Analytical Research
Analytical research follows a basic scientific process outline to answer a research question (demonstrated in Module 2). It includes literature review (summarizing what others have written about a topic) AND critical analysis (evaluating the evidence to reach a conclusion). The evidence is synthesized from the literature (also sometimes called library research) and may or may not include additional testing such as acquiring and processing qualitative or quantitative data. The library research may provide factual evidence as well as lay a conceptual or technical foundations for means and methods, best practices, or analytical tools, for example. The evidence is then evaluated through a particular lens. What is good evidence? What does the evidence tell us? Why or how so? What is the “so what?” Critical analysis requires making logical connections & arranging ideas into a logical flow – in academic papers this usually follows a particular convention, such as: introduction, literature review, [means and methods, results if applicable], discussion/analysis, and conclusion.
List of Project Choices For This Option
This mastery project centers on the Sustainable, Resilient, and Just Cities Module.
Evaluate the role of residential energy consumption in contributing to urban energy demands. Use the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick. calculator to conduct an audit of your home energy consumption comparable to others. Assess urban residential energy consumption broadly, using your audit as evidence. Discuss the role of I=PAT in energy demands as well as the ecological effects of residential energy consumption. Assuming you are an average resident, what would home energy use be if everyone in your city and the world lived like you?
Minimum Source Requirement
No less than 5 expert or academic sources required, at least 1 academic peer reviewed journal article preferred. Please avoid vernacular sources and news media. See evaluating sources resources provided in Course & Student Resources Page. In my experience, richer sources result in better papers.
Length:
4-6 pages of text in 12pt. Times New Roman, double spaced, with 1″ margins, plus images, cover page, & works cited page OR
5-8 minute video oral presentation with slides that include a cover and works cited. Slides should focus on images with limited text.
Organization:
Academic voice should be maintained, and the presentation style should reflect the assignment & submission format. Must include a complete and well organized analysis following the scientific paper guidelines outlined in Module 2. The text should include:
introduction (provide context, state topic and research question, and give the reader a roadmap for where the work is going),
body (use supportive evidence from your source material and explain your critical analysis),
conclusion (let the reader know what you concluded, or learned, from the evidence – answer the research question).
Citation Style:
APA format required for in-text and works cited page. Remember, not citing sources both in-text and in the works cited page and not using the assigned citation format are academic dishonesty that may result in academic dishonesty penalties.
File Format:
Word or equivalent document (.docx, .doc, .pdf, .rtf, .odt, .txt) OR mp4 video file saved with filename GEOG329_Mastery#_YourLastName, i.e. GEOG329_Mastery2_Smith.
Deadline
9am Monday, 06 May
