Preliminary Research
Since research is a natural component to any large-scale project, you will be required to conduct research that helps you gain a better understanding of your project. Before asking more specific research questions regarding the project, one needs to understand basic terminology about the project topic. This is your opportunity to learn more about the project topic, necessary vocabulary you may need to learn, and skills you may need to have while completing the rest of your research and project hours. In order to acquire a general understanding of the project topic, you will be conducting the following preliminary research investigation. Your essential question should be a general question that is related to your project topic.
Preliminary Research Investigation Requirements:
You will type a summary of your findings using MLA format (Title should reflect project topic).
Your paper must include three sections: an introduction, summary, and conclusion.
The introduction should be four sentences long and incorporate a funnel introduction that moves from a broad statement to the essential question. The essential question for the investigation should be the last sentence in the introduction.
The summary should include at least one citation from each source. This section should discuss major trends or findings in your research. The summary should be comprised of three body paragraphs.
The conclusion should summarize trends or findings from your research and explain why your sources were useful in answering the essential question. In this section, you should also explain any questions this research raises for you and their relevance to your project.
You will include a Works Cited page with a minimum of 3 sources. Be sure to include these sources as citations within your paper.
Sample Paper Outline
Guided Preliminary Research Worksheet
Exemplars
Preliminary Research Investigation – Checklist/Rubric
The Preliminary Research Investigation must contain the following:
Criteria (0 - Honors/15 – Senior Seminar):
Introduction (0 - Honors/3 – Senior Seminar)
Includes a funnel introduction that moves from a broad statement to the essential question
The essential question is the last sentence in the introduction
Introduction includes four sentences
Summary (0 - Honors/9 – Senior Seminar)
Includes at least one citation per source
Discusses major trends or findings in your research
Summary is comprised of three body paragraphs
Conclusion (0 – Honors/3 – Senior Seminar)
Explain why these sources were useful in answering your essential question
Explain any questions your research raises for you and their relevance to your project
Summarizes trends or findings from your research
The Preliminary Research Investigation must also meet the following Writing Standards (0 – Honors/5 – Senior Seminar):
Ideas:
Purpose and main idea are easily identified
Details provide strong, accurate support
Topic is fully explored
Organization:
Sequencing is effective
Transitions are smooth and effective
Details are appropriate and developed
Style:
Effective and varied vocabulary is used
Words draw clear images
Writing flows
Sentence length and structure are varied
Style or voice is evident
Conventions:
Grammar and usage are correct
Paragraph structure is sound
Punctuation and spelling are correct MLA Format
Correct in-text citations
Little to no editing is required
Section Headings are in bold font
Works Cited Page:
MLA Format
Double-Spaced, Alphabetized
1st line left-justified/2nd line indented
Note: Plagiarism is unethical and considered academic dishonesty. Primary Advisors will consult with Administration to decide consequences for academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Senior Seminar grading policies.
20 Points for Regular Senior Seminar
0 Points for Honors Senior Seminar but MUST be completed