POLS 209: Four Paper Assignments

All paper assignments must be typed and double spaced. Citations for all work that is not your own must be provided in a references section. Also, I expect ALL students to consult with the WA (Lacey Wulf: laceywulf@gmail.com ) soon after receiving an evaluation of your papers. You may also consult with the WA before each assignment if you think appropriate.

Paper Assignment 1: Article Review (10%) Due 2/9 at the beginning of class.

Select one of the three articles you read for the 2/2 class. Summarize the article by discussing in this order 1) the research problem or question being addressed, 2) the theory/theories being proposed, 3) hypotheses being tested, 4) data being used, 5) the method, and 6) the research results and their implications for the research question and theory. The paper should not exceed three pages.

Paper Assignment 2: Article Review (10%) Due 3/9 at the beginning of class.

Select one of the two articles you read for the 3/2 class. Summarize the article. Then discuss the merits and demerits of the research design applied by the authors.

The paper should not exceed three pages.

Paper Assignment 3: Research Proposal (10%) Due 4/4 at the beginning of class.

Write a short research proposal which will form the basis for your final research paper. In your research proposal, 1) present a scientific research question, 2) state a causal theory, 3) formulate one or more testable hypotheses relating to the research question and causal theory, 4) describe the measures to be used, 5) describe the statistical methods you will apply, and 6) discuss what you think might be your statistical results. The research proposal should not exceed three pages. NOTE: ALL students must meet with me before March 25 to discuss the proposed topic for your final research project.

Paper Assignment 4: Research Paper (40%) Due 5/2 at the beginning of class.

Your final research paper will state a scientific research question, review the literature associated with the research question, develop a causal theory, formulate one or more testable hypotheses relating to the research question and theory, carry out a statistical analysis of data which reflects variables relating to the theory, present the statistical results in a table and/or graph, verbally describe and analyze the results, and discuss the implications of your findings for your theory and research question. The final paper should not exceed 8-10 pages, not including tables, figures, and/or graphs.

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