research

Research Paper Assignment Guide

Immersed in an academic writing situation, a problem solver begins from a point-of-view, relies on inductive analysis, and communicates findings through descriptive writing skills to develop a viable theory. Objectives

• Utilize inductive reasoning and analytical writing forms

• Ensure well-developed paragraphs and coherence in MLA research style

• Navigate the research writing process

Directions

1. Complete assigned lessons in eCampus

2. Complete a rough draft

3. Complete revisions with the help of Writing Center tutors

4. Submit your final paper to eCampus before the deadline Required Sources

You are required to cite at least five sources, one from each of the following categories:

One observation source: Observe the setting and participants involved in your research project, create notes of your observations, and quote these notes in your paper. One interview source: Interview an expert related to your research project, transcribe your

questions and your interviewee’s answers into an interview transcript, and quote your

interviewee in your paper.

One book source: Find and cite one book from a library (college, personal, city) or bookstore. One peer-reviewed article sources: Find and cite one peer-reviewed journal article from the college library’s database. NOTE: Newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and websites are not peer-reviewed.

One photo, artistic representation, graph, table, or similar visual source:

Embed and cite a visual image as a source. Capture a photograph or personally create an illustration, table, or graph. Do not copy images from the internet. You must create and own any image you embed in your paper. All other images will be rejected.

Source Verification Requirement

You are required to verify your sources by pasting your Observation Notes, Interview Transcript, and photographs of cited text from your book and peer-reviewed journal article in the following manner:

1. Create a set of Observation Notes and at least one Interview Transcript and paste them behind your Works Cited page.

2. On your Observation Notes and Interview Transcript, highlight the text you cited in your paper using your favorite software.

3. Photograph the cover, title page, and all pages you are citing from your book source. 4. Photograph the title page and pages you are citing from your peer-reviewed journal article. 5. On your book source and journal article photocopies or photographs, highlight the text you cited

in your paper using a pen or your favorite software. 6. Paste your photographed sources behind your Observation Notes and Interview Transcript.

Order of sources: (1) Observation Notes, (2) Interview Transcript, (3) Book Source photos, and (4) journal article photos. Your visual source must be embedded in your paper’s text, not pasted with these artifacts. WARNING: If I cannot match your highlights to your in-text citations, then I will assume you are plagiarizing, and I will reject your paper.

Format Write a minimum of 1200 words and a maximum of 1500 words according to MLA guidelines for research papers. Include a Works Cited page, but do not include a cover page. Final Submission

Click the Submissions window, click the research paper submission link, and upload your digital copy before the deadline provided in the Syllabus.

WARNING: Do not upload multiple files to eCampus. Do not email me photos of your sources. I will accept, open, and grade one file only. Tutoring Extra-credit If you worked with the Writing Center and wish to receive extra-credit, paste a photograph of your tutor’s signed Writing Center stamp at the end of your research paper. Penalties or Rejection

Research papers will be penalized or rejected in the following cases:

• Plagiarized paper including the use of Artificial Intelligence

• Does not address one of the required topics and/or the objectives of research assignment

• Incorrectly formatted according to MLA guidelines

• Missing documentation (missing sources, in-text citations, and/or a Works Cited page

• Missing source verification (missing artifacts, transcripts, and/or photographed sources)

• Unverifiable sources (no highlighting and/or sources do not clearly match in-text citations)

• Missing one or more of the required sources

Research Topic Choices

You are required to choose one of the following research topics. If the following descriptions do not meet

your needs, please ask for clarification or propose an adjustment before proceeding with your project.

Choice 1: Research a Career

Research aspects of a career and observe and interview someone working in that career. You may begin with the research question such as, “How does Jenny experience her career, and what does this career mean for her?” Include a photo of Jenny working at her job or create a visual representation of her career. Note: A few professionals such as schoolteachers cannot legally allow you to photograph their students, and observing people working in careers such as teaching or law enforcement may require you to complete a background check. To develop a theory of your chosen career, use a metaphor such as, A police officer is a civil soldier; or a pastor is a shepherd of people; or a beef farmer is a CEO of grass.

