Guidelines/Research Paper

Abtract

Abstract provides a brief and comprehensive summary of the paper.

· Begin this section with the most important information and limit it to the four or five most important concepts, findings, or implications of your research.

· It should be accurate, self-contained (spell out abbreviations), concise (at least 120-150 words; 250 maximum), and specific.

Body: Introduction

Paragraph or two that provides:

· An overview describing the main topics of your research.

· The audience for whom this research is important and why.

· A transition from general discussion of your topics to a description of your project.

Body: Organization

Paper is well organized:

· A heading structure is used to organize the body of the paper (APA Level 1 headings).

· Transitions are provided between ideas.

· Paragraphs are unified, coherent, and effective.

Body: Content

Body is at least 6 full pages. Paper is well written, including:

· Critical, analytical, and informed thinking is evident.

· Each section of the paper provides a thorough analysis of the applicable concepts covered in the text.

· Assertions in each section of the paper are supported by application of the reading assignments and outside research listed on the reference page. (All sources listed on the reference page are cited in the body.)

· A thorough summary that clearly reminds the reader of the preceding content and gives evaluations or recommendations to address the issues discussed in the paper on a social, political or economic level.

References

Sources include a minimum of three scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles that are freely available at the Columbia College library. All references should be relevant to the content of the paper and applied in-text.

Sixth Edition APA Style

Page 1 (title page):

· Running head, properly formatted and correct length, with page number.

· Title and author/affiliation information formatted and placed correctly.

Page 2:

· Proper information in header of page 2 and each page following (SHORTENED TITLE and correct page numbering).

· “Abstract” at top of page, centered, and properly formatted.

· Abstract is in block text, not indented, and properly formatted.

Page 3 and following:

· Proper information in header of page 2 and each page following (SHORTENED TITLE and correct page numbering).Double spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, consistent one-inch margins on each page.

· Full title at top of page 3, centered.

· Correct formatting of headings and in-text citations. (Personal communication citations are used to attribute information appropriately to the case manager contact.)

Last page (reference page):

· “References” at top of page, centered, and properly formatted.

· Reference list properly formatted, with hanging indent (second and following lines indented).

Presentation

Proper punctuation, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure will be closely examined for college quality. Note: Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment.

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