Research Proposal Research Question Background Literature Search –Citations Experiment Expected results Timeline Budget

Research Question What are you passionate about? Can I study this in about a year? Is this a reasonable experiment to do in High School? Has this been done before?

Background Search Encyclopedias and Wikipedia –unreliable as a citation but great place to start Google Scholar GaleGroup – NYPL Citations –Write down EXACTLY where you go the information

Reading A Scientific Paper Abstract Background knowledge Purpose of study Results and main points Read methods & materials last Read and re-read!

How to take notes: The First Sentence In a single coherent sentence, give the following: Author’s last name a rhetorically accurate verb, e.g., asserts, claims, argues a that clause containing the major claim (thesis statement) of the work

How to take notes: The Second Sentence examples from the article to support the thesis statement minimum of two examples Describe Tone should be formal throughout; concise but complete

Conducting Background Research Primary vs. secondary sources Start with general references –Texts, books, popular science magazines –Google Scholar, Gale Group Literature cited section of primary sources Keep careful records!! –Note cards with complete bibliography (MLA format) –Databases used –Selective note-taking –Take notes in your own words!!!

Evaluating Web Resources Who is the author? –Other publications? –Cited? Where was the research conducted? Is the web site sponsored by an organization? –Not-for-profit? Special interest group? Commercial? Does the site present arguments? –Balanced? Biased? Are the conclusions supported by references? When was the site last revised?

Homework: WEDNESDAY the 27th Consider a preliminary question and begin researching it –Find at least 5 sources, at least 3 of which must be primary –Take notes on each –Make a list of questions you feel need to be answered in order for you to put together a proposal