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.
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Spring 2022 Revised Guidelines Theory Research Paper 50% Total
This is a research article that looks into a certain topic of mass media theory and study. The text of the paper
should investigate the chosen theory and provide a summary of previous research
In the past, I worked in the theory field. You should present research findings that are more recent.
either confirm or refute the original hypothesis After that, you should talk about how vital it is.
This idea pertains to the communication field. You should talk about how the theory has affected you.
the field and how it might be used to advance it through additional research
We will use directed writing sessions in class and form writing to Help you with this project.
groups. You will be assigned
