Revised Guidelines Spring 2022 Theory Research Paper 50%

Total

This is a research paper examining some area of mass media research and theory. The paper

should examine the chosen theory and provide an overview of the research that has been done

in the theory area in the past. You should show research results that are more current which

either support or disprove the original theory. You should then conclude with how important

this theory is to the field of communication. You should discuss how the theory has impacted

the field and how it can be used to further the field with additional research.

To help you with this paper, we will utilize directed writing times in class and form writing

groups. You will be assigned to a writing group. Your writing groups will look at your research

and writing and give feedback. I will designate certain class times as a writing group meeting,

and you should plan on spending the entire 50 minutes looking at each other’s work at some

points in the semester.

Annotated Bibliography: Due March 4, 10%

This bibliography should be typed and in APA style. These potential sources may be taken from

abstracts (as explained in class). These sources must be from academic journals and (approved)

websites, books and/or other (approved) scholarly secondary research sources. Trade or

“popular” magazines (Time, Newsweek, etc.) are not acceptable. In this portion of the research,

you will create an annotated bibliography of 15 potential sources for your major research paper.

To annotate a bibliography simply means to “summarize” each source in a “brief

descriptive/evaluative paragraph” (100-200 words) using concise direct language for each of the

25 sources that you choose—again, using APA Style for each citation. Also mention in a

sentence or two if you think that source will be helpful for your paper (included in the 100-200

words). Please do not include more than five sources that you decide are not helpful for your

upcoming paper.

You should include a current writing process log with it as well. I will provide the writing

prompt.

Resources: The main sources besides in-class training/library sessions include the suggested

Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.) and the OWL at Purdue website

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/ .

Outline/Rough Draft – 10%

Your rough draft of the paper is due March 29. This should be done according to the

requirements of your final draft. The professor will read the paper and return it for revisions but

will not proofread/edit your paper. We will also have a conference to discuss your paper and

any areas that need to be discussed. This draft is worth 10% of your grade. You should include a

current writing process log with it as well. I will provide the writing prompt.

Final Draft – 30%

The final paper should be at least 10 pages in length (not including title page, abstract and

bibliography), typed (double-spaced), free of mechanical errors, and utilizing APA style. The

bibliography must contain at least 15 sources, which you must cite at least once in your paper.

The paper will be graded on thoughtfulness, thoroughness, clarity, writing style, APA formatting

and professional presentation. The final draft is due April 28 by noon. and is worth 30%.

APA Style Guidelines can be found in the APA Stylebook, links in iTunesU, and numerous places on the Internet. Be sure you are using APA 6th edition.