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=== '''Research Paper Learning Objectives''' ===
=== '''Research Paper Learning Objectives''' ===
* Accurately summarize viewpoints from a variety of secondary sources.
* Cite using APA format.
* Present primary research methodology and results.
* Use research to make an argument and suggest a specific course of action.
* Introduce a research topic clearly and explain its importance to an audience.
* Provide historical and contextual background using multiple perspectives.
* Report research findings objectively and discuss research limitations.
* Interpret results in relation to community stakeholders and real-world concerns.
* Develop a clear discussion section that leads to concrete next steps or a call to action.
* Reflect critically on writing choices, source use, and the drafting process.


For more see:
*[[SLO 1|Writing Goals and Processes]]
*[[SLO 2|Contextual Connections and Transfer]]
*[[SLO 3|Genre and Style Awareness]]


* 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:
*[[Research Paper - Writing Process Reflection|Writing Process Reflection]]
*[[Research Paper - Transfer and Contextual Connections|Transfer and Contextual Connections]]
*[[Research Paper - Genre and Style Awareness|Genre and Style Awareness]]


== Genres & Formats ==
== Genres & Formats ==
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:For a copy of '''Research Paper''' rubric, [[Media:Make a Change.png|click here to download]].
For a copy of '''Research Paper Grading Criteria''': [[File:Research Paper Grading Criteria.pdf|thumb]]
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| Reflection fails to address the choices informing the main argument of the paper.
| Reflection fails to address the choices informing the main argument of the paper.
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For a copy of '''Research Paper Reflection'''' rubric, [[Media:Make Change Rubric.png|click here to download]]
For a copy of '''Research Paper Reflection Grading Criteria''': [[File:Research Paper Reflection Grading Criteria.pdf|thumb]]
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*'''Choosing a Topic'''
*'''Background'''
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: Students identify a meaningful issue to investigate and narrow it into a focused research question that matters to a specific audience.
: 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.
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*'''Proposals'''
*'''Primary Research'''
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: Students write a plan that explains their research topic, why it is important, and what methods or sources they will use to study it.
: Students describe the methods they used to collect data and acknowledge any limitations. They then report results clearly and in an unbiased, academic tone.
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*'''Group Contracts'''
*'''Discussion'''
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:Groups must outline responsibilities, specify what each member will turn in, and set deadlines for shared work.
: 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.
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*'''Joining the Conversation'''
*'''Recommendations'''
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:Projects must include at least 2 outside perspectives, with one representing a viewpoint contrary to the proposed solution, and integrate them effectively.
: 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.
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*'''Presentation'''
*'''APA Format'''
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:Groups present their project to the class and may also share it with their intended external audience. Video/audio projects should be 5–10 minutes and follow genre conventions.
: Students follow APA guidelines for both in-text citations and the reference list. This helps them practice academic conventions and responsible source use.
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*'''Collaboration Reports'''
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:Students submit periodic reports assessing their own and peers’ contributions to the project.
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*'''Reflection'''
*'''Reflection'''
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:Each student submits an individual reflection (at least 800 words) analyzing their rhetorical choices and collaboration methods. Reflections count for 50% of the final grade.
: 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.
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*'''Students' Project Samples'''
*'''Students' Project Samples'''
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=='''Weekly Structure'''==
=='''Weekly Structure'''==
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=== Week 1:Proposals ===
=== Week 1:Drafting/APA Citation ===
Overview: Brainstorming topics, Making groups, Groupwork Time, Proposal, Contract, Determining the Audience.  
Overview: Focus on drafting the research paper, Research essay structure, Practice APA in-text citations, APA workshop, peer Review workshops.
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*'''Key Sources on Group Proposal and Contract'''
*'''Key Sources on Drafting/APA Citation'''


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Name !! Description
! Name !! Description
|-
|-
| Watch: [[How to Write A Research Proposal]]||  
| 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.
|-
|-
| Watch: [[Group Contract]]||  
| Read: [[Alternative Ways to Present Your Research]]|| This article encourages writers to present research through diverse multimodal formats, emphasizing that effective communication can extend beyond traditional academic papers to better engage different audiences and purposes.
|-
|-
|}
|}
*'''Alternative Sources on Proposals'''
*'''Alternative Sources on Drafting/APA Citation'''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Name !! Description
! Name !! Description
|-
|-
| Read: [[Writing A Research Proposal - Advanced Research Methods]] ||  
| Watch: [[Step-by-Step Research Paper Writing Process]] || This video explains the steps and strategies for writing a successful research paper, including how to plan, research, organize, draft, and revise your work for clarity and strong argumentation.
|-
|-
| Read: [[How To Write A Research Proposal - Academic Skills]] ||  
| Watch: [[How to Write a Research Paper: 9-Step Guide]] || This video outlines a clear, step-by-step guide to writing an academic research paper—from planning and researching to organizing, drafting, and revising your work for a strong, evidence-based argument.
|-
| Read: [[Writing A Research Proposal]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Write A Research Proposal in 6 Simple Steps!]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[How to Write A Successful Research Proposal]] ||
|}
|}
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=== Week 2: collaboration ===
=== Week 2: Peer Revision ===
Overview: Focus on effective group collaboration by learning about teamwork, establishing group contracts, pitching project ideas, and submitting group research proposals.
Overview: Focus on APA citation guidelines, Peer revision workshops, Strengthen clarity, evidence, and formatting
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*'''Key Sources on Collaboration'''


