Abstracts (research project)

Abstracts (Research Project)
Objective: Students will identify, examine and explain a contemporary social problem.
Objective: Students will effectively communicate in writing an ability to interpret and/or analyze a contemporary social problem.
Objective: Students will apply a given Developmental Theory to the contemporary social problem.
Assignment:
1. Choose a contemporary social problem or special topic that you are interested in. This may be an issue we discuss in class, one you identify in your reading, or something that you have experienced personally.
2. Using the library search system called Academic Search Complete, find at least 3 research articles discussing your chosen issue.
3. Read each article and take notes.
4. Write a one-page abstract and reflection for EACH article.
5. Each abstract and reflection MUST contain the following:
½ page summary of the research article. Make sure you identify the methodology used in the research (i.e. case study, longitudinal study, survey, etc.)
½ page reflection consisting of analysis and interpretation of provided information
6. Submit a conclusion page. In the conclusion, answer the following questions:
--Summary:
Was there any information that surprised you? Have your thoughts or opinions about this topic changed, if so, how?
--Theory/History Application: Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory states that human development is influenced by the different types of environmental systems. While considering the 5 Environmental Systems of this theory, briefly answer these questions as they are applicable: Is the contemporary social problem a product of environment (i.e. abuse, neglect, poverty, etc.)? How does the contemporary social problem relate to the Micro (direct environment) and affect the relationships in the Meso Systems? What conclusions can you draw between the problem and the Macro System (general culture)? Is your problem culturally dependent? Is it handled differently in dissimilar cultures? Lastly, is the Chrono System (transitions across the lifespan of self and other generations) affected, and how?
--General Application: What will you do with this information now? Propose a solution for this problem.  Even if your solution is totally outlandish, justify why your solution would work and how it can help with the problem or special topic that you researched.

An excellent paper
1. identifies a legitimate contemporary social problem (10 points)

2. will be a minimum of 1 full page for each article (3 in total). Do NOT use half the page for your name, class section etc.  A title page is more appropriate.

a.  draws upon professional journal papers only

b.  includes an objective and concise summary of each article

c.  includes an analysis of the paper which classifies, examines, and interprets the information from the article
d.  will be written using APA format, including a cover page, running head, page numbers, an alphabetical bibliography page, and proper citation format and referencing. It is convenient to summarize your abstracts in the same order as the bibliography, alphabetically by author.

3. includes a summary page(s) which answers each question thoughtfully and completely paying attention to history, environment, and social implications (40 points)

This assignment may be returned to you in the event that it is done incorrectly or needs improvement.  You will have 1 week after it is returned to you to make suggested improvements to increase your score and will not be considered a late paper.