Researching the Honors
Study Topic
The Culture of Competition
The Honors Study Topic
 Biennial: January 1,
2012 – December 31,
2013
 Fulfillment of Mission
to encourage lifelong
learning
 Cornerstone of
Honors in Action
Projects
How To Begin
• Honors Program Guide
– Review 10 Themes
– Select 1 Theme to Investigate
• Honors Study Topic
– The Culture of Competition
– Begin with Overarching Question for Theme
– Narrow Your Focus As You Go
• At Least 8 Sources
– Academic, Credible
– Wide Variety of Viewpoints
Steps to Success
Create
Research
Team
Invite
Research
Librarian
Share
Research
as you
Go
Keep a
Research
Journal
Reflect
Early &
Often
What Questions Should I ask When
I Analyze or Evaluate Sources?
Primary Sources
• Who wrote this, and why?
• Who is the audience for
•
•
this source?
If this is a public
document, was it a
campaign speech, a
policy statement, a
judicial ruling?
Was the author’s intention
to educate/advocate?
• Is the document
•
•
propaganda?
Is it a source issued by
a special interest group
or organization?
What is the author’s
point of view/slant?
More Questions
Secondary Sources
• What are the author’s
•
•
•
credentials?
Does the author have
an obvious political or
ideological bias? A
hidden one?
What claims does the
author make?
What interpretation
does the author offer?
• What evidence does
•
•
the author provide to
back up his/her
argument?
What is the context of
your sources?
Why do my sources
disagree?
Analyze Your Research
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Review what you know.
Develop a thesis, or main argument.
Write a clear statement of your thesis.
Consider the action(s) you can take given
your conclusions.
Keep an annotated bibliography as you go.
Do you have enough variety in your
sources?
What do you still need to know?
Be sure your HORSE (Honors Study Topic
Research) comes before your CART (Action)!
You’ve Reached Your
Conclusions. Now What?
Check To Be Sure Your Have Covered All Bases
Develop Project Plan
Decide with whom to Collaborate
Reflect: Does Your Plan Follow From Your
Research?
Determine Leadership Roles
Plan Specific Leadership Development
Implement Plan, Evaluate
Discuss Future Implications
Write Reflections (2013 Hallmark Awards)
Researching the Honors
Study Topic
Questions?