Legalization marijuana “Legal Brief Method” 1. Article Title 2. Author/Authors 3. Date of Publication 4. Journal Title 5. Purpose of Research (Research Question/s) 6. Methodology: a methodological technique used b. variables c. hypotheses (if any) d. popu

S

e

mester Group Project

Social research is a scientific process requiring logical thought, sound

m

ethodological techniques, and the highest ethical standards. For the purpose of

this course, your first research related activity is to select a

broad, general topic in

which you have some interest, and could, in some way, contribute to your field of

endeavor. Researchers are not typically given the “luxury” of selecting a topic of

interest. There are only two stipulations regarding the selectio

n of your topic: (1)

the topic must be one in which a significant amount of directly or indirectly related

prior research has been conducted; (2) you must have access to the population (the

group about which you are trying to say something).

In order to

write an effective proposal, it is important to clearly develop your

research question/s and define your objectives. To delineate your objectives, you

must develop a thorough understanding of your topic by surveying all relevant

literature that has been w

ritten on that topic. In conducting research, two practical

matters must always be considered: time and cost. For this course, the time factor

is most significant. In designing this course, this factor has been given careful

consideration. You are ass

igned this research project on the first day of class and

are given most of the semester to complete the assignment. Therefore, you are

allotted a substantial amount of time, and are expected to conduct a thorough

survey of the literature.

After completi

ng this literature survey, you will focus your topic and specify the

factors (variables) that are most important in establishing an understanding of this

topic (nomothetic model of explanation). Your explanation must take place in the

context of some theo

retical framework. Theory must be integrated into your

research, not just “thrown in” as an afterthought. The purpose of the survey of the

literature is to provide a socio

-

historical background leading to your research. This

material should not be prese

nted as a chronology of facts and findings. The survey

of the literature, like a short story, must have organization and continuity. Also, it is

imperative that you follow all procedural guidelines regarding quoting sources.

Plagiarism is grounds for ex

pulsion. The manner in which your paper is presented is

as important as the information you are presenting.

Your literature survey will be based upon information predominantly found in

journals and books. Class textbooks and encyclopedias are not acce

ptable sources

for research material. Reputable newspapers and magazines should be used

minimally. Internet sources must also be used with discretion. Your project must

include a

W

orks

C

ited

using the American Psychological Association (APA) format.

G

uidelines for this format are provided in WPUNJ’s library and on line.

Semester Group Project

Social research is a scientific process requiring logical thought, sound

methodological techniques, and the highest ethical standards. For the purpose of

this course, your first research related activity is to select a broad, general topic in

which you have some interest, and could, in some way, contribute to your field of

endeavor. Researchers are not typically given the “luxury” of selecting a topic of

interest. There are only two stipulations regarding the selection of your topic: (1)

the topic must be one in which a significant amount of directly or indirectly related

prior research has been conducted; (2) you must have access to the population (the

group about which you are trying to say something).

In order to write an effective proposal, it is important to clearly develop your

research question/s and define your objectives. To delineate your objectives, you

must develop a thorough understanding of your topic by surveying all relevant

literature that has been written on that topic. In conducting research, two practical

matters must always be considered: time and cost. For this course, the time factor

is most significant. In designing this course, this factor has been given careful

consideration. You are assigned this research project on the first day of class and

are given most of the semester to complete the assignment. Therefore, you are

allotted a substantial amount of time, and are expected to conduct a thorough

survey of the literature.

After completing this literature survey, you will focus your topic and specify the

factors (variables) that are most important in establishing an understanding of this

topic (nomothetic model of explanation). Your explanation must take place in the

context of some theoretical framework. Theory must be integrated into your

research, not just “thrown in” as an afterthought. The purpose of the survey of the

literature is to provide a socio-historical background leading to your research. This

material should not be presented as a chronology of facts and findings. The survey

of the literature, like a short story, must have organization and continuity. Also, it is

imperative that you follow all procedural guidelines regarding quoting sources.

Plagiarism is grounds for expulsion. The manner in which your paper is presented is

as important as the information you are presenting.

Your literature survey will be based upon information predominantly found in

journals and books. Class textbooks and encyclopedias are not acceptable sources

for research material. Reputable newspapers and magazines should be used

minimally. Internet sources must also be used with discretion. Your project must

include a Works Cited using the American Psychological Association (APA) format.

Guidelines for this format are provided in WPUNJ’s library and on line.