This document outlines the requirements for Assignment 4 Research Paper. It asks students to research one issue in depth by developing their own claim and answering an initial question. The paper should have three sections - an introduction explaining the student's perspective on the issue; a research section analyzing at least three representative sources, one to two alternative sources, and one to two supporting sources; and a conclusion reflecting on what was learned and how the research broadened or focused the issue. Students are asked to consider their background and how it shapes their view of the issue. The research section should incorporate different source types and address images, studies, and an unconventional source.

1. Assignment 4 Research Paper
“​Go down the rabbit hole” of one issue and make your own claim about how it works.
Try to answer the question you started off with. What background do you need to share?
Consider: Where do the ideas surrounding this question come from? What research is going on
right now?
1.Introduction
The first section of the paper will be ​1 - 1.5 pages​ encompassing:
- your own perspective​, background knowledge, and initial assumptions about this issue.
Why are you drawn to it? What questions do you wonder? What do you hope any
knowledge you gain about it, can do for you?
- Additionally: what have been your responses to rhetoric around this issue? How does
your socioeconomic status, gender, beliefs, or raising, affect how you relate to the
concept?
2. Research
The main body of research will be from ​3 - 4 sources that are ​representative​ of your approach
to the issue. This should take up 2 - 3 pages of your discussion.
Either secondly (separately), or point by point, introduce ​1 to 2 sources that are ​alternative​/
opposing to the viewpoint you argue. This should take 1.5 - 2 pages of your discussion.
Lastly, widen the conversation by using ​1 to 2 sources ​in support​ ​of a similar theme in your
issue, or that write about it from another standpoint, or a related field (a.k.a., not directly
involved). This should take 1.5 - 2 pages of your discussion.
3.Conclusion/ Reflection
1 - 1.5 pages ​Synthesize what you’ve learned and why it’s important. Reflecting on research
process is a biopsy. What questions did you ask in your research? Where did ‘going down the
rabbit hole’ broaden out into areas you didn’t expect? Where did you pull your focus back in at?
Why did you make these choices? What additional research seems to be needed?
- What new perspectives have you come away with? Why is this knowledge intriguing or
helpful to you? How do you see it impacting your own life or choices?
Required Sources: ​(at least) 1 book, 2 scholarly journal articles, 2 popular articles (can include
websites). These (or additional sources) must incorporate analyzing 1 image (photo/ painting), 1
research study and/ or statistical data, 1 “out of the box” source such as documentary/ art exhibit/
movie/ song (a photo also counts as this).
​ Engl. 102 Palmer