Analytical Research Assignment
Summary of Assignment: First, lets discuss what the assignment is not. This paper is not a persuasive essay, and it should not be emotionally driven. While the paper must possess a thesis (opinion), the thesis should be based upon reliable and reasonable conclusions.
Heres a way to think about the difference between a persuasive research paper and an analytical research paper.
A persuasive essay might argue against the death penalty by arguing it is cruel, dehumanizes prisoners, and a personal account might be provided. An analytical research paper may also argue against the death penalty, but it would support the thesis by providing evidence that the death penalty does not have lower rates of violent crime, it would show the high financial costs of the death penalty, and it would cite studies that identify more effective deterrent methods.
An analytical research paper is similar to an experiment, starting with a hypothesis (question in our case). However, instead of conducting a scientific experiment to come to a conclusion, we do research, and base the conclusion on the reliable evidence that has been accumulated.
Purpose:
To develop a point of view and contribute to discussion of topic; to locate and critically evaluate sources; to adopt ethical standards during the research process, including the incorporation of outside sources; to draw reasonable conclusion(s) based on research; and to develop a well-edited final draft.
Process: Question ? Research ? Answer ? Outline ? Compose ? Revise ? Edit ? Submit
Starting with a topic of interest, you will develop questions about the topic, narrowing them down until you have one focused question. The question should not be factual in nature, nor should the answer be evident. Finally, after doing research to discover what the community says about the topic, you should develop a thesis that answers your question. *All topics and theses must be approved. (Consult Rules for Writers 398-401
Think of the research process as the scientific method: You should develop a question, conduct background research, develop hypothesis, test hypothesis, analyze data, and communicate results.
*A thesis statement is one sentence at the end of your introduction that states the purpose of your essay, which is an answer to the research question. Your thesis must provide a judgment about your limited subject and introduce the topics that support your reaction. (Note: Introducing topics does not necessarily mean listing what is discussed in bodies.) Only after a thesis has been created should you start to compose the paper.
Sample Questions and Resulting Thesis Statements:
Question: How can the number of unwanted pets in shelters be reduced?
Thesis: In order to reduce the number of euthanized pets, all dogs and cats should be spayed and neutered before sale or adoption can take place; breeders or people with pure breeds can obtain permits to keep their dogs intact.
Question: Why are so many normal, young kids being prescribe medication?
Thesis: Although antidepressants are necessary for people with severe depression, the drugs do very little for the majority of patients. Antidepressants should only be prescribed to adults over 18 years old, as a last resort.
Question: What happens to students when the arts are eliminated from schools?
Thesis: Withholding music education from children results in a loss of opportunity for self-expression and growth for self-esteem.
Requirements:
The paper will be 8-10 pages, must include a minimum of 5 outside sources, and at least 3 sources must come from the Colleges databases. Only reliable sources will be accepted.
Quoting and Paraphrasing:
Quoted material must not account for more than 20% of your paper. Also, articles from which you quote must of noteworthy length, meaning no abstracts or blurbs. A major component of this paper is research, so be sure to keep track of all sources so that you can properly cite them in your text. (Quotes over 4 lines must follow block format.) Remember to make sure that your quoted material is relevant, representative, and accurate.
Expectations of Written Work:
Student papers will be graded on unity, development, organization, clarity, and style; all papers must adhere to MLA style specifications. Paper must maintain objective third person present.
Content and Organization:
Your essay must have an introduction that creates context for the topic, which includes the research question. A clearly stated thesis at the end of the introduction, paragraphs that begin with a topic sentence that supports the thesis, body paragraphs that are unified, coherent and fully-developed, and conclusion that summarizes and evaluates the body paragraphs. Papers must be appropriate to the assignment and must address all parts of the assignment.
Development / Analysis:
Your essay must use relevant examples from articles to support its thesis. Use at least five sources, which can be either quotes and/or paraphrases; integrate paraphrases and quotes, document evidence correctly and thoroughly using MLA guidelines, and support generalizations with details.
Unity and Coherence:
Your essay must introduce its limited subject clearly, providing evidence throughout to support your answer to the research question. All information must relate to the limited subject (the article) and the appropriate topic (aspect); be sure to use smooth transitions and conclude purposely.
Style and Mechanics:
Your essay should be written in a readable style, with clear grammatical sentences and correct spelling and punctuation. Avoid errors in diction and syntax; follow correct MLA format. No fragments, comma splices or run-on sentences.
