Skip To Main Content

Research Project

Flags: There may be PDF links that failed to load, There may be Microsoft documents links that failed to load, flexpage,

Research Project     A GOOD PLACE TO START TO FIND A TOPIC IS: ProQuest: SIRS Knowledge Database  See Mrs. Sasvary for access credentials.

  Directions:  You are to choose a topic that is surrounded in controversy- an issue that has two or many sides.  Your experience with and performance on this project will be far more positive if you choose a topic about which you have strong feelings and interest. At some point in your research you will have developed a position or stance on your topic, or perhaps even changed your stance one or several times! The project has three stages: research, presentation, and paper.

 FOR MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS IN PDF FORM, CLICK ON EACH STAGE'S SUBJECT HEADING

1.     RESEARCH- You are to perform various types of research on the topic.  Research involves gathering data and information that will both support you in your position on the issue as well as broaden your knowledge and insight.  Be sure to explore diverse perspectives on your topic; the position you take in your paper would seem narrow-minded if you did not at least explore the perspectives of the opposing position.  Also, you must gather information from a variety of media:

  • No more than 1/3 of your total research may be obtained from the internet, not including e-text versions of publications from recognized organizations: a downloaded version of a research publication from the American Cancer Society, for example.  Such sources are known as tertiary (3rd party) sources.
  • You must have at least two sources from periodicals (magazines, newspapers, professional journals, etc.).  These are known as secondary sources.
  • You may also draw upon primary sources of information:
    • You may interview one expert on the topic. The interview can be face-to-face, or via telephone or internet chat. You should create a list of talking points prior to the interview, as a copy of the transcript must be submitted with the Works Cited page.  NOTE:  If you interview via telephone and wish to record the interview, you must first obtain permission from the interviewee. 
    • You may gather factual data in the form of numbers, i.e. take a poll or survey, and synthesize the data (put it into the form of a visual such as a graph, chart, etc.).  You will submit your collected data with the Works Cited page.
    • You may make first-hand observations of phenomena as it occurs. You will submit your observation notes with the Works Cited page.

A transcript of the interview, poll or survey data, or observation notes, as well as a working draft of your works cited page, will be collected prior to the final paper.    For more information on conducting interviews and surveys, download this GUIDE

2.     PRESENTATION- You will present your findings to the entire class as well, in the form of an approximately five minute speech that introduces the issue and offers solutions.  This speech should be an overview of your research; it should not be merely a reading of your paper, though you may prepare index card as aids in your speech. You must also present information in visual form.  You can make a larger version of the chart/graph that you incorporated into your paper, or perhaps a timeline or photo or collage of photos would be appropriate. 

3.     PAPER-You will present your findings in the form of a 6-8 page paper, typed and double-spaced, in 12 point font. The paper will consist of two parts:

a)     The first part will describe the issue in detail.  You will also discuss the impact of the issue at both the local and broader scale.  This part of the paper will be objective in nature; if there are two or multiple sides to the issue, both or as many as possible should be presented here.

b)     The second part of your paper will offer a solution or solutions to the problem, in a step-by-step method, detailing each step in the course to a solution.  If your issue is two-sided in nature, here is where you argue for one side over the other.

Assessment: Copies of the rubrics for the presentation and paper are  available HERE. Generally speaking, qualities such as development, quantity and diversity of research, organization & preparedness, and language & mechanics will be considered. As the project is due in stages over the second semester, it is difficult to quantify its total weight, other than to say that it will weigh heavily.  Failure to complete all stages of the task will detrimentally affect your grade.

Schedule:  Due dates are as follows:  

  • February 3rd- Thesis Statement Due.
  • Febrary 9th -  Prospectus is due (equivalent in weight to a short response grade).
    • Complete the form found HERE
  • March 2nd – Note/source cards due (equivalent to two short response grades).
    • You must have at least one secondary source at this point (your research from books and periodicals) with the information gathered from those sources (in note form is fine). 
    • If applicable, you must also have a preliminary primary research plan (a copy of your interview or poll questions, even if not yet conducted)
  • March 16th– Outline and Works Cited page are due (equivalent to a quiz grade).
    • Retain the outline when I return it to you; it may be helpful in your presentation!
  • March 23-27– Presentations!!! (equivalent in weight to a test  grade).
  • April 27th – Paper is due!!! (equivalent in weight to two test grades).

Final Words:  

Do not procrastinate!  Though being late on one component will not sink your grade, consistent lateness will!!!  Do not wait until the last minute to choose a topic!  If necessary, you may change your topic before April, but must notify me in writing immediately!  Keep in mind the weight of this project.  However, if you view this project as merely another task to make a grade, your work will reflect that attitude.  Rather, make the project worthwhile.  View it as an opportunity to explore your passions and to make a difference in the world around you.  Choose a topic that is of interest to you: perhaps a topic about which you are already familiar and have read a good deal (some research already completed?).

STEP 1:  Test your topic

You have chosen a topic of interest, now it's time to explore it.   

If you are undecided, a good place to start is... 

http://sks.sirs.com/webapp/issues-researcher  

Find an article about your topic on the internet.  Use google or your favorite search engine.   

  • If you are finding too much information and too many sources, narrow your topic by using the and operator: beer and health and high school students, for example.  
  • Finding too little information may indicate that you need to broaden your topic. For example, look for information on students, rather than just high school students.  
  • Once you have identified the main topic and keywords for your research, find one or more sources of background information to read. These sources will help you understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. The most common background sources are encyclopedias from the print and online reference collection.  
  • Read the background information and note any useful sources (books, journals, magazines, etc.) listed in the bibliography at the end of the encyclopedia article entry.  

Be sure to keep track of the information you are gathering.  I have placed a folder titled "Research" in your OneNote account.  You can paste links to any websites on pages you create in this folder. 

Your Thesis Statement is due at the beginning of February, so you have some time to explore various topics before you decide on one.  We will be spending more time on the computers in the coming weeks to practice research strategies.  Happy hunting!