This document provides guidance to students on writing a research paper for an Anthropology 101 course. It outlines the steps students should take, including: 1) understanding the assignment prompt; 2) conducting library research on their assigned cultures using keywords and databases; 3) taking notes on their cultures; 4) creating an outline; 5) writing a 3-4 page rough draft; 6) polishing the draft with APA formatting; and 7) expanding the draft into a 5-7 page final paper meeting the specified requirements. Checklists are provided to help students stay on track.

1. ANTHROPOLOGY 101:
THE RESEARCH PAPER
UNDERSTANDING THE
ASSIGNMENT
THE ASHFORD WRITING CENTER

2. THE PARTIAL ROUGH DRAFT
You’ve made it to Week 3 in your Anthropology
101 course, and have already done some research
from the Week 2 assignment by familiarizing
yourself with scholarly articles at the Ashford
Library.
Now what?

3. FIRST: BREAK DOWN THE ESSAY
PROMPT BUT WHERE DO YOU BEGIN?
Step 1: Understand what is meant by ―culture‖ by reviewing your
textbook, notes, and discussion posts.
Step 2: Review the topics list and click on the ―research
guide‖ provided by the Ashford Library in your Week 3
Assignments in the eCollege course page.
Step 3: Complete the steps outlined in the library research guide to
successfully research your cultures*.
*Remember, you may not choose your own culture.

4. SECOND: LIBRARY
RESEARCH
Did you know…?
The Ashford Librarians have created video
tutorials about researching your topic by
generating key words that will help you find the
articles you need.
For generating key words, watch this.
For searching library databases, watch this.

5. THIRD: TAKING NOTES
Culture #1:
General information: Who? What? Where? How long?
Specifics: Language, customs, environment, daily life.
Custom topic:
What is it?
Why do they do it?
How does it work?
What does it mean?
Repeat the same list for Culture #2,
and be sure to keep a References list.

6. FOURTH: OUTLINE
I. Introduction—Include the definition of a culture.
II. Thesis Statement
III. Paragraphs About 1st Culture
I. Location, language, ethnicity
II. Daily lives, customs, religion
III. Unique practices, history, etc.
IV. Paragraphs About 2nd Culture
I. See above options, or include others as research dictates.
V. Explanation of Custom
I. How It Works in Each in Each Culture
II. Compare Similarities and Differences
VI. Conclusion: Summarize and tie together the main points of your paper.

7. FIFTH: WRITE THE ROUGH DRAFT
WEEK 3’S ASSIGNMENT IS THE PARTIAL ROUGH DRAFT.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
As you write your 3–4 page rough draft:
 Review the assignment prompt repeatedly.
 Look ahead to the Final Research Paper prompt.
 Use your outline and notes when forming your
paragraphs.

8. POLISHING YOUR ROUGH DRAFT
Format the following according to APA style:
•Title Page
•Headers and Page Numbers
•In-Text Citations
•References List
For an APA checklist for this draft and your final essay, click here.

9. FROM ROUGH DRAFT TO FINAL PAPER
Rough Draft
•3–4 pages
•General information about the
cultures
•Explanation of the custom you are
researching
•Annotated Bibliography
•Standard APA formatting
Final Paper
•5–7 pages (plus Title Page and
Reference list)
•Standard APA formatting
•3 discussion components:
Discussion of how two cultures
approach the topic
Compare/Contrast analysis
Cultural context of topic

10. FINAL CHECKLIST
A CHECKLIST CAN BE A STUDENT’S BEST FRIEND.
Review the prompt and define the terms.
Conduct library research.
Take notes as you read.
Craft an outline.
Write a rough draft in APA.
Avoid using personal opinions and anecdotes – stick to scholarly
research.
 Use the concept of cultural relativism to provide perspective.
Expand draft to final paper while reviewing requirements.
Check APA—use AWC checklist.