Need help writing an IM about a questionnaire for a LING 200 class

Notice:

- The author starts out very GENERAL about the Internet (think of the hourglass example we discuss in class). Then, the author moves to more specific information about the controversial TOPIC of downloading information from the internet.

- The author writes, "Throughout the last years, a lot of studies have investigated..." This indicates that the author is SITUATING his/her research. The author uses only one outside source to describe the similar research. I would prefer that you use more than one source. In the past, good papers have found outside sources (not from our book) on their specific topic. For example, one group studied Starbucks, so they looked up another study that also researched Starbucks' consumer perceptions of the corporations. You can also use any of the studies from our unit (from our book) to situate your research.

- The author explains why their topic is important to study and then writes, "Thus, we will try to figure out..." This indicates her research question. You can write this in a more academic way, but it is a good example of introducing your research question.

- "It would be justified to assume..." is a normal sentence starter to introduce a hypothesis in an academic paper. You may use this sentence started to introduce your hypothesis as well if you'd like.

- Notice in the Methods section that there is NOT A LIST of the author's questions. The author describes her questions: "Most of the questions were asking for personal opinions..."

- The author also JUSTIFIES the research conducted throughout the methods section by explaining why each step was taken during the research process.

- The author uses both PASSIVE and active throughout the section. Please pay attention to your use of the passive as you write your Methods section.

Remember to include a greeting at the top of your questionnaire that assures anonymity and thanks the student for participating. These are both very important in ethical research. You must tell the participants that their identity is secret or anonymous. Also, it is very important to thank every participant and show your appreciation.