The Research Paper will consist of not less than 10 pages (standard double-spaced with 1-inch margins all around) of TEXT in length (Title Pages, Tables of Content, figures, pictures, graphs, and references will not be counted as text. Title Page is required. Table of Contents is not required; an Abstract is required.) At this point, let me remind you that if you use Microsoft Word to produce your paper, its default is 1.25 inches, and you need to change it to one inch. Use only 12-point Times New Roman font on your papers. This will keep paper length consistent for everyone. Since a word processor is likely to be used in preparation of the paper, it is expected that there will be NO spelling errors. I will caution you that ‘Spell Check’ will not catch words spelled correctly but not in the correct context. This is not an English class. However, accuracy is important. Grammar and spelling errors will be penalized at 1 point per occurrence. Clarity can affect understanding. If your work is difficult to understand, the content is questionable.
Proper credit for references used will be included and will be cited within the paper as well as in a References page. There will be at least eight (8) outside references used (the textbook does not count as one but can be used). Please don’t use Wiki as a reference. Google Scholar however, provides great references in addition to the online library. In other words, you will have to do some research to back up your conclusions.
Papers will be consistent with the APA style manual format. (The requirement for APA style of writing will be worth at least 50% of your grade.)
In the Main Menu section of Blackboard is a rubric that will be used to grade Research Paper.
There is also a link to the Wayland Library (LRC) and one to the Wayland Writing Center if you need help. I am also available via email.
Topics:
Any topic relevant to the course subject matter is acceptable.
Drafts:
Drafts of your paper may be submitted in Safe Assign (Draft) in the Course Content of Blackboard. I will comment on the paper and return it to you for corrections.
Attribution:
All works and illustrations used in your paper must be cited; this means crediting the source where you found the information you used to support your work. If you fail to give credit for copyrighted information you present as your own work; that constitutes plagiarism and will be penalized by a zero for the project. This includes any paper that you may have written and submitted in any other class for grade. ALL statements of fact MUST be supported by references and citations.
NOTE: An author must be a person and the date is the year of publication.
Citations should be in the format: (Author(s), date) or if for a quote (Author(s), date, page). If the Reference is no longer than one (1) page the citation for a quote should be (Author(s), date, paragraph). If citations are not correct a minimum of 10% will be deducted.
References – This is the source material you used to support your research project. Sources without an author and/or date should not be used. Look in the APA manual or in Writing Center/Research and Writing Guides. If References are not correct a minimum of 10% will be deducted.
If References or citations are omitted from the paper 40% will be deducted.
If references and citations are omitted from your research for Homework Assignments your score will be 0 for the Assignment.
NOTE: Sources without an author (person) and a date (year of publication) will not be accepted
