The final research paper should consist of the following components:
a. Background information to topic; research question/hypotheses
b. Describe/summarize research articles. Synthesize the findings —i.e. combine elements of
several sources—from the articles. Do not list each finding from each article separately.
c. Critically analyze topic, which doesn’t necessarily mean negatively. Here you provide your
own “take” on the topic in the form of a critique. “Critique” here means going beyond surface
reactions and delving deeper into the topic. You MUST show that you have gone beyond a
summary, and have critically thought about the topic. You are encouraged to use the class notes,
articles and presentation feedback, to help develop your critical analysis.
d. Propose future directions/research (be as specific as you’d like).
e. Page limit: 5 pages, double-spaced, 12-pt font, with additional, separate title page and
reference page. Please include page numbers. Reference page in APA format: Only include
references of sources that you have read
1.VOICE: AVOID 1ST PERSON (GALVAN, 2004, pg.54)
Ex. Improper “voice” for academic writing: In this review, I will show that the literature
on treating juvenile murderers is sparse and suffers from the same problems as the
general literature … Unfortunately, I have found that most of the treatment results are
based on clinical case reports of …
Ex. Suitable “voice” for academic writing: The literature on treating juvenile murderers is
sparse and suffers from the same problems as the general literature… Most of the
treatment results are based on clinical case reports…
2. AVOID SLANG. USE PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE: “conducted a study” instead of “did a
study”; “examined” instead of “looked at”; “utilize” instead of “use” (where appropriate); “great
deal” instead of “a lot”; “furthermore” instead of run-on sentences.
3. ORGANIZE THE PAPER BY TOPICS NOT CHRONOLOGY: Build paper with a clear thesis
(i.e. your argument). Good writing should provide clear and organized evidence for your
argument or theory.
4. BE CONSICE: Delete unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences to drastically improve your
writing. Social research writing is concise and to-the-point!
5. REVISE AND REWRITE: Good writing takes hard work. Give yourself enough time to take a
break from the paper. Time away from the paper provides perspective regarding organization and
allows the opportunity to find technical errors.
writers’ words and IDEAS without citing them.