Juvenile Delinquency Social Sciences Research Paper

1 FINAL RESEARCH REPORT_revised format Sosc1000 A 6.0

Introduction to Social Science March 21, 2020 Jan Krouzil PhD Due date: April 1st, 2020 Length: 8-10 pages Grade Value: 20%

Part 1

OVERVIEW

• Write a research report that outlines the rationale for recommending a plausible alternative and/or course of action toward ‘resolving’ the ‘core problem’ of a selected social science issue.

• Identify your assumed role of (1) analyst, (2) participant observer or 3) activist/advocate. Note: in all cases using either first or third person pronouns is permissible.

Part 2

CORE ELEMENTS

• front page

• executive summary or abstract (in a paragraph, ½ page)

• context and importance of the core problem

• critique of alternatives

• proposed recommendation

• appendices (optional)

• list of sources consulted or recommended

• specific and verifiable reference to the designated ‘target audience’ (i.e., intended recipient of the final research report)

Part 3 BASIC SPECIFICATIONS

• Core elements of the executive summary o description of the ‘core problem’ addressed o statement on why the current policy/situation needs to be modified or changed o recommendation for action to the target audience

• Elaborate on context and salience of the ‘problem’ o short overview of the root causes of the core problem

• Consider and critically appraise existing alternative(s) o explain why and how the current or proposed approach is failing • Propose a recommendation (s)

• Appendices: only when absolutely necessary (on separate page(s))

• Consult additional sources (five at minimum) o in addition to those listed in the Interim Research Brief 2 o compile a list of complete and properly cited and formatted references on a separate page

Part 4

CITATION AND FORMATTING

• apply the Chicago Manual Citation style to all sources cited and documented • use standard font, size 12, • double-space in text, single-space in Sources Cited

• pagination Part 5 ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Focused: focus all aspects of the policy brief (from the message to the layout) on achieving the intended goal of convincing the ‘target audience’ to adopt your proposed recommendation

• Professional, not academic: assume the audience wants to know your perspective on the ‘problem’ and your ‘recommendation’ for action aimed at ‘resolving’ it

• Evidence-based: assume the audience expects not only a ‘rational’ argument but is more likely to endorse your ‘recommendation’ for action when it is supported by evidence documenting the saliency of the ‘core problem’ and the urgency of dealing with it expeditiously

• Limited in scope: limit the focus of the Final Research Report to a particular ‘core problem’ or area of a ‘core problem’ so as to present an adequately comprehensive but target-specific argument within a limited space

• Concise: between 8-10 pages of text only (2,000-2,500 words)

• Subheadings: permitted

• Clear and simple: use clear and simple language to develop a well thought-out and easy to follow argumentation in support of your ‘recommendation’

• Practical, feasible and actionable: advance a ‘recommendation’ that aims to be viable and reflective of what is actually happening in the field of social practice

• Due date for Final Research Report: April 1st, 2020. 5% deduction per day for late submissions will apply. • Forms of submission by April 1st, 2020 at 11:59 PM o electronic copy of the Final Report to the course Moodle website o e-copy of the webpage (screenshot) sent to the designated ‘target audience’ confirming receipt Part 6 GRADE VALUE

• Research Proposal..................................................................5%

• Interim Research Brief ……………………........................10%

• Final Research Report…………………………………… 20%

• Total grade value of the Minor Research Assignment.…....35% 3