Guidelines for your In-depth Research Study
Your paper will have the following sections:
1. Introduction: Here you present the purpose of the study and the reasons why you chose this topic. (Some reasons: social relevance, theoretical relevance, personal history, to fill in gaps in existing knowledge....) Here you can bring in the concepts and information from the course readings, your own experience, statistical background information, etc. Make sure you state your question clearly. This will help you guide your library research.
2. What did I find in my library research? Find at least four research articles in peer-reviewed journals that provide interesting information related to your topic. Present this information in your paper. Make sure you cite your sources and that you paraphrase. In addition to the research articles you can use other sources, such as books, or other types of journals.
3. Interview a person in the field. Depending on your question, interview a child, a teacher, parents, etc. to find out what their opinion is regarding the question you asked. Discuss the results of your interview, establish connections to the research you presented. Are they similar to the research? Different? How does this interview help you to better understand the issue you are researching. (A second interview could give you an interesting compare/contrast.)
4. Bibliography. Present in alphabetical order. Use APA Style.
Assessment Rubric
Introduction (20 points)
1) Presentation of purpose of the study and the reasons for choosing this topic
a) Reference to concepts and information from the course readings, personal experience, statistical background information, etc.
b) Clear formulation of question/s
2) Findings (30)
a) Summary from Library research. At least four research articles in peer reviewed journals.
b) Use of other sources, such as books, or other types of journals
c) Sources cited and adequately paraphrased. (APA)
3) Interview (20 points)
a) Person chosen is relevant to topic
b) Discussion of the results of interview
c) Establishment of connections between interview and the research you presented.
d) Analysis of how does this interview contributes to understanding of issue
4) Quality of Writing (20 Points)
5) Bibliography (10 Points)
a) Presented in alphabetical order
b) APA Style