{| class="wikitable"
*'''Alternative Material on Peer Revision'''
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[Groups and Teamwork: 2.1 What is A Group?]]||
|-
| Read: [[Groups and Teamwork: 3.1 Belonging to A Group]]||
|-
|}
*'''Alternative Material on Collaboration'''


Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.
Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.
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! Name !! Description
! Name !! Description
|-
|-
| Read: [[How does Teamwork and Collaboration Work?]] ||  
| Read: [[Working with Peers]] || This article explains different strategies writers can use to develop ideas in a text, such as examples, comparison/contrast, narration, illustration, and process explanations.
|-
| Watch: [[The 7 Keys to Creative Collaboration]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Collaborative Power: Succeeding in Group Writing Projects]] ||
|}
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=== Week 3: Primary Research === 
Overview: Develop primary research tools by designing surveys and interview questions, preparing transcripts, and gathering direct quotes to support their research projects.
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*'''Key Sources on Primary Research'''
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[Primary Research Methods Explained]]||
|-
| Read: [[How to write great survey questions (with examples)]]||
|-
|}
 
*'''Alternative Materials on Primary Research'''
 
Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Watch: [[Primary vs Secondary Research (Explained in 4 Minutes)]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Primary vs. Secondary Sources: The Differences Explained]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Understanding Primary & Secondary Sources]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[What are primary and secondary sources?]] || 
|-
| Read: [[What is Primary Research and How do I get Started?]] ||
|-
| Read: [[Primary Research | Definition, Types, & Examples]] ||
|}
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=== Week 4:Secondary Research ===
Overview: Brainstorm potential solutions for their research topics, search for credible secondary sources, learn how to write annotated bibliographies.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
*'''Key Sources on Secondary Research'''
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[Secondary research]]||
|-
| Read: [[Writing an Annotated Bibliography]]||
|-
|}
*'''Alternative Sources on Secondary Research'''
 
Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[What Is Secondary Research? (Definition, Examples, and Types)]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Primary vs Secondary Research (Explained in 4 Minutes)]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Primary vs. Secondary Sources: The Differences Explained]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Secondary Research Methods]] ||
|-
| Read: [[Secondary Research: Definition, methods, & examples]] ||
|}
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=== Week 5: Argument/Evidence === 
Overview: Strengthen arguments by connecting claims with evidence and refining your presentation and solution.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
*'''Key Sources on Argument and Evidence'''
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[Argument]]||
|-
| Read: [[Evidence]]||
|-
|}
 
*'''Alternative Materials on Argument/Evidence'''
 
Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Watch: [[What is Argument?]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Finding the Main Argument in Academic Writing]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[How to Write Your Academic Argument in 7 Simple Steps]] ||
|-
| Read: [[Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper]] || 
|-
| Read: [[Using Evidence]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[5 Types of EVIDENCE to Improve Your Essays! ]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Introduction to Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER)]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[What Is Supporting Evidence?]] || 
|}
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<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
 
=== Week 6: Sources/Annotating Research === 
Overview: How to find strong academic sources using Google Scholar and library databases, and begin creating an annotated bibliography.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
*'''Key Sources on Sources/Annotating Research'''
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[Finding Supporting Information]]||
|-
| Read: [[Writing an Annotated Bibliography]]||
|-
|}
 
*'''Alternative Materials on Sources/Annotating Research'''
 
Some videos and texts might be useful for your class depending on your needs.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Description
|-
| Read: [[23 Research Databases for Professional and Academic Use]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Finding Sources for Research Papers]] ||
|-
| Read: [[Research Paper Planner]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[What is an Annotated Bibliography]] || 
|-
| Watch: [[What's an annotated bibliography?]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[What is an Annotated Bibliography and Why are they important?]] ||
|-
| Watch: [[Annotated Bibliography]] ||
|-
| Read: [[Annotated Bibliographies]] || 
|-
|-
| Read: [[How to write an annotated bibliography]] ||
| Read: [[How to Engage in Peer Revision]] || This article offers strategies and tips for engaging students in effective peer revision by fostering collaboration, constructive feedback, and meaningful dialogue during the revision process.
|-
|-
| Read: [[How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography]] ||
| Watch: [[Peer Revision]] || It’s a short instructional video about peer revision, showing students how to give and use feedback effectively when revising writing.
|}
|}
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Latest revision as of 16:07, 11 July 2026

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.

See details

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:

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 Grading Criteria: File:Research Paper Grading Criteria.pdf

  • 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 Grading Criteria: File:Research Paper Reflection Grading Criteria.pdf

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: Alternative Ways to Present Your Research This article encourages writers to present research through diverse multimodal formats, emphasizing that effective communication can extend beyond traditional academic papers to better engage different audiences and purposes.
  • Alternative Sources on Drafting/APA Citation
Name Description
Watch: Step-by-Step Research Paper Writing Process This video explains the steps and strategies for writing a successful research paper, including how to plan, research, organize, draft, and revise your work for clarity and strong argumentation.
Watch: How to Write a Research Paper: 9-Step Guide This video outlines a clear, step-by-step guide to writing an academic research paper—from planning and researching to organizing, drafting, and revising your work for a strong, evidence-based argument.

Week 2: Peer Revision

Overview: Focus on 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 This article explains different strategies writers can use to develop ideas in a text, such as examples, comparison/contrast, narration, illustration, and process explanations.
Read: How to Engage in Peer Revision This article offers strategies and tips for engaging students in effective peer revision by fostering collaboration, constructive feedback, and meaningful dialogue during the revision process.
Watch: Peer Revision It’s a short instructional video about peer revision, showing students how to give and use feedback effectively when revising writing.
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