Components for the DRAFT of the Research Paper include: Step 1- Selection of Topic and develop an introduction. You will select a topic that covers a social subject related to the topic of “how technology may or may not reinforce inequality in society?” (think sociologically!). Consider the areas of Stratification: Identify any areas of stratification that might exist with the topic. For example consider if social class, education, race, gender, sexual identity, etc. may be impacted by the technology topic. Are there any differences? Similarities? Consider the area of Social Institution: Identify at least one social institution or area of the social structure that also may be impacted by your topic. The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper: Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical context that introduces the paper topic Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject Define any key terminology needed to understand the topic Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject, if applicable Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction of the paper Write an antithesis paragraph, presenting the primary opposing views, if applicable Step 2. Select a research question or thesis statement.
Be specific when selecting your topic. Some examples: Why do some technologies fail? In what ways have technology impacted education, (or insert your selected topic); The use of Body Cameras are Gender and technology (ex: how ideas of gender and sexual identity are implanted in technological artifacts); Access to Education (how does technology impact intellectual property, online learning, etc.); Virtual engagement (recreation, games, dating, family, etc.); Quality or Accessibility of Health Care; Music and Entertainment (availability, production, ownership, etc.); Religion (Commercialization); and Privacy issues. Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points Select a sociological perspective (structural-functionalist, conflict, symbolic interaction) that best applies to the thesis statement If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and quotations that support the main points Step 3. Conduct a review of relevant social scientific literature, based on your topic selection, research question or thesis statement and develop an annotated bibliography for research literature.. Select at least 2 articles from social science journals and at least 2 articles from other reputable news sources. (See Sinclair’s Library for your literature review on the selected topic).
These main 4 articles and resources should be different than any that may have been included in the course materials. NOTE: Many sources can be found online, but not all are acceptable to use as sources in your college career. If you are not sure as to whether or not a website you found is a reliable source, send me an email with the URL and I will check it out for you as soon as I can. You are not limited to 4 sources. Write a brief review of each of the four articles and submit an annotated bibliography. Each main point should be clearly stated and have examples, details, and explanations to support. Step 4. Discuss the significance of the topic and theoretical analysis within the body of the paper that clearly provides history, data, statistics, and facts that help interpret the topic. You will clearly state the sociological perspective that best applies and relates to the topic that you have selected. You will need to include a general conclusion. Be specific in your explanation: what did you learn from each reading and interpret the issue from at least one of the main sociological perspectives, such as Structural Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interaction covered during the term. Clearly present the sociological perspective – (structural-functionalist, conflict, symbolic interaction) that you plan to apply to the thesis Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support the main points If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and quotations that support the main points Step 5 The conclusion will tie everything together. This section of the paper should: Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2 sentences for each point) Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative paper only) End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the whole point of the paper together (may refer back to the attention grabber Declare your presentation style selection- infographic or video Step 6. A reference page should include full citations for all resources. Include in-text citations and a references of all resources used. The paper should be written in paragraph form and include all of the required parts of the final paper, which are stated above.
