Hurley
SYG 2010

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The presentation of your Social Problems Research Paper should use the following format. Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, with appropriate margins, using the ASA format for citations and bibliography. This is not a ''Gordon Rule Couse.'' It is, therefore, to you advantage to narrow your topic as precisely as possible (the smaller your topic the less you have to do).

1. Problem. Briefly describe the topic you are examining. Outline its limits and parameters. What is its scope and relative seriousness?

2. Population. Describe the demographic/geographic variable limits as precisely as you can. Who is involved? How do the people involved complicate the situation?

3. Solutions. What are the various proposed solutions that have previously been made? Who advocated each? Who does each proposal help and hurt? Who bears the costs of each proposal and who benefits most from each cure?

4. Evaluating Solutions. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal? How well logically and consistently does each proposal hold up to current needs? What weaknesses from each proposal should be eliminated? What strengths from each proposal should be supported? Why?

5. Compromise. Where is the room for compromise, combination and cooperation in these proposals? Put together the best compromise- combination plan that you can justify wielding into a single new proposal. Explain and justify your approach.

6. Selling The Solution. Now that you have advocated a proposed solution, how will you convince all of those involved that this is the best approach to the problem? Present an outline your campaign for winning the popular support and approval of your program.

7. Future Outcomes. Assuming that your proposal is widely accepted, identify as many of the possible consequences of your solution as you can over the next five years. How will this plan affect those involved? Why?

8. Conclusions. Weighing the choice of doing nothing or instituting your proposal, why is your cure better than the disease you are now proposing to treat? How does your proposal enhance the quality of human life on this planet?

9. Recommendations. Present your advice and recommendations to others who are interested in researching this topic. Point out possible avenues that might prove helpful and especially note the pitfalls to be avoided.

10. Hindsight. This is your turn for observations, opinions, and views that don't seem to fit elsewhere. You are also allowed the luxury of telling how much you've learned, or how much you've loved (or hated) this research. Say your piece (and/or peace).

Your Research paper will be expected to be written in this format. The expressed criteria described on this outline will be the basis for grading your Research Paper. Therefore, pay appropriate attention to these details.

Good luck!

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