Choice 2: Research an Animal at Home, at the Zoo, or in its Natural Habitat

Observe an animal by noting how it eats, moves, shifts positions, directs its attention, sleeps, and interacts with its environment, you, and other animals. You may begin with a research question such as, “What does my relationship with my cat mean?” Or, “How does a prey animal experience life when it’s being hunted?” Describe the animal, ensuring you are focusing on both inner and outer qualities. Interview someone who studies this animal, has a relationship with this animal, or simply knows a lot about this animal. Include a photo of the animal in his or her natural setting as one of your sources. NOTE: You must have access to the animal to complete this project. To develop a theory of this animal’s experience, use a metaphor such as My cat is a princess; or That gorilla is a prize-winning boxer; or My neighbor’s dog is the guardian of the block.

Choice 3: Research a Deceased Family Member

Research an aspect of a deceased family member. Do not tell the person’s life story; rather, focus on a life event that shaped or changed this person’s life. This can be a choice he or she made or an experience he or she had. Maybe your grandma ran the Boston marathon which inspired you to be a runner. Perhaps your grandfather experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor which began a legacy of military service in your family. You may ask, “How did Grandma experience training for the Boston marathon?” or “How did Pearl Harbor shape Grandpa’s life?” Because your relative is deceased, you may analyze old photos or mementos from the person’s life as your observation source and include them as your visual source. To develop a theory of this person’s experience, use a metaphor such as Grandpa was the gatekeeper to the city; or Aunt Sally was a walking brain; or Grandma Betty was the guardian of the school.

Official English Department Research Rubric

Criteria Unacceptable (0-7) Developing (8-13) Average (14-15) Good (16-17) Exemplary (18-20)

Topic, Thesis, & Content

Lacks a debatable thesis. Topic is inappropriate for the assignment Represents a seemingly random collection of information.

A debatable claim is not evident. Analysis is vague or not evident and/or the paragraphs are not well developed. Reader is confused or may be misinformed. Topic may be inappropriate for the assignment

Thesis is focused on an appropriate topic and is adequately stated. Essay’s purpose is evident, and paragraphs are well developed. Information supports an argument but sometimes may drift off point. Analysis is basic or general. Reader gains a few insights.

Thesis is clearly, logically, and effectively stated and developed. Essay achieves its purpose. Information provides reasonable support for an argument and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains some meaningful insights. Shows imagination in its approach to its topic.

Creatively, clearly, and logically states and develops its thesis and achieves its purpose. Presents clear, logical, and thought-provoking ideas. Balanced presentation of relevant and legitimate information that clearly the argument and shows a reasoned in-depth analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains important insights.

Organization Illogically organized. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest.

The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. Lacks transitions.

The writing is arranged logically and uses adequate transitions, although occasionally ideas may fail to make sense together. The reader is clear about what the writer intends.

Ideas are arranged logically and clearly linked to each other to support the argument so the reader can follow the line of reasoning. Consistently employs appropriate transitions.

The ideas are arranged logically to support the argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can follow the line of reasoning. Uses surprising but appropriate transitions.

Quality of References

There are virtually no sources that are professionally reliable. The reader seriously doubts the value of the material and stops reading.

Many of the sources are questionable or are incorrectly used. The reader questions the value of the material.

Some of the references are from sources that are not peer-reviewed and have uncertain reliability. The reader doubts the accuracy of some of the material presented.

Although most of the references are professionally legitimate, a few are questionable (e.g., trade books, popular magazines, etc.). The reader is uncertain of the reliability of some of the sources.

References are primarily peer- reviewed professional journals or other approved. The reader is confident that the information and ideas can be trusted.

Use of Sources & MLA Documentation

References are missing or incorrectly used. Information is cited to the wrong source or is plagiarized. No adherence to MLA guidelines. No Work Cited page.

References are seldom cited to support statements. Attribution and quotation marks are missing where required. Inaccurate Work Cited page. Lack of adherence to MLA guidelines undermines integrity of essay.

Attribution usually given, but some statements may be undocumented causing confusion about the source of some information and ideas. Work/s Cited may contain inaccuracies which do not compromise the integrity of essay.

Professionally legitimate sources that support claims are generally present and attribution is, for the most part, clear and fairly represented. Consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Works Cited page.

Compelling evidence from professionally legitimate sources supports claims. Attribution is clear. Consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Work Cited page.

Grammar, Mechanics, & Punctuation

Contains errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that interfere with understanding.

Contains distracting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that reduce understanding.

Contains few errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Contains infrequent errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar.

