Purpose
Formulate a clear understanding of the problem is the critical first step in the process of social science research. The purpose of this assignment is to establish the importance of your research topic. Some of the things you will need to explain are the scope of the problem and why more knowledge in this area is important to the field of social work.
Course Objectives
CO 4: Develop research question and hypotheses for a given topic.
CO 5: Write a literature review for a given topic.
Total Points: 100
Due Date
Please see the due dates below. The Late Assignment Policy applies to this assignment.
Requirements and Guidelines
Review the Course Outcomes for this assignment, which are listed above.
Using the topic, you have selected for use this term, develop a researchable research question and provide a review of literature that supports a plan to answer the proposed question.
Specify your research question. Please keep in mind the following:
The research question is one that you will be developing a data collection and analysis plan to answer.
The question will need to be answered by quantitative data.
The question can’t be one that is descriptive.
The question will need to meet the criteria for a researchable question.
The question is stated in a form.
The outline for the literature review:
Identify the problem
What is the problem you have identified?
Why is this an important problem to research?
How does the problem affect individuals, groups, society, and agencies?
How prevalent is the problem?
Use statistics from at least one reputable website to illustrate prevalence.
What have previous researchers looked at with this issue?
Relevance to Social Work
Why is social work a relevant field to address this issue?
Make sure you use the following points identified in the outline as headings/subheadings.
Cover page and references do not count towards the page limit. Use at least 6 empirical articles.
3-page maximum for this assignment.
Please follow APA format.
Grading Criteria
Your paper will be graded based on following criteria:
Content
Organization and Coherence of Ideas
Support
Style and Mechanics
Page Length Requirements
Detailed grading rubric can be found below.
**Academic Integrity Reminder**
All students should be aware of the Academic Integrity policy and follow it in all discussions and assignments.
By submitting this assignment, I pledge on my honor that all content contained is my own original work except as quoted and cited appropriately. I have not received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment.
Rubric
Assignment Rubric
Assignment Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Content
25.0 pts
Highest Level of performance
Excellent response to assignment; response is well developed and communicated; presents information that is factually correct, reflective, and substantive; demonstrates sophistication of thought behind central idea; shows evidence of having read, reflected on, and applied course readings and materials; incorporates content from text and class discussions.
23.0 pts
Very Good or High Level of Performance
Well rounded response appropriate to assignment, but may have minor lapses in development; clearly states response and begins to acknowledge the central idea and main details; presents information that is factually correct; shows evidence of having read and reflected on course readings and materials; shows willingness to incorporate content discussed in text and class discussions.
19.0 pts
Acceptable Level of Performance
Does not appropriately respond to assignment prompt; may provide only a basic summary of one or more concepts; does not include a clear central idea; thesis may be too vague to be developed effectively; shows little evidence of understanding course materials; shows no or only slight willingness to incorporate content discussed in text and or class discussions.
18.0 pts
Failing Level of Performance
18-0 Points: Does not properly respond to assignment prompt; presents information that is off-topic, factually incorrect, or irrelevant; lacks a thesis or central idea; shows no evidence of having read or interacted with course materials; shows no willingness to incorporate content discussed in text and or class discussions.
25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Organization & Coherence of Ideas
25.0 pts
Highest Level of performance
Logical structure appropriate to papers subject, purpose, and audience; substantive introduction including clear thesis statement; paper is structured so that ideas logically flow and build throughout; fully developed paragraphs; effective transitions between paragraphs; logical conclusion that clearly summarizes ideas and adds final thoughts and/or reflections.
23.0 pts
Very Good or High Level of Performance
Shows logical progression of ideas; includes introduction and thesis statement, but they may be unclear or not fully developed; paragraphs are complete thoughts; some transitions between paragraphs; conclusion is present but may not provide a comprehensive summary of ideas.
19.0 pts
Acceptable Level of Performance
Lacking internal paragraph coherence; underdeveloped introduction and thesis statement; organization of ideas is difficult to understand; paragraphs need further development; few transitions between paragraphs; conclusion is too brief and/or underdeveloped.
18.0 pts
Failing Level of Performance
18-0 Points: Lacks coherence; no clear introduction or thesis statement; unclear organization throughout; paragraphs are disjointed; no transitions between paragraphs; conclusion is weak or missing.
25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Support
17.0 pts
Highest Level of performance
Uses evidence appropriately and effectively; makes several references to course material (e.g., readings, lecture, videos, audio clips, scripture, etc.); provides sufficient evidence and explanation to support main ideas; documents sources appropriately.
15.0 pts
Very Good or High Level of Performance
Offers relevant reasons and evidence to support ideas; makes adequate references to course material; begins to explain connections between evidence and main points; documents most sources appropriately.
13.0 pts
Acceptable Level of Performance
Uses generalizations to support ideas; makes few or inadequate references to course material; may use examples, but they are obvious or irrelevant; often depends on unsupported opinion or personal experience; documents few or no sources appropriately.
11.0 pts
Failing Level of Performance
Uses irrelevant details or lacks supporting evidence entirely; makes little or no reference to course material.
17.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Style & Mechanics
23.0 pts
Highest Level of performance
Style & Mechanics 23 Points Well organized; may contain fewer than three errors; errors do not impede meaning; uses professional and scholarly language throughout; exemplifies collegiate level writing; adheres to proper APA style requirements.
19.0 pts
Very Good or High Level of Performance
Fairly well organized; contains fewer than five errors; errors do not impede meaning; uses professional and scholarly language throughout; meets most APA style requirements.
18.0 pts
Acceptable Level of Performance
Somewhat disorganized; contains more than five errors; errors may confound meaning; lacks professional or scholarly language; may meet some APA style requirements.
15.0 pts
Failing Level of Performance
Disorganized; contains many errors that confound meaning; language is not at a collegiate level; does not adhere to APA style requirements.
23.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Page Length Requirements
10.0 pts
Highest Level of performance
Adheres to all word count or page length requirements.
8.0 pts
Very Good or High Level of Performance
Exceeds half and almost meets minimum word count or page length requirement.
7.0 pts
Acceptable Level of Performance
Completes approximately half of required word count or page length for assignment.
5.0 pts
Failing Level of Performance
Completes less than half of required word count or page length for assignment.
10.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0
