Module 3 Writing Assignment:
The Research Paper
Your research paper should be developed according to the following format:
1. Introductory page (1 page)
· Presentation and discussion of research topic and question
· Importance of the area or field of inquiry
· Thesis statement
2. Body (5-6pages)
· General background information such as historical context, relevant statistics, sociological significance, etc.
· Information and evidence corresponding to each element of the thesis statement
· Opposing or alternative views (if any) to each piece of information and evidence above presented. There are two approaches that can be taken here. You can present all of the information that supports a certain point of view first (for example, all of your information which supports a correlation between race/ethnicity, social class, and/or gender and felony drug arrests and convictions) and then provide all of the opposing information together OR you can provide supporting and then opposing information point by point. Which approach you use is based on your writing skill and the nature of your Research Question.
· Analysis of the evidence and information on both sides
3. Conclusion (1 page)
· Summary of any issues, evidence, and information presented.
· Questions to consider not addressed by information presented
· Your opinion on the research question and thesis statement based on the critical analysis you have performed. Avoid using the first person.
· Implications for future study and/or social policy in this area.
