Week 8 Signature Assignment Research Paper

Week 8signature Assignment Research Paperthe Signature Assignment Ass

The Signature Assignment assesses the following General Education Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs): 1. Demonstrate competent written communication skills. 5. Demonstrate technological and informational literacy by locating disparate information through multiple sources. 6. Analyze ideas and make decisions using critical thinking skills. 8. Articulate issues and arrive at a defensible conclusion, given a set of ethical dilemmas. As the development of informational literacy and effective writing skills are key learning outcomes of the General Education Program, you will select a research topic from one of the textbook chapters and write a scholarly, 4-5 page paper (not including the required cover page or references pages). You should select a specific topic from the course, first be framed in the form of a research question, then developed into a thesis statement.

The paper requires research from a minimum of three authoritative literature sources in seeking to answer the topic question and support the thesis statement. (The textbook is not considered an appropriate literary resource for your paper.) The paper reports on that research and offers answer(s) to the original question, then supports the claim made in the thesis statement. Upload your paper to Blackboard assignment area by the 8th week. Papers will be returned to the Blackboard Gradebook as an attachment. Points are deducted for any paper written in less than four full pages and should not be longer than 5 pages. Additional pages will not necessarily improve the grade, and may result in points deduction. Points will be deducted for: disorganized, excessively wordy papers; the use of improper grammar and/or syntax; misspelled words; failure to use the WCU standard, APA format exactly as prescribed by the APA; sourced material that is not properly cited. Points will be added for concise, organized papers that clearly and effectively make major points. Papers will receive no credit for a similarity index in excess of 25%; all papers are automatically evaluated for originality. Plagiarized work will result in referral to the WCU Conduct Committee. Use APA formatting, referencing/citations, and language preferences throughout.

Include a title page, cite your interviews parenthetically within the paper, and include a reference page for any other resources you use, such as your text or course materials. For guidance, refer to the APA Style Webpage and visit the WCU writing resources (link found Blackboard in the “Student Resources” menu). Papers will receive no credit for a similarity index in excess of 25%; all papers are automatically submitted to evaluate originality. Plagiarized work will result in referral to the WCU Conduct Committee. Do Not: Email your paper or submit a printed copy in class; both will result in no credit, as submissions must be uploaded to Blackboard.

The following suggestions are emphasized: Begin your work early, certainly no later than the 6th week of the term. Procrastination and hurried research before the deadline Typically lead to poor results and little learning. Write an initial draft and spend equal time editing; do not submit the first draft. Use spell checking and grammar checking software; proofread your work and have others proofread it. Follow all aspects of APA format including a cover page, abstract, bibliography, page numbers, and running headers. Review the rubric for further grading details.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a compelling research paper is central to demonstrating competence in academic communication, critical thinking, and informational literacy. For this assignment, students are expected to select a specific, researchable question derived from the course textbook chapters. The initial step involves formulating a clear research question that guides the investigation. Once articulated, this question should be refined into a thesis statement that encapsulates the core argument or perspective the paper will defend.

Research methodology involves gathering evidence from a minimum of three authoritative sources beyond the textbook, as the latter is deemed insufficient for scholarly research. Academic journals, books, reputable online databases, and credible media outlets constitute the primary sources of information. The integration of these sources should be seamless, with proper APA citations, both parenthetically within the text and in a comprehensive reference list. Proper citation not only lends credibility but also demonstrates informational literacy and adherence to academic standards.

The structure of the paper should adhere to an academic format: an introduction that presents the research question and thesis, a body that reviews the literature and elaborates on key arguments, and a conclusion that synthesizes findings and answers the research question definitively. Throughout, the paper must be well-organized, concise, and free of grammatical and syntactical errors. Clarity and depth of analysis are vital, as points are rewarded for precision, critical engagement, and effective argumentation.

Adherence to APA style is essential. This includes a correctly formatted title page, proper in-text citations, and a detailed references page. Additionally, the paper should cite any interviews or personal communications used to support claims, following APA guidelines. The submission must not exceed five pages, with at least four pages of substantive content, to meet length requirements and avoid point deductions.

Preparation is key: to produce a high-quality paper, students should avoid procrastination by starting early—preferably in the sixth week of the term—and allocate sufficient time for drafting, editing, and proofreading. Utilizing spell check, grammar check, and peer review will improve the clarity and professionalism of the final submission. Following the rubric closely ensures all grading criteria are met, maximizing the chances of earning full credit.

In summary, this research paper is an opportunity to demonstrate critical academic skills through careful question formulation, thorough research from credible sources, APA formatting, and clear, organized writing. The goal is to produce a scholarly document that contributes meaningful insights into a chosen topic, reflecting the student's ability to analyze ideas critically and communicate effectively in writing.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
• Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (2019). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. Sage publications.
• Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2019). Practical research: Planning and design. Pearson.
• McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2014). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry. Pearson.
• Robson, C. (2011). Real world research. John Wiley & Sons.
• Scott, W. R. (2013). Institutions and organizations: Ideas, interests, and identities. Sage.
• Seidman, I. (2013). Interviewing as qualitative research: A guide for researchers in education and the social sciences. Teachers College Press.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.
• WCU Writing Resources. (n.d.). APA Style Guide. West Chester University. Retrieved from [insert URL]