The goal of a research paper
Research Paper – A research paper may or may not be on a topic you have covered during the semester. The goal of a research paper is to learn more than what you have discussed or read in your course work and do an in-depth analysis of a topic. Research papers show your professor what you are capable of adding to a topic beyond what he/she has taught you. You will use outside source material, draw insightful conclusions, and illustrate a thorough understanding of one very narrowly defined issue or topic. The goal of a research paper is to show your professor you are an expert on a specific topic you learned about in class or a topic that is related to the course work.
Cover all the additional points asked for in the material below:
The body of the report:
- Major components – 65%
- Use of relevant illustrations, charts, and/or graphics – 5%
- Format – Cover page, table of contents, reference page, APA format – 10%
- Mechanics – Grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization and all other components of effective writing – 20%
The paper must be written in APA format, between 1,500 – 2,000 words, (approximately 5 pages) in the main component section, as well as demonstrate proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting and all other components of effective writing.
