Research Paper
TABLE of CONTENTS
Research Paper Requirements
The research paper is graded holistically based on this rubric. Get to know this rubric VERY WELL. It outlines clearly what you need to do in order to produce a successful research paper. The slides below with the criteria break down the rubric more carefully.
Academic Paper Rubric.pdf
Since every one in the class will be designing their own unique research approach, you will need to do independent reading specific to your plan. Dissertation Recipes is an amazing resource for different issues you will come across during your research journey.
Brainstorming & Choosing a Topic
Every student who has taken this course will advise you to choose a topic you are very interested in since this is what you'll be focused on all year. So to summarize, CHOOSE WISELY! What are you curious about? What new information would you like to discover? How would you like to contribute to the body of knowledge? Remember: questions, rather than statements should be your guide!
Reading
Choosing Your Research Project.pdfDeciding on a research topic means getting to know what kind of researcher you are.
A good way to find out what you're interested in is by reading widely. Take a look at the research submitted for The National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Go back to your Summer Assignment and the Interest Inventory if you are rethinking your topic. Which discipline interests you the most? What is happening within this discipline that is worth researching?
Research Question & Proposal
Reading - Research Question
Creating a Research Question - The Bedford Researcher.pdfReading - What are Hypotheses?
What are Hypotheses.pdfIntro: Lit Review
A Lit Review is similar to Capstone Seminar papers because here is where you synthesize the current knowledge about your specific topic. You need to read A LOT of credible sources before starting your Lit Review and your intro because this reading will help you identify the gap in the knowledge and help you situate your own research. Make sure to take advantage of a robust Reading Record where you carefully keep track of all your sources (even ones you may not like at first, you never know where your research journey will take you!). Make sure to find peer reviewed articles to support your research.
Method, Process or Approach
Sample-of-Disciplinary-Understanding-Statements-from-National-Team-Oct-27-07.pdf
Results, Products or Findings
Discussion, Analysis and/or Evaluation
Descriptive Statistics.pdfConclusion and Future Directions
Peer Checklists for your Research Paper
INTRO to Research Paper Peer ChecklistPeer Edit Checklist for Research Paper