Research Paper

In this project, students use Make A Change group research to write an individual APA paper with background, research results, and recommendations for future action.

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Research Paper is an Individual research project in which students build on Make A Change group research to write an individual APA-style research paper that provides background on the topic, reports primary research methods and findings, and offers recommendations or a call to action.

Research Paper Learning Objectives

• Synthesize diverse sources accurately and cite in APA.

• Present primary research (methods, results, limitations) objectively.

• Develop a clear, evidence-based argument with actionable recommendations.

• Provide relevant context and explain the topic’s significance to stakeholders.

• Reflect critically on writing choices, source use, and revision.

This project is connected to the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) through:

• Writing Goals and Processes
• Contextual Connections and Transfer
• Genre and Style Awareness

Genres & Formats

• Individual academic research paper (capstone project).
• APA-style research paper with in-text citations and references.
• Includes major sections: Introduction, Background, Current Research (methods/results), Discussion, and a separate Reflection document.
• Written in a formal, objective tone appropriate for an academic audience.

Rubric

• Research Paper

Grading Criteria: Research Paper

Criterion	Exceptional	Met	Not Met
Introduction	Introduction clearly identifies the topic and its relevance of the topic to readers and clarifies the specific ways in which the paper will address the topic.	Your introduction identifies the topic and the relevance of the topic to the reader.	Your introduction fails to identify topic or relevance to readers.
Background	Background section summarizes the context of the research question, represents a variety of different perspectives held by secondary sources, and discusses potential biases of those sources.	Background section adequately summarizes the context of the research question and represents at least two perspectives on that topic through secondary sources.	Background section does not reflect the context of the topic or present a variety of perspectives; lacks secondary sources.
Research	Research methodology and limitations discussed in detail; results presented objectively, concisely, and effectively.	Research methodology and results presented, and limitations discussed.	Research methodology and results not included, incomplete, or heavily biased.
Discussion	Discussion effectively incorporates discussion of results to various viewpoints and makes an argument tailored for a specific audience to take specific and concrete actions.	Discussion meets requirements for each major section (interpretation of research, discussion of applicability to various viewpoints, next steps).	Discussion missing one or more major components (interpretation of research, discussion of applicability to various viewpoints, next steps).
Format	Paper incorporates secondary material using advanced techniques (ellipses, square brackets, etc) where necessary. Paper does not contain any orphaned quotes.	Paper incorporates secondary material and uses APA format.	Secondary sources are not adequately formatted or marked.

For a copy of Research Paper rubric, click here to download.

• Reflection Piece

Grading Criteria: Reflection

Criterion	Exceptional	Met	Not Met
Topic/Approach	Reflection discusses topic generation in detail, including group dynamics, and discusses in detail how the research impacted your approach to the individual paper.	Reflection includes discussion of topic generation and the approach you decided to take for your individual paper.	Reflection does not discuss how the group came up with the topic in the first place, or your angle on the topic for your paper.
Background	Reflection considers the complexities of choosing specific sources, how and why to represent various perspectives, and how to represent the context to the reader.	Reflection discusses your choices in representing secondary sources and the context of the topic.	Your reflection does not include a discussion of secondary sources or how you chose to represent the background of your topic.
Research	Research methodology and limitations discussed in detail; results presented objectively, concisely, and effectively.	Reflection discusses choices about how primary research was conducted and how the writer decided which data to report.	Reflection does not address primary research.
Discussion	Reflection considers the role their specific audience plays in how they interpret findings, structure their main argument, and recommend next steps.	Reflection discusses the choices about how to interpret findings and how to present the main argument.	Reflection fails to address the choices informing the main argument of the paper.

For a copy of Research Paper Reflection' rubric, click here to download

Assignment Focus

This writing project asks students to turn their group research, Make A Change into an individual APA-style research paper that explains the topic’s background, presents primary research findings, and offers recommendations for future action. The focus is on using evidence from both secondary and primary research to make a clear argument and connect it to real community or stakeholder concerns.

• Background

Students explain the history and context of their topic using credible secondary sources. They also represent different viewpoints to show the complexity of the issue.

• Primary Research

Students describe the methods they used to collect data and acknowledge any limitations. They then report results clearly and in an unbiased, academic tone.

• Discussion

Students interpret their research findings in relation to the larger issue and different perspectives. This section connects results to community stakeholders and explains why the findings matter.

• Recommendations

Students interpret their findings in relation to community stakeholders and real-world concerns. The paper should end with specific recommendations or a call to action.

• APA Format

Students follow APA guidelines for both in-text citations and the reference list. This helps them practice academic conventions and responsible source use.

• Reflection

In a separate reflection, students explain the choices they made while drafting the paper. They consider how they selected sources, shaped their argument, and developed their final project.

• Students' Project Samples

For sample projects, click to download.

Weekly Structure

Week 1:Drafting/APA Citation

Overview: Focus on drafting the research paper, Research essay structure, Practice APA in-text citations, APA workshop, peer Review workshops.

• Key Sources on Drafting/APA Citation

Name	Description
Read: The Research Essay	This article shows that a research essay is an argument-based paper that uses research and your own analysis to support a clear thesis. It requires careful research, drafting, and revision to produce a strong, evidence-based argument.
Read: In-Text Citations: The Basics

• Alternative Sources on Drafting/APA Citation

Name	Description
Watch: Step-by-Step Research Paper Writing Process
Watch: How to Write a Research Paper: 9-Step Guide
Read: Research and Citation Resources
Read: APA vs MLA: The Key Differences in Format & Citation
Watch: MLA vs APA: Works Cited and References
Watch: Comparison of MLA and APA Documentation of Sources

Week 2: Peer Revision

Overview: Focus on MLA/APA citation guidelines, Peer revision workshops, Strengthen clarity, evidence, and formatting

• Alternative Material on Peer Revision

Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.

Name	Description
Read: Working with Peers
Read: How to Engage in Peer Revision
Watch: Peer Revision