Here are the guidelines for this assignment:

I. Submit a file that includes an outline of your research paper. If helpful, a general template is included below. In order to receive full credit, your outline must include the information

Research Question
Restate your research question so that your peers and Dr. Speirs can provide further feedback about your thesis
Introduction
Key Background Information – identify the main points you need to discuss to provide necessary background information
Significance or Importance – identify the main points you need to discuss to emphasize the significance or importance of your thesis
Thesis Statement: write your thesis statement (1 sentence) as the answer to your research question
        3. Arguments (please note that exactly 3 reasons and objections are not required)

Reason #1 – state the first reason; discuss at least 1 piece of supporting evidence
Reason #2 – state the second reason; discuss at least 1 piece of supporting evidence
Reason #3 – state the third reason; discuss at least 1 piece of supporting evidence
        4. Counter-Arguments (please note that exactly 3 counter-arguments are not required)

Objection #1 – state the first objection; discuss one idea for a response
Objection #2 – state the second objection; discuss one idea for a response
Objection #3 – state the third objection; discuss one idea for a response 
         5. Conclusion

               A. Indicate the main points you need to emphasize or summarize

II. Following your outline, identify at least one challenge or concern you have about your outline. Are there any sections of your outline that still need improved before you begin writing your rough draft? Are you happy with your thesis statement? If you are generally happy with your outline, please make a note in this section.



I am now tasked with peer reviewing another student's work! use this rubric to peer review their paper and write it for me:

Research Question:
1. To what extent can psychedelic substances like psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, and MDMA
serve as viable treatments for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and
addiction? Additionally, what are the potential therapeutic benefits and risks associated
with their use in clinical settings?
Introduction:
a. Necessary background information consists of the historical use of psychedelics,
such as the history of its use in indigenous cultures and its early scientific research
in the mid-20th century. It is also important to highlight significant legal changes,
such as Oregon's legalization of psilocybin for therapeutic use in 2020, and other
regions or countries where similar measures are being considered or implemented.
b. Studies suggest that psychedelic substances show promising potential as
treatments for mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders within a medically
supervised environment that includes psychotherapeutic support. Studies have
shown reductions in depressive symptoms involving psilocybin, highlighting its
effectiveness, therefore new research in the field is important in order to compare
the mechanisms of psychedelics with conventional treatments such as SSRIs and
other psychiatric medications. This is significant because it is essential to address
the societal stigmas associated with psychedelic use and how they have evolved
over time as psychedelics could be integrated with existing mental health
treatments in the future.
c. Psychedelic substances like psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, and MDMA hold
promise as viable treatments for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety,
and addiction, offering therapeutic benefits and unique neurobiological effects,
while demanding thorough evaluation of their efficacy, safety, and societal and
regulatory considerations for effective implementation in the field.
Arguments:
a. Psychedelic substances offer unique therapeutic benefits. Evidence suggests that
psilocybin, for example, can lead to significant and sustained reductions in
depression and anxiety symptoms.
b. Psychedelic substances present novel neurobiological mechanisms. Research
indicates that these substances can have profound changes in brain connectivity
and function, leading to therapeutic effects not seen with traditional medications.
c. Psychedelic therapy may offer a more holistic and natural approach to mental
health treatment. People argue that the introspective experiences induced by
psychedelics can promote personal growth and spiritual well being.
Counter-Arguments:
a. Safety concerns surround the use of psychedelic substances regarding the risk of adverse
reactions and long term psychological effects. Research is focused on identifying risk
factors and developing strategies to mitigate these potential harms.
b. Stigmas and legal restrictions are significant barriers to the integration of psychedelic
therapy into mental healthcare. Advocates emphasize the need for more scientific
evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of psychedelics, as well as increasing public
interest and support for their therapeutic use.
Conclusion:
1. In conclusion, the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances for psychiatric
disorders like depression, anxiety, and addiction is supported by evidence of their unique
benefits, neurobiological mechanisms, and holistic approach to mental health treatment.
While challenges around safety concerns, stigmas, and regulatory restrictions exist,
continued research is essential for psychedelic therapy to one day exist in mainstream
mental healthcare.
Following your outline, identify at least one challenge or concern you have about your outline.
Are there any sections of your outline that still need improved before you begin writing your
rough draft? Are you happy with your thesis statement? If you are generally happy with your
outline, please make a note in this section.
I am generally happy with my outline, although it will be challenging to address stigmas as some
states have different ways of thinking, and I do not want to generalize thought processes around
the legalization of psychedelics for clinical use. I am happy with my thesis statement, although I
am not sure if it is too long, or if my research question is too long.