Research Project 2013

How to choose a topic? Is there a good grounding in your background of the study and in the literature to support your idea of how to work with this problem? Who agrees with you that this a problem? Are you or will you be sufficiently well read on this to have a thorough understanding of the problem? Is this something that you are extremely passionate about?

Introduction: Purpose To persuade the reader to keep reading To identify your research questions To state your purpose statement To define any terms related to your topic of study

Introduction: Sections Statement of the Problem: What is your problem? Rationale and focus of the problem: What is the goal or the aims of this research? How will your study help to understand the problem, or solve some piece of the problem, or lead to a change in policy, practice, intervention, etc.? Definition of Terms: You should provide operational definitions for all your key terms in your research questions. Purpose of the Study: It should be written as a single sentence. It is the bridge from the problem to research questions. Research Questions: What specific questions can enable you to achieve your purpose for research? Make sure to pose questions that data can answer. 2- 4 questions are common.

Introduction: order of paragraphs Sets the hook (1-2 paragraphs) Brief description of the study and statement of the problem (1-2 paragraphs) Definition of terms (depends on the number of terms) Purpose of the study (1 paragraph)

Literature review: purpose To place your paper in context by explaining why the question is important and what other people have learned about it. What does the past research say about your topic? What does the past research NOT say about your topic?

Literature review: Order of paragraphs Literature Review (underlined and centered) History and definition of the topic (2-3 paragraphs) Heading: History and Definition (centered; no underline) Identify any theories or approaches on your topic that exist (2-5) Heading: Theories and Approaches (centered; no underline) Examine any criticisms that exist on your topic (1-3) Heading: Criticisms (centered; no underline) See example on online for proper formatting