1. The Research Project
A basic “how to” guide

2. Types of Research Projects
Analytical
Clearly defined topic
Thesis acts as a question
Goal is to evaluate a subject (Ex: What factors have made reality television the most watched genre of TV programs?)
Must conduct thorough research to answer question
Argumentative
Clear thesis statement
Goal is to persuade the audience (Ex: Reality television is so popular today because audiences no longer have any boundaries regarding privacy.)
Support and evidence to back up claims

3. Choosing your topic Remember due dates
Stay focused. Keep the assignment sheet nearby when working on the essay.
Make a checklist of requirements for your project.
Remember to choose a topic that you find interesting. Try to have as much fun with your essay as possible. (It makes the process a little less painful.)

4. Research Where do you find info about your topic? Secondary sources
Databases (Galileo, for example)
Professional/scholarly journals (many found on Galileo or in print)
Books, periodicals, movies, albums, etc.
Credible websites (not wikipedia)
Primary sources
Interview friends, family, or other groups who directly pertain to your topic
Conduct studies, observations, and/or experiments

5. Organizing your Essay Purpose/goals Audience Argumentative Research
What’s the point of my essay? Is it Analytical or Argumentative?
Audience
Argumentative
What’s my thesis? Is it specific, clear, and concise? Is it original?
Research
Are my sources credible and scholarly? Do they help my argument and support my findings?
Findings and conclusions
What do I think about this topic now that I’ve uncovered more information about it? What do I want my audience to know about this topic?

6. Don’t forget to… Introduce and explain your topic early on.
Set up historical context for your topic. Make sure it’s clear to your reader where your topic fits in according to our historical timeline of events.
Use good examples from sources, as well as your own, personal ideas/analysis. This is your personal evaluation of your particular topic. It’s a combo (in some ways) of all three previous essays.

7. Choosing Topics
The topic is open on this one. But I have the right to veto any topic deemed inappropriate or impractical. We’ll talk more about topics and the assignment in depth later on.
Write about something you:
1) Find interesting
2) Know a little bit about but want to know more about
3) You can create an argument about
4) Relevant to you and your peers