RESEARCH PAPER SECTION

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CRIM 495 Spring 2019 Professor Johnson

RESEARCH PAPER SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

Due Date Thursday, March 7 by 12noon Requirements Submit a draft Introduction to your paper (Section 1). The introduction sets the stage for the paper and engages the reader. Your introduction should include general background information about your chosen topic and should explain why it is important (answer the “So what?” question). The introduction will include your guiding question and/or a purpose statement that indicates what you plan to accomplish in the paper or what you want the reader to learn by reading the paper (e.g., In this paper, I will provide a detailed analysis of ….; The purpose of this paper is to explain....”).

Format and Word Count Your introduction should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins. Pages should be numbered. There is no specific page requirement or word count for the introduction (Section 1), but keep in mind that the full paper should be at least 3,500 words (excluding the title page and reference list) and Sections 2 and 3 will comprise the bulk of the paper. Organization and Mechanics of Writing Be sure to organize your paper in a logical manner. Use a formal writing style and proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Use headings and subheadings as appropriate. Remember to include your name and the assignment name at the top of your essay. Use and Citation of Sources Your paper must be based on research comprised primarily of scholarly references, including appropriate social scientific and/or natural scientific sources (peer reviewed), reports from prestigious institutions/organizations, and policy materials. Newspaper and other reference sources also may be used, as appropriate, but should be used sparingly. Avoid plagiarism by using your own words, properly citing source material with in-text or parenthetical citations according to APA format, and properly identifying direct quotations. Papers may be evaluated using anti-plagiarism software, such as SafeAssign. Submission This assignment must be submitted via Blackboard by the date/time indicated. The late submission of assignments is strongly discouraged. Late assignments submitted within 3 days (72 hours) of the due date will receive a grading penalty for each day they are late and may not receive detailed feedback. No assignment will be accepted for credit if it is more than three days (72 hours) late. Assessment of Draft Sections Section drafts will be evaluated based on effort, not achievement. Students who make a good faith and sincere effort to submit a draft that meets the assignment criteria, by the due date, will receive full credit for that assignment. Students who demonstrate less effort and/or do not submit their drafts by due date will not receive full credit for the assignment. See attached rubric for detailed assessment criteria.

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CRIM 495 Spring 2019 Professor Johnson

Assessment Rubric for Research Paper - Draft Section #1

GENERAL [ENTIRE PAPER] Excellent Good Ok Marginal Unacceptable

Structure and organization Structure is clear, organization makes sense and topics flow smoothly. Use of transition words. Use and proper format of headings and subheadings.

Content is organized in a logical way, topic sentences clearly illustrate main points, transition words/phrases connect one idea/paragraph to another. Headings formatted and used correctly.

Content is organized in a logical way, some topic sentences and transition words/phrases are used. Use of headings for all sections with some formatting errors

Each section is presented separately with few connections between different sections. Use of headings for major sections only with some formatting errors

Sections presented in a confusing or illogical manner with little to no use of topic sentences and/or transition words/phrases. Use of headings for major sections only and with incorrect formatting.

Sections presented in a confusing or illogical manner with little to no use of topic sentences and/or transition words/phrases. Use of headings is inconsistent and incorrect.

Citations Incorporates scholarly sources to back up claims with in-text or parenthetical citations.

All cited works are done in correct APA format with no errors.

Some cited works are done in correct APA format. Inconsistencies evident.

Few cited works are done in correct APA format.

Works are often not cited, and when they are, the APA format is incorrect.

Missing/No Evidence; Paper is based mostly on opinion.

Format Double-spacing, 12- point font, 1-inch margins, page numbering, typed, etc.

No errors in formatting.

Almost no errors in formatting.

Regular errors in formatting (e.g. continually misses indent)

Many errors in formatting.

Numerous and distracting errors in formatting

Writing Mechanics Word choice, syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, voice and tone, use of first person

All of the writing is formal and in active voice. Avoids contractions and slang. Proper syntax, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Appropriate use of first person

Most of the writing is formal and in active voice. Generally avoids contractions and slang. Almost no errors in syntax, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Some of the writing is informal and in passive voice Regular errors in syntax, grammar, spelling and punctuation. May use contractions. First person used incorrectly.

Most of the writing is informal and in passive voice Many errors in syntax, grammar, spelling, punctuation and use of first person. Contractions and slang common.

All of the writing is informal and in passive voice Numerous and distracting errors in writing mechanics.

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DRAFT SECTION #1: INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Excellent

Good

Ok

Marginal

Unacceptable

Background information -Brief and general background information on the main process, practice, or policy in question -Introduces the main issue of that process, practice, or policy (i.e., the disparity or inequality)

The background information sets up the main issue through research. The topic statements are clear, concise, engaging, and thought provoking.

The background information sets up the main issue through research. The topic statements are mostly clear, concise, engaging, and thought provoking.

The background information is unfocused or may be confusing at times. It might require more information to present the issue.

The background information is incomplete and/or unclear. It does not utilize enough research to back up claims.

Missing/No Evidence

Importance of Topic -Brief explanation on why this topic/issue is important to consider

Importance of topic is clearly addressed.

Importance of topic is addressed.

Importance of topic is unfocused.

Importance of topic is incomplete and/or unclear.

Missing/No Evidence

Purpose statement One or two sentences: -what you want reader to learn

OR -what you hope to accomplish in this paper

The purpose is clearly and concisely stated in an engaging manner.

The purpose is clearly and concisely stated.

The purpose has to be inferred.

The purpose is incomplete and/or unclear.

Missing/No Evidence