RESEARCH PAPER

ACCT421 Instructions for Research Papers (160 points)

1. Each student will be required to complete one research papers for Advanced Accounting. The purpose of the research papers is to help students better understand the course content and to build up their critical thinking skill in learning.

2. Are there any tips to write a good report?

1) Start early. Never wait until the last the minute to work on the paper. You do need time to work on it.

2) Write in complete sentences. In clear format, easy for the readers to read and to get the main points of your report. NO LIST your idea.

3) Always write the report using the information/theory/rules from the course, including your research on GAAP and other related accounting concept(s)/standard(s).

4) In a professional format/ tone. The instructor can tell whether you take the assignment seriously and spend time in an effective way to make the report sounds persuasive and professional.

5) You are welcome to use various method(s) to make your report professional and persuasive. For example, tables, figures, or other references (but remember to cite in a correct format).

6) To be concise and persuasive. Use your own words.

3. Format:

· Online submission to D2L.

· Submissions must be typed in Times New Roman, double space, 12‐point font with one‐inch margins.

· Please follow APA 5th guidelines when writing the research paper. Wikipedia and Investopedia are NOT proper academic sources, therefore only academic research articles should be your main source of research support.

4. Students are expected to use electronic means such as databases and journal articles to research the topic(s) asked. Several theories will also be explained throughout the semester, so students are expected to use these theories to support their reasoning and arguments related to the topic(s) being researched. The paper must demonstrate a mastery of the basic writing mechanics, be free of grammatical errors and supported by proper references.

You are required to prepare an 4–6-page paper including references. The document should use a font size of 12 and one-inch margins and be double spaced.

Below is a rubric that will be used to grade writing research assignments.

	Exceeds expectations	Meets expectations	Unsatisfactory
Content and substance (45%) · The paper successfully addresses the research question/issue/problem (s). (15% maximum) · The paper thoroughly uses the text and other literature. The sources used in the paper are derived from reputable sources and incorporated appropriately. (10% maximum) · The paper includes a strong introduction and conclusion. (10% maximum) · The main points of the paper are well developed and clearly communicated. All arguments are logically presented. (10% maximum)
Critical thinking and analysis (40%) · The paper successfully demonstrates the ability to evaluate and analyze information from sources. The analysis and evaluation results in a paper that demonstrates original thought. (10% maximum) · The paper includes arguments from varying perspectives. It includes appropriate supporting data. (10% maximum) · The paper appropriately classifies, explains, compares, contrasts and makes inferences based on researched sources. (10% maximum) · The paper demonstrates critical thinking through the use of appropriate judgments, conclusions and assessment based on evaluation and synthesis of information. (10% maximum)
Formatting and writing quality (15%) · The paper demonstrates the appropriate use of APA formatting including in-text citations. (3% maximum) · The paper contains wording that is concise, appropriate, and professional. (3% maximum) · The paper uses a standard font, one-inch margins, double spacing, page numbering and appropriate headers. (3% maximum) · Grammatical skills are accurate with typically less than one error per page. (3% maximum) · The paper is free from excessive spelling and punctuation errors, typically less than one error per page. (3% maximum)