You will write a research paper of eight to ten pages (a minimum of 2,000 words, not including the References page), in APA style throughout (12 point font with 1-inch margins), on your topic of study. The paper should be an analytic and conclusive research study, rather than a “report.” In other words, you will need to answer an “important question” through your research and experience.
Your resources will include at least eight academic sources and one interview. You must use APA style, current edition, for your format and citations. For APA formatting information, visit the BRVGS Writing Resources Site. Be sure to write the paper in third person and to include a thesis statement in the introduction and conclusion. You must include a cover page, a References page, and use one inch margins.
The Annotated Bibliography, Outline, and Interview must all be completed as described below, and to the satisfaction of your Senior Advisor, prior to starting your paper.
Annotated Bibliography - The Annotated Bibliography should provide a very brief summary of the major focus and points of each of the required 8 sources (or more), and should include a brief description of how you plan to use information from that source in your paper. This organizer is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to use before writing your Annotated Bibliography.
Interview- You will need to interview an expert in your field and to write a journal about the interview. While this may be your PLE mentor, it is worth noting that it may be even more valuable for your learning and research to speak with a different expert than your mentor. You will need to refer to and complete the Expert Interview Checklist prior to and during the interview.
FIRST VERSION RESEARCH PAPER - Your first version of the paper will be completed in class over a series of days. This is the rubric against which it will be evaluated. Your Senior Advisor will provide further information and dates.
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER - This counts as a mid-term exam grade. Check the Senior Capstone research paper rubric for help in editing your paper after your teacher has given feedback.
Be extremely careful to document all information and to cite your sources correctly. Students are required to submit their papers through turnitin.com, under the guidelines described by your senior advisor. Students are encouraged submit their papers frequently, prior to the due date, to ensure proper citations. Remember that failure to cite sources constitutes plagiarism, and is considered cheating. The penalty for plagiarism or any other honor violation is a zero for the entire research paper.
INFOGRAPHIC - Once your research paper is completed, you will create an Infographic of your research for your website and tri-fold board. The following 5 components are required. More information is available here.
Research Question
Overview/Background
Key Points/Trending Issues
Call to Action/Next Steps
Critical Sources
*************
You can see four examples of excellent BRVGS Senior Papers by clicking on the following links: