Research Paper

Students are expected to research a Social issue or problem, and explore how at least three different minority groups have been affected by this issue. Social issues include: poverty, immigration, voting rights etc. and minority groups include: Puerto Ricans, Native Americans, African Americans, Japanese Americans, Arab Mexicans etc. As part of this paper students are expected to develop a thesis/ research question/ hypothesis and present a strong well-balanced paper that discusses the issue selected and its impact of three different minority groups within our society. All arguments presented made must be fully explained and supported with evidence from academic sources. In order to successfully complete this activity please make sure you have fulfilled all the requirements on the paper check list before submitting your paper.

Research Paper Check List

____ A social issue has been selected e.g. poverty, education, health care, violence, immigration, unemployment, housing etc.

____ The experiences of three minority groups has been addressed within the paper. How have three minority groups been affected by the social issue selected? For example, you could write a paper on; how does the experiences of Cubans, Haitians and Mexicans vary when it comes to the issue of immigration?

____ APA Format is used to put this paper together

____ The paper consists of 5 – 10 pages (This does not include cover page, reference/ bibliography page or reflection section). You are not required to include an abstract with your paper.

____ Cover page (Has proper page heading, the tile of the paper, student’s name, instructor’s name, name of class, date–all information on the cover page must be centered and properly spaced)

____ There is an introduction, thesis statement, four main points, a body and conclusion to this paper.

____ Within the introduction students must present an overview of the topic, thesis statement and four main points (the four main points should not be in the form of questions).

____ Within the body of the paper; the main points must be explained and research must be used to support each main point. In addition, an explanation of how each main point is connected to the research presented must be present within the paragraph.

____ The conclusion must restate the main points addressed within the body of the paper. No new research should be presented within the conclusion

____ There are no extra spaces between paragraphs

____ There are proper page headings on each page.

____ Do not use subheadings within the body of the paper.

____ Do Not triple space or quadruple space between paragraphs.

____ There are no extra spaces, tables, diagrams, picture or charts within the body of the paper

____ Paper has at least 4 main arguments or ideas. Ideas/arguments are clearly explained, outlined and supported by research. You must use your own words to explain the main point before presenting evidence to support the idea/ main point/ argument. In addition, you need to explain how the evidence supports the main point being presented.

____ Identify and explain how one of the theories we have been studying applies to one of the main points being presented. Be sure to define the theory selected and show how it related to at least one of the ideas you are presenting. You will also need to underline the theory used.

On immigration this theory could be used: The Noel hypothesis with its emphasis on competition and power. Mexicans were conquered and colonized in the 19th century and used as a cheap labor force in agriculture, ranching, mining, railroad construction, and other areas of the dominant group economy in the south west. In the competition for control of land and labor, they became minority group, and the contact situation left them with a few power resources with which to pursue their self-interest.

____ Use1 social concept must be used to support one of the main points presented in the paper. Be sure to underline the concept used, define the concept, cite the source of the definition, and explain how the concept is relevant to the point being presented.

____ When writing the paper all key terms used must be defined within the body of the paper and source of definition must be cited within the paper

____ Do not use Wikipedia or any internet source related to Wikipedia as a source within the body of the paper

____ Do not use any dictionaries or encyclopedias as sources in the body of this paper

____ Do not use any youtube videos as a source(s) within the body of this paper or on the reference page

____ Use 5 Research Sources (Maximum of 2 websites can be used )

____ Sources used are properly cited and documented within the body of the paper and on the paper and on the reference page.

____ Proper Parenthetical documentation (when used). Quotes longer than 4 lines must be properly formatted (block style)

____ The paper is written using 12-point font, Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, the information is double space and the paper is free from grammatical errors

____ Paragraphs are properly indented.

____ Bibliography/Reference page (properly formatted–APA style)

____ Application/Reflection Section on a separate page – what did you learn from this research? You may also include your personal reaction to the research within this section of the paper.This is not part of the 5-10 page requirement. This is an additional page.

____ Research paper is not plagiarized (this includes a portion of entire paper). At least 80% of the research paper must be in your own words.

Minority Groups Include: Asians, African Americans, Mexicans, Women, Children, Cubans, Haitians, Pacific Islanders etc.

Research Paper Outline

Thesis: This is a statement that represents the intent of your paper

I. Introduction to paper

A. Overview of topic

1. Within the introduction of the paper the thesis must be presented

B. Plan for paper must be presented

II. Main idea — topic sentence

A. First Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

B. Second Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

III. Main idea — topic sentence

A. First Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

B. Second Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

IV. Main idea — topic sentence

A. First Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

B. Second Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

V. Main idea — topic sentence

A. First Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

B. Second Subordinate idea

1. Supporting detail

2. Supporting detail

VI. Conclusion