Research Paper Preparation – Obesity

Review the Final Research Paper
instructions located within the Final Research Paper link in your online course
or under the “Components of Course Evaluation” section of this guide. The Final
Research Paper is due in Week Five. To help with the preparation of the paper,
complete the following and submit it to your instructor for feedback.

1. Topic:
   Refer to the Final Research Paper guidelines for your topic selection.
   Confirm your topic, and identify how this selection relates to your
   academic and professional pursuits. Review the feedback from your topic
   choice presented in the Week One discussion. How did your argument stand
   up to the examination of your peers?
2. Thesis:
   Write a direct and concise thesis statement, which will become the point
   or perspective you will argue or prove in the Final Research Paper. Refer
   to the Ashford Online Writing Center for information on how to develop a
   solid thesis statement.
3. Annotated Bibliography: To help prepare for your final paper, you will be
   writing an annotated bibliography to indicate the quality of the sources
   you have read.  Please make sure to cite each source using APA
   style.  After each citation, write a brief paragraph (around 150
   words) summarizing the source and examining how it will support you in
   defending your argument. 

Academic Research StandardsAcademic research and papers must
meet certain standards of quality recognized by the academic community. What
constitutes quality, academic research?

Primary sources, which are documents from the time
period being discussedSecondary sources supported by research in primary
sources Credible sources (experts in the area of study) Relevant research (materials are pertinent to the area
of study) In graduate work, the use of peer-reviewed journal
articles (journal articles reviewed by recognized experts in the relevant
field of study) is required.Educational and Government websites may be appropriate
in some cases, but should be evaluated carefully.

The paper must be six to seven pages
in length (excluding the title pages) and formatted according to APA style. You
must use at least five scholarly sources, three of which can be found in the
Ashford Online Library, to support your points. Of the five sources, two will
be your primary sources, and one will meet the multimedia requirement.

FINAL RESEARCH PAPER
INSTRUCTIONS

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).

Your Final 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 13 to 14
pages in length (excluding the title and reference pages) and formatted
according to APA style. You 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. For information
regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing
Center within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Writing the Final Research Paper
The Final Research Paper:

1. Must be 13 to 14 double-spaced pages in
   length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford
   Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:

• Title of paper
• Student’s name
• Course name and number
• Instructor’s name
• Date submitted

Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a
succinct thesis statement. Must address the topic of the paper with critical
thought. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. Must use at least 12 scholarly sources, including
a minimum of six from the Ashford Online Library. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in
the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate reference page, formatted
according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.