RESEARCH PROPOSAL: PART 1 - TOPIC PARAGRAPH ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: PART 1 - TOPIC PARAGRAPH ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

OVERVIEW

Throughout the course of the term, you will be completing 5 cumulative assignments that are designed to guide you through the process of developing an original research proposal to address a specific research question in the field of neuroscience. In the current module, you will begin the process by writing a topic paragraph that sets the stage for your Research Proposal that is due in Module 7. In order to successfully complete this assignment, you will have to do some investigation of the research question that you intend to explore.

The focus of your Research Proposal can be any question in the field of neuroscience. Ideas for topics for this proposal can come from several places (e.g., textbook, the existing body of scientific literature, your own observations of the world).

INSTRUCTIONS

Topic Paragraph *** DOES THE ROLE OF PLAY INFLUENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT ?***

When selecting a topic, please make it as narrow as possible. There are hundreds (even thousands) of articles and books out there about most topics that you could imagine. The narrower you make your topic, the easier it is going to be for you to formulate a specific hypothesis and design a research study that addresses your research question.

The topic paragraph itself should be a general statement about the topic/research question that you wish to explore in your Research Proposal. Brevity (i.e., economy of expression) is both required and appreciated, but please make sure that you include sufficient detail so that the question you are interested in exploring is clear to the reader.

When writing the topic paragraph, provide a compelling rationale that supports the relevance of the research question  *** DOES THE ROLE OF PLAY INFLUENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT ?*** with citations FROM AT LEAST 3 primary, peer-reviewed research articles.

Content Requirements

• The first sentence in the paragraph should be the “topic sentence” itself which succinctly states the topic/research question that you intend to explore in your Research Proposal. *** DOES THE ROLE OF PLAY INFLUENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT ?***

• The next 3–5 sentences should present the supporting ideas and primary research that explicate the topic sentence.

• The concluding sentence of the paragraph either leaves the reader with something to think about or summarizes the supporting ideas (especially if the paragraph is long).

Formatting Specifications

• In-text citations are included and accurately formatted according to current APA guidelines.

• All text is typed and double-spaced in a standard, university-approved font.

• All pages utilize 1-inch margins.

• A current APA-formatted title page with a descriptive title is provided.

• A current APA-formatted references page with at least 3 primary, peer-reviewed resources is included.

• Individual references on the references page are formatted according to current APA guidelines.

• Sources on the references page match sources cited in the topic paragraph.

Writing and Organization

• Assignment is only 1 paragraph long

• Be concise, not wordy

• Organize your ideas logically

• Utilize appropriate grammar, diction and punctuation