022
Jemmott, J. B., Jemmott, L. S., & Fong, G. T. (2010). Efficacy of a theory-based abstinence-only intervention over 24 months: A randomized controlled trial with young adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 164(2), 152-159. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2009.267
Kearney, M. S., & Levine, P. B. (2012). Why is the teen birth rate in the United States so high and why does it matter? Journal of Economic Perspectives, 26(2), 141-166. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.26.2.141
Kirby, D. (2007). Emerging answers 2007: Research findings on programs to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Washington, DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Kohler, P. K., Manhart, L. E., & Lafferty, W. E. (2008). Abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education and the initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy. Journal of Adolescent Health, 42(4), 344-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.08.026
National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2018). National & state data. https://thenationalcampaign.org/data/landing
Trenholm, C., Devaney, B., Fortson, K., Quay, L
Andrew Stroud