Choose one of the topics listed below which is directly related to the course material and prepare and submit a research paper on that topic/question by the 9th week due date for the paper. All topics are on a 1st come 1st served basis and must be approved by the instructor by the close of the 3rd week of class.
Screen final paper draft through Turnitin (link in Module 7). Turnitin originality score should be less than 25%. Also, email a copy of the paper to the instructor by the same deadline. You must use Late assignments WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Prepare the paper using the American Psychological Association (APA) format; this format is described in detail in the APA Publication Manual. This includes a cover page, running head, and reference page at a minimum. Grading will stress content, analysis, and style. The paper must be more than a mere review of facts and articles. It must demonstrate reasoning, by applying relevant theories and models together to analyze the topic. Please review this sample student research paper for guidance on APA formatting: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/student-annotated.pdfLinks to an external site.
The paper must be at least 3,000 and not more than 4,500 words in length, not counting cover page, tables, figures, references, and any (optional) Appendices; it must correctly cite and use at least 5 ACADEMIC references, NOT counting the material provided in the course. ALL cited sources must appear both within the body of the text and in the References list. Troy University library is the best source for students for peer-reviewed journals.
NOTE: Do NOT include an abstract in this document.
Term Paper Topics
1. Identify and explain in detail at least five initiatives an organization can put forth to increase diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout the organization. Make sure to explain in detail how diversity, inclusion, and equity would be positively affected.
View Rubric
Integration of Knowledge
Expert:
The paper demonstrates that the author fully understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights. The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas.
Proficient:
The paper demonstrates that the author, for the most part, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some of the conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper.
Apprentice:
The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course.
Novice:
The paper does not demonstrate that the author has fully understood and applied concepts learned in the course.
Topic Focus
Expert:
The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by statement of a position or hypothesis.
Proficient:
The topic is focused but lacks direction. The paper is about a specific topic but the writer has not established a position.
Apprentice:
The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.
Novice
The topic is not clearly defined.
Depth of Discussion
Expert:
In-depth discussion & elaboration in all sections of the paper.
Proficient:
In-depth discussion & elaboration in most sections of the paper.
Apprentice:
The writer has omitted pertinent content or content runs-on excessively. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.
Novice:
Cursory discussion in all the sections of the paper or brief discussion in only a few sections.
Cohesiveness
Expert:
Ties together information from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next without the need for headings. Author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.
Proficient:
For the most part, ties together information from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedness.
Apprentice:
Author’s writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.
Sometimes ties together information from all sources. Paper does not flow – disjointedness is apparent. Author’s writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.
Novice:
Does not tie together information. Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Headings are necessary to link concepts. Writing does not demonstrate understanding any relationships
Spelling and Grammar
Expert:
No spelling &/or grammar mistakes.
Proficient:
Minimal spelling &/or grammar mistakes.
Apprentice:
Noticeable spelling & grammar mistakes.
Novice:
Unacceptable number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Sources
Expert:
More than 5 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. Sources include both general background sources and specialized sources. Special-interest sources and popular literature are acknowledged as such if they are cited. All web sites utilized are authoritative.
Proficient:
5 current sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are authoritative.
Apprentice:
Fewer than 5 current sources, or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.
Novice:
Fewer than 5 current sources, or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. Not all web sites utilized are credible, and/or sources are not current.
Citations
Expert:
Cites all data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.
Proficient:
Cites most data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.
Apprentice:
Cites some data obtained from other sources. Citation style is either inconsistent or incorrect.
Novice:
Does not cite sources.