Writing is free from distracting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Research Paper Assignment Guide

Immersed in an academic writing situation, a problem solver begins from a point-of-view, relies on inductive analysis, and communicates findings through descriptive writing skills to develop a viable theory. Objectives

• Utilize inductive reasoning and analytical writing forms

• Ensure well-developed paragraphs and coherence in MLA research style

• Navigate the research writing process

Directions

1. Complete assigned lessons in eCampus

2. Complete a rough draft

3. Complete revisions with the help of Writing Center tutors

4. Submit your final paper to eCampus before the deadline Required Sources

You are required to cite at least five sources, one from each of the following categories:

One observation source: Observe the setting and participants involved in your research project, create notes of your observations, and quote these notes in your paper. One interview source: Interview an expert related to your research project, transcribe your

questions and your interviewee’s answers into an interview transcript, and quote your

interviewee in your paper.

One book source: Find and cite one book from a library (college, personal, city) or bookstore. One peer-reviewed article sources: Find and cite one peer-reviewed journal article from the college library’s database. NOTE: Newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and websites are not peer-reviewed.

One photo, artistic representation, graph, table, or similar visual source:

Embed and cite a visual image as a source. Capture a photograph or personally create an illustration, table, or graph. Do not copy images from the internet. You must create and own any image you embed in your paper. All other images will be rejected.

Source Verification Requirement

You are required to verify your sources by pasting your Observation Notes, Interview Transcript, and photographs of cited text from your book and peer-reviewed journal article in the following manner:

1. Create a set of Observation Notes and at least one Interview Transcript and paste them behind your Works Cited page.

2. On your Observation Notes and Interview Transcript, highlight the text you cited in your paper using your favorite software.

3. Photograph the cover, title page, and all pages you are citing from your book source. 4. Photograph the title page and pages you are citing from your peer-reviewed journal article. 5. On your book source and journal article photocopies or photographs, highlight the text you cited

in your paper using a pen or your favorite software. 6. Paste your photographed sources behind your Observation Notes and Interview Transcript.

Order of sources: (1) Observation Notes, (2) Interview Transcript, (3) Book Source photos, and (4) journal article photos. Your visual source must be embedded in your paper’s text, not pasted with these artifacts. WARNING: If I cannot match your highlights to your in-text citations, then I will assume you are plagiarizing, and I will reject your paper.

Format Write a minimum of 1200 words and a maximum of 1500 words according to MLA guidelines for research papers. Include a Works Cited page, but do not include a cover page. Final Submission

Click the Submissions window, click the research paper submission link, and upload your digital copy before the deadline provided in the Syllabus.

WARNING: Do not upload multiple files to eCampus. Do not email me photos of your sources. I will accept, open, and grade one file only. Tutoring Extra-credit If you worked with the Writing Center and wish to receive extra-credit, paste a photograph of your tutor’s signed Writing Center stamp at the end of your research paper. Penalties or Rejection

Research papers will be penalized or rejected in the following cases:

• Plagiarized paper including the use of Artificial Intelligence

• Does not address one of the required topics and/or the objectives of research assignment

• Incorrectly formatted according to MLA guidelines

• Missing documentation (missing sources, in-text citations, and/or a Works Cited page

• Missing source verification (missing artifacts, transcripts, and/or photographed sources)

• Unverifiable sources (no highlighting and/or sources do not clearly match in-text citations)

• Missing one or more of the required sources

Research Topic Choices

You are required to choose one of the following research topics. If the following descriptions do not meet

your needs, please ask for clarification or propose an adjustment before proceeding with your project.

Choice 1: Research a Career

Research aspects of a career and observe and interview someone working in that career. You may begin with the research question such as, “How does Jenny experience her career, and what does this career mean for her?” Include a photo of Jenny working at her job or create a visual representation of her career. Note: A few professionals such as schoolteachers cannot legally allow you to photograph their students, and observing people working in careers such as teaching or law enforcement may require you to complete a background check. To develop a theory of your chosen career, use a metaphor such as, A police officer is a civil soldier; or a pastor is a shepherd of people; or a beef farmer is a CEO of grass.

