The research paper allows you the opportunity to explore, in some detail, a stratification/unequal power issue and analyze it from a sociological perspective.
You are studying a substantive topic regarding an unequal distribution of power and not just difference between groups. Please note that the question must focus on social groups and not individuals. Your professor will help you identify groups. You may choose the topic with the approval of your professor as well as a sociological theory/concept(s) that you will use to analyze and understand your topic within certain criteria/requirements listed below…-the topic must very clearly have an element of stratification/power differential. In other words, stratification should not just be weakly connected or incidental to your topic. Dont struggle to make it fit!-the paper must address EXPLANATION based on sociological theory and concepts. NOTE that the point of the paper is WHY & HOW. Do not simply describe the situation, and do not insert your personal judgments or opinions; you are to use theory to explain the situation through your data. NOTE that you are to provide DATA.-the primary data collection method will be historical analysis, content analysis and/or secondary analysis. You do NOT enter the research with any preconceived ideas of what you set out to find but will allow the data to fall where they may! You will NOT use interviews. ALL projects MUST have instructor approval you begin to collect data.-your theoretical analysis must use original and secondary data to explain the points you are making. Though you may include relevant information from academic journal articles for support of your work/conclusions, those articles are not original data. We will talk about original when you meet with me. Generally, an outline of your paper should look like the one below…I. Introduction that contains an introductory paragraph with thesis statement and a very brief presentation of the topic (approx. -1 page)
a. Brief explanation of your topic.
Brief explanation of the sociological theory/concept(s)
c.Brief overview of the data you will useII.
Analysis of your topic using 3 or 4 conceptual points with supporting data about your substantive topic (6-7 pages)III.
Conclusion that contains a critique of the usefulness of the sociological concepts you have identified as illuminating/explaining patterns within your substantive topic and what you suggest be done to further analyze these phenomena. The conclusion is NOT simply a summary of what you have said in the paper, and it should be meaty, not fluffy! (1 page)
IV.Attached Works Cited page formatted in ASA style**Citations, notes, bibliography should follow American Sociological Association format**The paper must be typed, double-spaced, stapled and the text must be at least 8 full pages of text in length plus title page, proper notes and bibliography. A minimum of 8 full pages of text is required; do not write more than 9 pages. You must use a MINIMUM of 10 sources cited not just consulted and 3 of those sources must be from professional journal research articles. Do not use encyclopedias or sketchy internet or other sources! There must be proper
footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citations throughout the text of the paper using ASA formatting. Failure to properly cite sources will result in a poor grade. Plagiarism will not be tolerated (See syllabus and SMU policy for plagiarism policy)Format typed, double-spaced, 11pt font, inch margins (sides & top), page numbers (bottom right)Parenthetical citations and bibliography/works cited page, both in ASA formatYou are to use parenthetical, in-text citations and not endnotes or footnotes. Footnotes may be used in very special circumstances (to present information that is very relevant but should not appear in the body of the paper) but not for citations. Check SMU Canvas Commons, owl.purdue.edu or asanet.org for ASA format guidelines. You can also use The Anthony and Irvine, Kahl & Smith articles for models of ASA format.
Again, be sure that your paper constitutes a theoretical/ conceptual analysis. Resist the temptation to tell the story of your topic, as interesting as it may be.Technical Reminders and Instructions for Paper AssignmentsRemember that incorporating the work of others into your own work brings with it the responsibility to give those authors proper credit within your work. So,You MUST include proper citations within the text of your work AND you must provide a Works Cited list at the end of your paper
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