RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES

Each member of the class will prepare a research paper. The paper must a) explain why the topic is
important in studying the media and politics, b) identify a research question or hypothesis, c) review
the relevant literature, d) present careful analysis and explanation, and e) draw a conclusion about
the implications of the study.

• The paper must be typed, double-spaced using 12 font, referenced in a scholarly style, and
  should run 10-12 pages excluding bibliography and tables/charts.
  
• The paper must have a cover sheet  and have a minimum of ten (10) scholarly sources
  (books and journal articles). Other sources, e.g., the course books, websites, newspaper
  articles, etc. are acceptable but do not count toward the scholarly sources noted above. 
  Each page of the paper except the cover sheet must have one inch margins and have a page
  number.
  
• Students are cautioned to identify the source of material used in the paper. The penalty for
  plagiarism is an "F" on the paper.
  
• A topic for the proposed paper along with a half page summary and five (5) scholarly sources
  (books and journal articles only) is due in class on Feburary 5.  The instructor will return the
  proposal with written comments to you on February 12. Late proposals will result in 5 points
  being deducted from the grade on the research paper. Failure to submit a paper proposal will
  result in 10 points being deducted from the grade for the paper.
  
• Papers are due in class on April 12. Late papers will be reduced two (2) points per day
  beginning  the day the paper is due.
  
• Note about paper topics:  your instructor highly suggests that you do not change your paper topic
  later in the semester since problems usually arise resulting in difficulty for the student including
  missing the final submission deadline. Select a topic early, make sure that you have a sufficient
  number of sources, and stay focused.

Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions.

RESEARCH PAPER EVALUATION CRITERIA*                                                                                                

Presentation  
[physical appearance: title page, margins, page numbers,
paper length, clean copy]

Conceptual Understanding                                                        
[statement of purpose: objective, hypothesis,  research              
question; theories, framework, literature review]

Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills                                         
[objectivity, clarity, analysis; use of tables, figures,
graphs where appropriate]            

Writing Style                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          [grammar, spelling, organization]

Source Materials   
[quality and quantity, diversity, proper documentation]  

*Adapted from the department's criteria for assessment of research papers

Examples of Journals

American Journal of Political Science
American Political Science Review
American Politics Research
Congress and the Presidency
Journalism and Mass Communications Quarterly
Political Communication
Political Behavior
Political Research Quarterly
Political Psychology
Presidential Studies Quarterly
Public Opinion Quarterly