Constructing a Research Proposal review 113115

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Constructing a Research Proposal (review 113-115)
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1. Goals of the Research Project

• To introduce you to collegiate standards for
  research.
• Build team/collaboration skills.
• Engage in active learning.
• Create scholarship.

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2. The Proposal

• In the proposal itself, you need to explain
  your interest in your chosen subject and
  establish a set of questions to guide your
  inquiry. You also need to delineate the timeline
  3 weeks for your research and writing process
  and PowerPoint presentation (Alfano 114).

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3. Library Day (10/19)
You will need to complete a library exercise
before our trip to it on 10/19. We will meet on
the first floor at the stairs. Please dont be
late! We will receive a tutorial from a
librarian. This will be an ample opportunity for
you to ask specific questions about your topic.
Please come prepared to do so.
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4. Topics

• Think large. Your problem should affect a lot of
  people. Pop topics, or wedge political issues are
  not considered viable. Ask for clarification.
• The project will involve creating an abstract, a
  bibliography, completing an MLA exercise, and
  doing a group PowerPoint presentation.
• The format will be Problem-Solution.

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5. Sample

• Lets say a group is doing a project on media
  criticism.
• One person might choose violent content in media
  (video games, comics, TV, films) aimed at young
  viewers (12-18).
• Another might examine how unrealistic
  expectations or portrayals of men and women are
  in TV and film.
• A third person might look at the role of
  ownership and lack of diversity in media outlets,
  especially at the local level.

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6. Focus on Solutions

• Anyone can cite a problem. It takes critical
  thinking skills and research to propose
  solutions.

• Go with your gut, and try to find evidence your
  claims are sound.
• Be prepared to throw out ideas, and start over
  with new ones, for research is a lengthy process
  of constant revision.
• Develop a plan early on. The more pre-planning,
  the better the final product!

EXERCISE YOUR MOST VITAL ORGAN!
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7. Dont Waste Time

• You will be given a lot of free time to do things
  in class and in the library. Dont waste it!
• 3 weeks may sound like a lot. It isnt.
• You need to have a commitment to follow through,
  not only for your own sake, but also your groups.