Assignment:
Research Paper
Research the responsibility of a critical thinker in a contemporary society. You may choose any topic that deals with a contemporary social concern. Examine the principles of critical thought in relation to the chosen societal concern, and consider the importance of ethics, moral reasoning, a research-based process to search for truth, and the advantages of information technology in gathering data.
Potential social concerns include, but are not limited to health (e.g., obesity, smoking, or underage drinking), poverty (e.g., homelessness, basic needs, or transportation issues), family relations and dynamics (e.g., teen violence, physical abuse, depression, or suicide), social media (e.g., privacy), immigration (e.g., illegal), and education (e.g., plagiarism and/or cheating).
Research Paper should:
1. Include a literature review of three scholarly sources based on the selected contemporary issue. Analyze the validity of the author's arguments and/or biases.
2. Explain how academic knowledge impacts the social elements and institutions of both local and global communities.
3. Assess how the principles of active citizenship could impact the contemporary issue during the next five to ten years.
4. Include at least one reference to a multimedia component (i.e., podcast, interactive website, blog, or video) and evaluate the relevance of this piece in relationship to academic knowledge and the selected issue.
The paper must be 11 in length, must use at least 12 scholarly sources, six of which can be found in the Ashford Online Library. Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page.
1. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
2. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
3. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
4. Must use at least 12 scholarly sources, including a minimum of six from the Ashford Online Library.
5. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Below I have a possible thesis statement that I submitted to the instructor in an assignment last week.
In the last twenty years, obesity among children has increased considerably, if the parents become aware of the risks of childhood obesity, then parents would develop healthy habits and changes their lifestyle; therefore, childhood obesity would decrease. Especially in more developed countries the increase is basically by poor diet and sedentary lifestyles, but, the strongest factor that contributes childhood obesity is the influences the presence of conflicting relations between parents and children that influencing certain cultural standards of the era, the importance of proper diet and psychological treatment. Obesity in children is so prevalent that we might almost speak of an epidemic.
In order to prevent the continuing rise of childhood obesity, parents need to educate themselves on healthier food options, engage children in physical activity, and participate in health conscious habits themselves in order to lead by example.