TOPIC: PERSONALITY DISORDERS
PSY.215.O04B
Research Paper: (20 percent of the final grade). Students will prepare a 7-10 page written paper on an important topic discussed in the course. (Page requirement does not include reference page which must include at least 7 references).
Writing the Paper:
Introduction: Background/history of the problem/question
Thesis: Theme and sub-points
Studies used in paper: Give a brief summary of the studies included in this paper: How and why they are important.
Subdivisions of Findings:
If your thesis must explore, say, two to five areas in order to analyze and support yourhypothesis, then the body of the paper will have as few as two or as many as five major parts. These sections will present your empirical data, examples, and analysis in detail, and in so doing inductively flesh out the research.
Findings: What do the research studies conclude? Does the data validate the thesis?
Format: Double space, 12 font size, Times Roman scrip/font, Length: Not too short, but not too long. Using everything but the kitchen sink indicates lack of organization and comprehension.
Sources: Primary sources usually: 5 – 7.
Expression: Define terminology, use standard English only; use variety in sentence structure and organization.
Format of the Research Paper
Title of Your Paper
Name of Author(s), Year
Abstract
Introduction/Statement of the Problem/Significance of the Study
Theoretical Background
Literature Review
Research Questions/Hypotheses
Methodology. Since you yourself are not conducting the research in this mini-research paper that is primarily a literature review,describe the methodology of the study or studies you are reviewing.
Sampling Design
Experimental/Quasi-Experimental/Case Study
Longitudinal, Cross-sectional,
Procedure: Interviews, Questionnaires, Case Studies
Secondary Data, and Statistical Analysis
Results
Discussion
Implications
Limitations of the Research
References
