Policy brief
lazy808
MRA2-InterimResearchBriefGuidelines-Copy.docxINTERIM RESEARCH BRIEF_GUIDE
Minor Research Assignment 2 (MRA2)
SOSC 1000 6.0 Introduction to Social Science
SU 2021
Jan Krouzil PhD
Reviewed: June 8th, 2021
COVER PAGE-TEMPLATE
Course: SOSC 1000 6.0
Name and student number:
Tutorial number:
Length: 5 pages (cca 1,250 words)
Due: July 13, 2021
Value: 10%
ITEMS TO ADDRESS
1. The social science issue is - COVID-19 related social effects
2. The assumed professional role is… Analyst
3. The research question is…(narrow, specific, and doable)
RESEARCH DESIGN
1. Consult six sources (minimum) and compile an annotated bibliography of each, using a citation style of your choice. [cca 100 words per source]
2. Explain how the selected social science issue has been interpreted, defined and framed as a social ‘concern’. (cca 150 words]
3. Articulate a conceptual-analytical framework in reference to topic-relevant terms, concepts, and approaches drawn primarily from the course material, including working definitions and references to sources (including the URL link). [cca 100 words]
4. Propose a TENTATIVE recommendation for a course of action towards ‘resolving’ the social concern. [cca 50 words]
5. Identify by name and professional designation the person (‘target audience’) to whom you will address s copy of the Final Research Report with full reference to his/her institutional affiliation (including the URL link). [cca 50 words]
6. Summarize the findings and indicate how you anticipate proceeding toward completing the final report. [cca 250 words]
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
1. Use of first-person pronouns is permissible.
2. Follow the format of this template
3. Single space the annotated bibliography and double space the rest.
Detailed Guide
Below are some additional notes that may be of benefit in completing the second phase of the MRA (a policy brief). I would highly recommend that each of you follow the instructions given exactly, and have multiple sections addressing each of the components posed.
Length: 1250 words (or ~5pgs.) (Please adhere to the word count as best as possible.)
Value: 10%
[1] PART ONE - Review Items from MRA #1
1. Briefly and clearly restate the social science issue you are focusing on.
2. List your professional role.
3. Write a concise and clear research question. This is what you intend to focus on as part of your research. This may come about after you have consulted various articles or you may have one prior. Nonetheless, please be sure that the research question is brief, narrow, specific, and doable.
This section can be extremely brief, perhaps just 1-3 sentences per item.
[2] PART TWO - Research Design
1. Consult 6 sources and create an annotated bibliography using APA citation style. The annotation should address three things: (1) provide a summary of the article; (2) outline the main points of the author/article; (3) detail how the article/its arguments relate to your topic in particular (this is key). (100 words/source; 100 x 6 = ~600 words total)
· The summary/main arguments of the articles consulted can be found in an articles' 'Abstract' or at the end, in its 'Conclusion.'
· The sources consulted MUST be scholarly articles. You can find sources through the York Libraries website, linked here. Simply search your topic and find articles related to you social issue on the database.
· 'Scholarly sources' can be journal articles, chapters in books, websites of government agencies or accredited online encyclopedias (excluding Wikipedia). Just be sure to avoid informal sources (e.g., blogs, social media websites, media/entertainment....).
· Please be sure to cite in the APA format, a guidebook linked here.
· The format of each of your annotations (you should have 6 of these) should read as the following: article formatted in APA style followed by a paragraph listing the three points aforementioned, see below:
"Smith, A.C. (2016). The Dangers of Migration and Government Incompetence. Journal of Sociological Review, 32(1): 1-23.
This article looks at the issue of Syrian migration across Europe... the author's main arguments are... this research relates to my topic in the following way..."
2. Explain how the selected social science issue has been interpreted, defined, and framed as a social concern. Essentially, explain how the articles you have consulted VIEW, define, or frame the social issue. How do they frame your topic as a 'social concern' or issue? How did they interpret it? For example, what did an author see as an issue within the topic of COVID or migration? How did they express or frame it? (150 words)
3. Now, summarize the key problem(s) within your social topic and how you intend of addressing it. Here, you may find certain course concepts or theories that relate to or help further explain your research. Essentially, find concepts that may relate to your research - this can be from the course or the articles you have consulted - and (a) list those concepts (just have 2-4); (b) properly define those concepts; and (c) show HOW those concepts relate to your topic or further your research. (130-200 words total)
4. Propose a course of action towards 'resolving' the social concern. There is a problem in the area of your topic -- find the nature of that problem, and work your way towards RESOLVING that problem. This can take the approach of policy recommendations – you may list certain things the government can implement into law, that will help resolve the problem and assist those who have been negatively impacted by the issue. These are just recommendations towards solving the problem. (Note: it is not wrong to admit that some problems are quite large and so cannot be entirely resolved just by implementing policy changes. Nonetheless, please be sure to outline and detail your recommendation(s).) For example, what can make it easier for people to move from Nicaragua to the United States (as part of the ‘migration’ topic)? (50 words)
5. Identify by name and professional designation the person (‘target audience’) to whom you will address a copy of the Final Research Report with full reference to his/her institutional affiliation (including the URL link). This could be a specific Member of Parliament (MP/MPP), another member of government or the bureaucracy, or a person in a specific organization/government agency/corporation that can best implement the policy you have outlined in #4. (50 words) 6. Summarize the findings and indicate how you anticipate proceeding toward completing the final report. Basically, summarize the arguments your research presents; what the central issues are/what is you research question; how it relates to the social sciences in general (and to particular course concepts); and last, the recommendations you have given in resolving the issue. Essentially just provide a 'conclusion' that summarizes the policy brief written. (250 words) Each of these items should be its own paragraph (or subsection). Be sure to organize your policy brief effectively, and ensure the writing is clear, concise, coherent, and logical. This may require editing once finished. As well, I would highly recommend consulting the "How to write a Policy Brief" website (linked) to find out more information about the purpose and substance of this assignment.
SOURCE TO CONSULT
How to write a policy brief
