Investigative Research Paper 13-15 Pages Plus Work Cited Pag

Investigative Research Paper 13 15 Pages Plus Work Cited Pagethe Pu

The purpose of the longer investigative research paper is to help you to become a mini-expert in almost any topic of your choice. Students decide on their topics in various ways, but the most important preparation for this paper is choosing a subject you are passionate about. If you struggle to think of a topic, start with something you like or wish to learn more about. You will begin with a “working question” that you state in your research proposal. Through class workshops, this question will be refined into a more focused research question with subquestions, which will gradually evolve into a “working thesis.” From this, you will craft a “working introduction” or “lead.”

By the time you submit your final draft, your investigative research paper should feature a compelling introduction that illuminates the scope of the essay, an appropriate tone and structure aligned with the subject matter, and a conclusion that effectively answers your research question. Writing a longer investigative paper provides an opportunity to enhance research, analytical, and synthesis skills using scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources typically inaccessible without university resources.

Throughout the process, you will learn to search for academic articles through university databases and research guides, and to create primary sources such as field observations, surveys, and interviews to contextualize your writing via “coding.” A strong final draft will incorporate well-coded primary sources, along with thorough synthesis and analysis of secondary sources that directly address the question—answering “so what?” ultimately. Adequate and varied language, complex sentence structures, and appropriately long paragraphs are expected for clarity and academic rigor.

You will choose a citation style—MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual Style—based on your subject area and must remain consistent throughout the paper and on the Works Cited page. The paper should be formatted in 12-point Times font (or equivalent), double-spaced. The investigative research paper is worth twice as much as a standard essay (e.g., Analytical Profile or Cover Letter). The process involves multiple drafts, peer reviews, and scaffolding exercises leading up to the scheduled final draft due at the beginning of Week 7. Due to the extensive nature of this project, a thoughtfully revised & polished final draft is expected. Good luck!

Paper For Above instruction

The investigative research paper is a comprehensive academic assignment designed to transform students into subject matter experts through rigorous research, analysis, and synthesis of scholarly sources. The process begins with selecting a topic fueled by personal interest or passion, which ensures motivation and depth in research. Establishing a clear “working question” is fundamental, serving as the primary guide for the research process. This initial question is refined collaboratively through class workshops into a focused research question with specific subquestions, enabling a structured exploration of the topic.

Transitioning from questions to a thesis, students develop a “working thesis” that encapsulates their research perspective. The thesis guides the creation of an engaging “lead” or “introduction” that sets the tone and previews the paper’s content. An effective introduction should illuminate the significance of the research question and outline the scope of the investigation. The conclusion then ties together insights, providing a definitive answer to the initial question while emphasizing the research’s implications.

Research skills are central to this project. Students are expected to utilize university databases and research guides to locate peer-reviewed scholarly articles, fostering information literacy. Additionally, primary source creation through fieldwork, surveys, and interviews enriches the research, providing authentic contextualization via “coding,” a systematic method of analyzing raw data. Effective coding allows the integration of primary data with secondary scholarly sources, facilitating comprehensive synthesis and analysis.

The final draft demands rigorous writing standards, including proper formatting, consistent citation style, and advanced language use. The paper should be approximately 13-15 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Times font, with a Work Cited page. It is essential to demonstrate critical thinking, articulate insights clearly, and maintain academic integrity by properly citing all sources.

The research process involves multiple drafts and peer reviews, with feedback integrated into subsequent revisions. This iterative process aims to produce a polished, well-structured scholarly paper that thoroughly investigates the chosen topic. The overarching goal is to develop research, analytical, and critical thinking skills that extend beyond this assignment, contributing to the student’s academic growth.

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