Overview:
You
are required to write a 3-5 page term paper on one of the topics listed below.
Your paper must use peer-reviewed sources to support your arguments. This guide
will help you understand peer-reviewed sources and how to incorporate them into
your paper effectively.
What
are Peer-Reviewed Sources?
Peer-reviewed
sources are scholarly articles, papers, and research studies evaluated and
critiqued by experts in the same field before being published. This process
ensures the reliability, validity, and academic integrity of the research.
Commonly, these sources are found in academic journals.
Characteristics
of Peer-Reviewed Sources:
1.
Authorship: Written by experts
and researchers in the field.
2.
Abstract: A summary of the
research, methodology, and findings.
3.
References: Comprehensive list
of sources cited.
4.
Methodology: Detailed
description of the research methods used.
5.
Results and Discussion: Presentation and
interpretation of research findings.
Finding
Peer-Reviewed Sources:
1.
Academic Databases: Use
databases like PubMed and JSTOR.
· PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Links to an external site.
· JSTOR: https://about.jstor.org/oa-and-free/Links to an external site.
2.
Google Scholar: Filter
results to show peer-reviewed papers.
Writing
Your Paper:
Your
paper should include the following sections:
1.
Title Page:
– Title of your paper
– Your name
– Course name and number
– Instructor’s name
– Date
2.
Introduction:
– Introduce your topic and provide background information.
– State the purpose of your paper and your thesis statement.
3.
Body of the Paper:
– Summarize and synthesize existing research on your topic in your own words.
– Highlight key findings from peer-reviewed sources in your own words.
– Identify gaps in the current research in your own words.
4.
Conclusion:
– Summarize the main points of your paper.
– Restate the importance of your findings.
– Offer a final thought or call to action.
5.
References:
– List all the sources you cited in your paper in APA format.
Formatting:
–
Font: Times New Roman, 12-point.
–
Margins: 1-inch on all sides.
–
Spacing: Double-spaced.
– Page
numbers: Page numbers should appear in the top right corner
–
Headings: Separate the sections of the paper by Level 2 headings (see the link
below)
–
Citations: Use APA format for in-text citations and the reference list.
· You can use a site like Purdue’s Online Writing Lab for
more information about using APA format for your citations and the structure of
the paper: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
Tips
for Success:
–
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to research, write, and revise.
–
Organize: Use an outline to structure your paper logically.
–
Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
– Seek
Feedback: Have someone else review your paper before submission.
· Please note that editing apps and software programs like
Grammarly are frequently flagged as producing AI generated content. It is
better to have another human review your paper if at all possible.
By
following these guidelines, you will produce a well-organized and thoroughly
researched term paper that effectively utilizes peer-reviewed sources. Good
luck!
Specific
Options
Paper
Option #1: Nature / Nurture
Developmental
science focuses on the various contributions to development, and whether they
lean toward the genetic side of things (nature) or environmental (nurture).
Choose from one of the following topics discussed in the modules:
· child obesity
· eating disorders
· adolescent depression
For
this paper, review the module material on your specific topic. Then, write a
paper describing in detail the “nature” (primarily genetic, inherited)
contributions to this condition as well as the “nurture” contributions. You
will need to conduct Internet research and cite the sources to obtain
additional information on your topic. For example, explaining the inherited
reasons for a child to be obese will require that you visit, read, summarize,
and cite medical sites on the Internet. It is crucial that you rephrase
material in your own words and cite it or put phrases from the sources in
quotation marks and cite them. No more than a few sentences should be directly
quoted in order for you to receive credit for writing this paper (in other
words, no credit is given for a paper that is a string of other people’s
quotes). As a general rule of thumb, at least 1.5 pages should focus on
“nature” contributions to the issue at hand and at least 1.5 pages
should focus on “nurture” contributions. Conclude the paper by
indicating which side (nature or nurture) gives the strongest contribution to
this condition or whether they are both needed. For example, for child obesity,
is genetics alone a sufficient cause for a child to be obese, or are poor
eating habits necessary along with a genetic predisposition?
Nature
/ Nurture
