Topic:
I have to write a research paper about a specific group of International Students (can be Arabs, Ethiopians, etc.) Coping with Culture Shock at a specific University (for example GMU).
This is how the teacher want the paper organized:
The Problem: Provide a Succint Statement
1) Identify a problem, question or debate about some specific aspect of topic to be investigated
2) Discuss possible solutions to the problem or answers to the question, or an evaluation/critique of the debate. Note the way we will seek an answer.
Specific question addressed in the research project is clearly stated in this paragraph. (One paragraph)
Background: Create a Common Ground of Shared Understanding
This section provides a brief overview of the larger issues and ideas of the topic and how my specific research problem relates to them. (5-10 pages)
Objectives:
Outline for the reader the specific steps we will take to address the problem that we have defined.
Lay out for the reader the claims we are making and the basis on which we are making them. Also indicate the `solution` or interpretation anticipated will result from analysis of the problem.
We are making an explicit evaluation of the reading and research that Ive done which goes beyond the reporting of summarizing of the information. (length 3-5 pages)
Method of Analysis/Evaluation:
This section specifies how I will evaluate the evidence and information that is relevant to my research problem. For many topics, a comparison and contrast of differing points of view, compiling and synthesizing date, statistical analysis or other means of relating bits of information to each other, or an assessment of the accuracy/completeness/biases in information are among the commonly used methods for analyzing and evaluating evidence. Methods of analysis will also affect the claims I make or the conclusion I will be able to draw. (Length: Several paragraphs-several pages)
Evidence:
Specific primary data that we collect (such as interviews we conduct or rocket test data), may include evidence or data collected by others, or may involve a detailed comparison and contrast of ideas or methods of two or more scholars. Need to specify what is the precise form and source of information (eg, survey, designed study, newspaper reports, census statistics, interviews, archival records) (length: 2-4 pages)
Conclusion:
Restate the gist of the problem, its relationship to the larger issue and what I anticipate I will discover. (length: 1-2 pages)