English 1013 Research Assignment Prompt: What Is This Assign

English 1013 Research Assignment Promptwhat Is This Assignmentfor Th

What is this assignment? For this assignment, you will be working to “find the best answer to an important but challenging question” (Booth, Colomb, & Williams 106) within a topic of your choice. This is an opportunity to display your skills in analysis, synthesis, comprehension, and evaluation in relation to credible sources you will find along the way. Additionally, your job as a writer is to help the audience understand vital contextual information and the different perspectives within your topic (including your own). While this feat necessitates integrating in external sources, remember that this is primarily your assignment, your voice, and your writing.

To specify: you must engage with at least five sources in this assignment, one of which must be from a NWACC Library database. Your sources can be pop-culture sources, primary research (interviews, surveys), or other credible materials that serve to explore and illustrate your topic. Keep in mind that you should include sources that do not agree with your research assignment’s thesis statement, in order to demonstrate that you understand the variety of perspectives within this conversation. To advance your own thesis, your job will then be to reasonably refute these sources within your assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The research assignment outlined in the prompt provides a robust framework for students to develop their critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills by engaging deeply with a topic of their choice. This task not only demands the collection of credible sources but also requires students to interpret, evaluate, and synthesize diverse perspectives. The ultimate goal is to produce a well-reasoned argument that advances a clear thesis, supported by evidence from multiple sources—including those with viewpoints that challenge the student’s position.

Introduction

The core objective of this research assignment is for students to identify and explore an important, challenging question related to a topic of their choosing. This process begins with careful selection and refinement of a research question that holds significance and invites multiple viewpoints. The student then undertakes comprehensive research, utilizing at least five credible sources, including at least one from the NWACC Library database. The significance of integrating diverse sources cannot be overstated; relying solely on sources that support the thesis would undermine the academic rigor necessary for a nuanced discussion. Including conflicting viewpoints demonstrates an understanding of the complexity of real-world issues and enhances credibility.

Developing a Thesis and Supporting Arguments

A critical component of the assignment is formulating a clear, debatable thesis statement that reflects the best answer to the research question. This thesis serves as the anchor for the entire paper, guiding the analysis and synthesis of the sources. To substantiate the thesis, the student must craft well-organized supporting arguments that integrate evidence from the researched sources. This involves not only presenting evidence but also critically evaluating its relevance, credibility, and implications. The ability to reasonably refute opposing viewpoints demonstrates a mature understanding of the conversation and strengthens the original argument.

Incorporating Multiple Perspectives

Including sources that disagree with the thesis may introduce contrasting evidence or alternative interpretations. Addressing these perspectives respectfully and critically is essential to showcase analytical skills and intellectual honesty. The student should either refute or reconcile conflicting viewpoints within the paper, furnishing rebuttals or concessions as appropriate. This process enriches the discussion, lending depth and credibility to the research undertaking.

Contextualization and Audience Awareness

Beyond presenting sources and arguments, the writer is responsible for providing necessary contextual information that helps the reader understand the significance of the issue. This involves clarifying terminology, historical background, and the broader social or political implications of the topic. Writing with an awareness of the audience's level of familiarity emphasizes clarity and accessibility, making complex ideas understandable while maintaining academic rigor.

Conclusion

The culmination of this research project should synthesize the main points, reaffirm the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and possibly outline implications or questions for further inquiry. The conclusion ties together the multifaceted perspectives examined and highlights the knowledge gained from engaging with multiple sources.

References

  • Booth, Wayne C., Colomb, Gregory G., & Williams, Joseph M. (2008). The Craft of Research (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
  • Galvan, J. L. (2017). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Routledge.
  • Hart, C. (1998). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination. Sage.
  • Kumar, R. (2014). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications.
  • Wallace, M. (2020). Critical thinking and writing for nursing students. Sage Publications.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage.
  • Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative research. Sage.
  • Fink, A. (2015). How to conduct surveys: A step-by-step guide. Sage Publications.
  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).