Question: PTA RESEARCH PAPER
You have a PhD in social science and you are an expert in parenting & family dynamics. You have been contacted by the PTA (Parent & Teachers Association) of the local school district. They invite you to present research on one of the topics below. Choose a topic and use it as the title of your paper and PowerPoint presentation:
"Bullying: Your child is a bully"
"Bullying: Your child is a victim"
"Your child exhibits gender non-conformity"
"Your child is on the autism spectrum"
"Your child has ADHD"
"Your teen is addicted to technology" (cell phone, tablet, gaming, etc.)
"Your teen has an eating disorder" (overeating, junk food addiction, anorexia, bulimia, etc.)
Once you choose your topic, the next step is to conduct the research.
You will research your topic using course materials and at least 5 outside scholarly sources (you may add information from the scholarly press after you meet the five-article requirement).
Your job is to fully research the topic under 8 specific areas (please use these headings): (1) Definitions, (2) Characteristics, (3) Distribution (how widespread it is), (4) Causes, (5) Solutions, (6) Parenting Strategies, (7) School Actions, (8) Community Resources. Your audience includes parents, teachers, and interested community members.
Go back to our readings. Conduct a search of our UMUC databases like Robert taught us in the workshop. Use scholarly sources. Vet your sources. Collect your facts/demographic data, and images
Think critically and analyze the data you found in your research. Do not simply describe. Go beyond description!
I am looking for (1) solid research skills, (2) critical thinking, (3) in-depth analysis, (4) strong conclusions, (5) appropriate sources, (6) correct citations and references, (7) scholarly writing with clarity, (8) followed directions in formatting. Realism earns points. Be creative!
FORMAT OF THE REPORT:
• Length: Your report will be a minimum of 2000 words not including title page or references. Less will lose significant point or get a zero.
• Use the 8 headings found above
• Double-space
• Font: 12 pt; Arial or Times New Roman
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Pagination: Page numbers should be included on every page except the References
• No Title Page: Just include your name and course in the top left-hand corner of the first page, center your title and begin with the first heading.
• References: Your last page should list all the sources you have used in alphabetical order, double-spaced with hanging indent (APA format).
• In-text citations: Remember to cite ALL language, information or ideas that are not your own to avoid plagiarism. Check that all In-text citations have a corresponding reference at the end of the paper. Review Purdue OWL
• Tone: the paper is professional and scholarly. Include material from the readings and a minimum of five outside scholarly sources. Your writing must be scholarly. Avoid using jargon, slang, contractions or colloquialisms. Do not write in first person or include personal opinion.
You are sharing research data with the audience.
• Syntax: Grammar, spelling, capitalization and sentence construction are important. Always proofread your work!
• Resources: You are encouraged use the UMUC Effective Writing Center (EWC) as well as Information and Library Services when preparing your Personal Action Plan (PDAP). No other outside help (roommates, co-workers, your mother, et al.).
• Direct Quotes: No more than 10% of the paper may consist of direct quotes and only with correct APA in-text citations and references. More loses points. Use your own words!