Research Report Individuals and Families in a Diverse Society
STAGE ONE: TOPIC SELECTION
1.
Topic Selection: You will be choosing an issue which affects the Canadian family. (Topic must
relate to the study of the Canadian family in society). It should be an issue that interests you and
that you can complete all stages of the assignment. There is only one topic per student.
2.
Once you have selected a topic, you will narrow down the topic to a research question, which will
be the focus of your report. You will then complete an introductory paper.
Annotated Bibliography (Research Process) 20 marks
As you are researching and collecting sources that you feel will benefit your research, you will also be
compiling an annotated bibliography. An annotated bibliography is a research tool that helps the
researcher to look at the value of the resources that are being considered. In addition to providing a
properly formatted bibliography, you will be responsible for a paragraph under each source that states the
validity of the source, the content that will be considered from the source, in direct connection to your
arguments, and the general advantages and possible disadvantages that would come with using the source.
This portion of the assignment will give you an opportunity to evaluate a source and to actually look at it
and its value before you begin to write your paper. You will be required to submit an annotated
bibliography of a minimum of 10 sources. You must have a variety of sources, the majority of which
need to be from peer-reviewed sources. Please consult the posted explanation on the proper formatting of
an annotated bibliography when completing this part of your assignment.
Introductory Paper (Research Process) (2 pages min.) 25 Marks
Items that need to be presented within this paper include:
 The title identifies the main idea presented in the paper and includes the variables
 Chosen topic to be researched
 Provides background information on existing and current research and findings
 Background research requires student to use a minimum of 4-6 sources of writing on the specific
topic. These must be derived from a variety of sources – sociology, psychology, anthropology
journals, texts etc. These may also be extracted from special features found in newspapers,
magazines and at various internet sites (small standard newspaper articles are not acceptable since
they merely report what previously mentioned sources found and documented).
 All sources must be summarized in an introductory essay that informs the reader what the findings
on the topic are to date. Include citations to tell the reader from where the information was extracted
(USE IN-TEXT CITATIONS).
 Chosen topic is clearly presented in the latter part of the introduction within the context of the
background research.
 When concluding this section, you will briefly introduce the direction of your own primary research.
This section will lead the reader into the next component of your assignment.
Method (3pages minimum)
20 Marks
 In the introduction of the method paper you are to describe the hypothesis or main focus of your
study and the specific research method you used to test the hypothesis.
 Sample Group  In this section, describe the parameters used to select the participants for the study
and how a representative sample was obtained. Any limitations encountered should be addressed in
this section, complete with explanations.
 Instruments  In this section, describe the survey, questionnaire, interview observation, schedule or
experiment used in the investigation. Rationale for some of the more pivotal questions and analysis
of the questions should be included (Anticipated information and phrasing for optimum clarity
etc…).
 Procedure  In this section, outline in sequential format, how the primary research was conducted.
 Copy of research toolTo be included within the appendix
Results of the Study (2 pages.)
20 Marks
 The results of the study are clearly presented in a logical, organized manner.
 Percentages are used. Charts and graphs are included as appropriate, to support findings. (Appendix
section to be used)
 Preliminary insights are offered – these are examined in-depth in the “Discussion” section.
Discussion (2 pages min.)
35 Marks
 Results are clearly summarized and analyzed. Links, inferences, and connections are drawn.
 Possible variable based reasons are offered to support the results.
 Charts and graphs are included.
 Secondary research is included in this section to support, relate, or contrast.
 Theoretical perspective, you may have used, can be outlined.
 Conclude by considering results and their implications. Briefly state your conclusions in a paragraph
that ends the discussion and effectively brings closure to the study. You may now include your
personal opinion or reflection. Suggestions for the future consideration for your topic studied may be
added.
References (All submissions)
10 Marks
 At the end of the paper acknowledge all of your sources (APA style)
Appendix (Include with final submission)
 Annotated Bibliography
 Survey questions(blank copy) or interview
 All surveys completed or interview taped.
10 Marks
All due dates met
10 marks
TOTAL Mark 150
Please note that your evaluation is based on the level of critical thinking displayed throughout your report.
The validity and depth of your report will be considered in arriving at a final grade. The communication
portion of the grading is dependent on the format and organizational structure of the report. All technical
aspects of your writing will be graded.
Knowledge and Understanding – Results of the Study, Secondary Research
Thinking – Introduction, Annotated Bibliography, and Method
Communication – References, Appendix, and the technical aspects of writing. Organization and
following of due dates.
Application – Discussion, Annotated Bibliography
DUE DATES:
Topic Selection:
Annotated Bibliography:
Introductory Paper
Method
Final Submission: Results of Study, Discussion, A
Library Dates: October 13th, 14th, 21st,. 29th and 30th
In-class Dates: TBA
October 9th 2009
October 23rd 2009
November 13th 2009
November 27th 2009
ppendix
Week of December 14th 2009