Choice 2: Research an Animal at Home, at the Zoo, or in its Natural Habitat

Observe an animal by noting how it eats, moves, shifts positions, directs its attention, sleeps, and interacts with its environment, you, and other animals. You may begin with a research question such as, “What does my relationship with my cat mean?” Or, “How does a prey animal experience life when it’s being hunted?” Describe the animal, ensuring you are focusing on both inner and outer qualities. Interview someone who studies this animal, has a relationship with this animal, or simply knows a lot about this animal. Include a photo of the animal in his or her natural setting as one of your sources. NOTE: You must have access to the animal to complete this project. To develop a theory of this animal’s experience, use a metaphor such as My cat is a princess; or That gorilla is a prize-winning boxer; or My neighbor’s dog is the guardian of the block.

Choice 3: Research a Deceased Family Member

Research an aspect of a deceased family member. Do not tell the person’s life story; rather, focus on a life event that shaped or changed this person’s life. This can be a choice he or she made or an experience he or she had. Maybe your grandma ran the Boston marathon which inspired you to be a runner. Perhaps your grandfather experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor which began a legacy of military service in your family. You may ask, “How did Grandma experience training for the Boston marathon?” or “How did Pearl Harbor shape Grandpa’s life?” Because your relative is deceased, you may analyze old photos or mementos from the person’s life as your observation source and include them as your visual source. To develop a theory of this person’s experience, use a metaphor such as Grandpa was the gatekeeper to the city; or Aunt Sally was a walking brain; or Grandma Betty was the guardian of the school.

Official English Department Research Rubric

Criteria Unacceptable (0-7) Developing (8-13) Average (14-15) Good (16-17) Exemplary (18-20)

Topic, Thesis, & Content

Lacks a debatable thesis. Topic is inappropriate for the assignment Represents a seemingly random collection of information.

A debatable claim is not evident. Analysis is vague or not evident and/or the paragraphs are not well developed. Reader is confused or may be misinformed. Topic may be inappropriate for the assignment

Thesis is focused on an appropriate topic and is adequately stated. Essay’s purpose is evident, and paragraphs are well developed. Information supports an argument but sometimes may drift off point. Analysis is basic or general. Reader gains a few insights.

Thesis is clearly, logically, and effectively stated and developed. Essay achieves its purpose. Information provides reasonable support for an argument and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains some meaningful insights. Shows imagination in its approach to its topic.

Creatively, clearly, and logically states and develops its thesis and achieves its purpose. Presents clear, logical, and thought-provoking ideas. Balanced presentation of relevant and legitimate information that clearly the argument and shows a reasoned in-depth analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains important insights.

Organization Illogically organized. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest.

The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. Lacks transitions.

The writing is arranged logically and uses adequate transitions, although occasionally ideas may fail to make sense together. The reader is clear about what the writer intends.

Ideas are arranged logically and clearly linked to each other to support the argument so the reader can follow the line of reasoning. Consistently employs appropriate transitions.

The ideas are arranged logically to support the argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can follow the line of reasoning. Uses surprising but appropriate transitions.

Quality of References

There are virtually no sources that are professionally reliable. The reader seriously doubts the value of the material and stops reading.

Many of the sources are questionable or are incorrectly used. The reader questions the value of the material.

Some of the references are from sources that are not peer-reviewed and have uncertain reliability. The reader doubts the accuracy of some of the material presented.

Although most of the references are professionally legitimate, a few are questionable (e.g., trade books, popular magazines, etc.). The reader is uncertain of the reliability of some of the sources.

References are primarily peer- reviewed professional journals or other approved. The reader is confident that the information and ideas can be trusted.

Use of Sources & MLA Documentation

References are missing or incorrectly used. Information is cited to the wrong source or is plagiarized. No adherence to MLA guidelines. No Work Cited page.

References are seldom cited to support statements. Attribution and quotation marks are missing where required. Inaccurate Work Cited page. Lack of adherence to MLA guidelines undermines integrity of essay.

Attribution usually given, but some statements may be undocumented causing confusion about the source of some information and ideas. Work/s Cited may contain inaccuracies which do not compromise the integrity of essay.

Professionally legitimate sources that support claims are generally present and attribution is, for the most part, clear and fairly represented. Consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Works Cited page.

Compelling evidence from professionally legitimate sources supports claims. Attribution is clear. Consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Work Cited page.

Grammar, Mechanics, & Punctuation

Contains errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that interfere with understanding.

Contains distracting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar that reduce understanding.

Contains few errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Contains infrequent errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar.

Writing is free from distracting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.