Guidelines for the Final Paper
The final paper represents the completion and presentation of the original piece of research you have been working on throughout the course of the semester. Now is the time to put all the pieces together. Your paper should be no less than 12 pages and no more than 18 pages in length (including reference and appendices) and be presented in the style of a professional APA journal article. You should be reviewing the Purdue Owl website located here (https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html (Links to an external site.)) and found on Canvas. This means it should have the following sections:
Abstract — The abstract should be between 150-250 words in length. The abstract stands alone as the second page of your paper and is not indented but should be double-spaced. It summarizes the main points of your research, including the research question, method, central results and implications. It should be written last, after you have completed the rest of your paper. Be sure to include keywords. For more information see: http://writingcommons.org/open-text/writing-processes/format/apa-format/1100-formatting-the-abstract-page-apa-sp-770492217 (Links to an external site.)
Introduction — This section is effectively your literature review. It introduces the topic you are researching, cites and discusses the relevant research that has already been conducted on the topic/question, and states the question you are trying to answer. Imagine it like a funnel, which starts broadly but then focuses more specifically, culminating in a research question or hypothesis. NOTE THAT APA STYLE DOES NOT PROVIDE A HEADING FOR THIS SECTION. Instead you restate the title, centered at the top, below the header.
Methods — This section states what methodological procedures you employed to collect your data. In addition you should discuss any relevant methodological issues such as population and sampling, how variables were operationalized, validity and reliability matters, analytical procedures, etc.
Results — This section presents the main or key results of your research. Here is where you walk your reader through any Tables you might have (provided as Appendices) and highlight the relevant data points that help to answer your question or test your hypotheses.
Discussion — In this section you discuss your findings and relate them back to the question you were attempting to answer in the course of your literature review. At that time, you also might discuss the limitations or problems with the data collected. This section also provides a specific conclusion to your paper vis a vis your topic and suggests possibilities for further research.
References – Please consult the style guide. If you have questions on a tricky reference let me know.
Tables/Figures — These are done as appendices under the APA style guidelines. Only one table or figure per page, and make sure each one is properly numbered and labelled.
Note the grading rubric, download which I will also review in class. Part of your grade depends upon how thoughtfully you deal with the substantive issues raised in the various sections of your paper. In addition to content, keep in mind that this is a “(W)” course. Consequently, the formal quality of your writing will be evaluated as well. Be sure to adhere to the APA style guide when crafting your paper. Your final paper is worth 350 points.
Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome General Paper APA formatting
Title page, title, font, headers, pagination, and margins are all correct.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome In Text Citations
APA format executed correctly for in text citations
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome References and References and APA Format
5 or more references with correct APA formatting in reference section.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Grammar, Syntax, & Spelling
Writer makes no significant errors in grammar, syntax, or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Scientific Writing Style
Clear, systematic, and analytical presentation of the research. Statements are well supported by proper references to previous research and current results.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Overall Quality of Paper, indicating a thorough understanding of the research process.
Excellent writing, organization, which flows. Has a selection of quality and relevant research in the introduction, solid methods and design, and clearly presented results and analysis. This paper demonstrates that the author has fully explored this topic in a very thoughtful, methodical way and carefully constructed a paper that successfully disseminates the most important findings in a digestible and clear manner
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Abstract
The abstract clearly and accurately summarizes all the components in paper, including the research question, methods, results and implications of the paper within the 150- 250 word limit.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Introduction
Introduction reviews all the relevant literature in a clear and concise fashion, building logically and systematically to a clearly stated research question or series of hypotheses
55 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Methods
The methods section clearly and concisely reviews the participants, materials and procedures used in the study without making any technical errors or mistaken statements about what was done.
55 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Results
All results are presented in a clear and systematic manner. All the results presented are relevant to the ensuing discussion. Accompanying tables and figures are formatted and presented correctly.
55 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Discussion
Includes a very thoughtful discussion which fully interprets all the results and links them back to the literature review and research question/hypotheses. Discusses key theoretical possibilities and methodological issues as appropriate. Implications for future research are mentioned.
55 pts
Total Points: 350
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The final paper represents the completion and pre appeared first on Homeworkassisters.
