Research Paper Requirements
General Requirements
Length: 8-10 pages (excluding preliminary pages, references, and appendices)
Format: Typewritten, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman or equivalent
Citation Style: APA style manual
Submission: Submit as an MS Word document
Deadline: No later than Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 11:55 PM
Paper Sections
Introduction/Background
Introduce the topic and provide necessary background information.
Analysis of the Issue
Detailed analysis of the selected issue, including relevant data and insights.
Alternative Points of View
Present and discuss alternative perspectives on the issue.
Your Own Point of View
Provide your own analysis and viewpoints based on the research.
Conclusion
Summarize the findings and implications of the research.
Topic Selection
Scope: Must address an aspect of the federal government that you believe is a financial problem for taxpayers.
Examples of Topics:
Flat Tax versus Progressive Taxation
Reforms to Medicare and Medicaid
Budget Deficits & National Debt
Affordable Healthcare
Welfare Reform
Additional Requirements
Paper Proposal and Thesis Exercise:
Proposal: 1-page, double-spaced, describing your selected topic and subheadings.
Thesis Exercise: Complete a table to help develop a proper thesis and research questions.
Due Date for Proposal and Thesis Exercise: Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 11:55 PM
Research Sources:
Use scholarly journal articles. Wikipedia and blogs are not considered academic sources.
Proper and full citation is required for all references.
Recommended Minimum Number of Sources: At least 8-10 scholarly sources to ensure a comprehensive analysis.
Evaluation Criteria (Grading Rubric)
Analyze and Evaluate Policy Formulation and Implementation:
Exceptional articulation of policies and programs.
Apply Graduate Research Methods:
Outstanding understanding and application of research methods and techniques.
Synthesize Concepts of Ethical Behavior and Social Responsibility:
Outstanding understanding and engagement with concepts of ethical behavior and social responsibility.
Analyze Evaluative Processes:
Outstanding understanding of evaluative processes to devise plans for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Graduate Level Writing and APA Format:
Exceptionally well-written with flawless grammar, punctuation, usage, and adherence to APA format.
