Research Paper Proposal
STUDENT NAME: Courtney Slack
CLASS/PERIOD: 1
DATE: March 7, 2011
Purpose: The research paper portion of Senior Project is an opportunity to explore a topic that is
of interest. The election of this topic and the completion of the paper are the basis for the
remaining components of Senior Project. The three other components will be related to the
subject chosen for the paper. With that in mind, think carefully, and select an interesting topic
that has depth and will provide interesting project ideas later on.
Directions: Answer each of the following questions thoroughly, using complete sentences and
paragraphs. This form must be word-processed and turned in on or before the due date. (Refer to
Seneca Valley High School’s home page under “Senior Project” for this form.) All sections must
be completed, including signatures, and the proposal must be approved by the classroom teacher
before the research process can begin. This form will be used for future reference by both
teachers and judges to compare the original plans with the final outcome of the different phases
of Senior Project.
1. What is the general area of study chosen for the research paper? Why was it chosen?
The general area of study chosen is autism. I chose this topic because it is currently a major
problem. Researchers are constantly finding new data, which is very interesting to me. I am
interested in the different ways a mind can work.
2. Explain any prior experience or knowledge of this subject.
One of my teachers has an autistic son that she has told me a lot about. One of my best
friends has an autistic brother that I always see when I go to her house. I know that some
autistic people do not like to have change, and some do not speak at all.
3. List and explain three distinct paper topics that could be explored within the general area you
selected. (The three paper topics need to be different from each other, and should reflect the
depth of the general area.)

One topic could be the argument about whether certain vaccines given during childhood
cause autism or not. Many parents firmly believe that vaccines given to their child caused
them to develop autism, but some say vaccines have no relation to the development of
autism. Another topic could be treatment of autism. Some believe that using Facilitated
Communication can teach someone with autism how to speak and communicate properly.
Other methods of treatment include the use of the Lovaas Method to teach the child to
manage their behavior, the use of Audio Integration Therapy to desensitize an autistic
child from an oversensitivity to sounds, or an intervention in the autistic child's diet to
determine if a sensitivity to substances within food is fueling the child's autism. Some
believe that these methods can “cure” autism. Another possible topic could be whether
or not autism is considered a disability. Some people with autism are well-adapted to
society, and consider their autism to be just a different type of personality. Others need
constant supervision and need help getting through daily life. This seems as though it
would be considered a disability.
4. What is the limited topic chosen within the general area of study? (Keep in mind that the
paper draft must be 1300-1900 words. Choose a limited topic that can be adequately addressed
in 4-5 pages, and expanded to 6-7 pages (1700-2300 words) in the senior draft.)
My topic is whether or not vaccines can cause autism or not.
Refer to pages 18-20, “Working on the Research Paper”, before completing numbers 5, 6,
7, and 8. Directions and a model are provided.
5.
What is the purpose for researching this limited topic? (Develop phrases that begin: To
trace, To compare, To demonstrate, To define, To prove, To analyze, etc.)
6. What is the tentative thesis statement for the research paper? (Write one sentence that
expresses the main message about the topic.)
7. What is the tentative organizational plan for the paper?
(Think in terms of general subjects that will require research in order to support the tentative
thesis. The answer to this question may be completed using a numbered list, rather than
paragraph form.)
8. Based on the purpose, thesis, and organizational plan, ATTACH an annotated bibliography
of six possible sources for this research. Please use MLA format for the entries. Verifying
availability of valid sources now will avoid problems later on in the process.**
**IMPORTANT NOTE: The sources selected should be varied. This means that the
bibliography should include as many of the following types of sources as possible: text
sources (books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, etc.), media sources (Internet, films,
television programs, etc.), and primary sources (interviews, emails, surveys,
autobiographies, etc.). This will help to avoid “over-using” one type source. The more
variety in the sources, the less likely overuse of one or two sources occurs, and the more
believable the research becomes. This is also true for the credibility of selected sources.
Use the skills acquired from the Web Evaluation assignment to select the best source
information possible.
9. List and explain three potential project ideas that will relate to the research topic. Give this
careful thought, so that a feasible project can be developed later in the senior project process.
Project Idea #1:
My first project idea is to hold a bowl-a-thon at Striker’s Bowling Alley. I would charge
money to play, and hold raffles. The money raised from this would benefit the Autism Society.
Project Idea #2
Project Idea #3
Engineering Certificate Program
I am interested in pursuing the Engineering Certificate Program (ECP), and would like to have
my paper topic reviewed by the ECP coordinator. I acknowledge that the ECP coordinator must
approve my paper topic in order for my paper to be considered as a contributing element to my
overall ECP requirements. I understand that I must complete the paper as proposed in order
receive ECP credit for the paper.
Student Signature ______________________________ Date__________
I acknowledge that my child is interested in pursuing the Engineering Certificate Program, and
that his/her senior project must be approved by the ECP coordinator in order to be considered as
a contributing element to my child’s overall ECP requirements. I understand that he/she must
complete the paper as proposed in order receive ECP credit for the paper.
Parent Signature ______________________________ Date __________
SIGNATURES
I acknowledge that I have answered the above questions to the best of my ability, and I commit
to completing the research paper as outlined above, realizing that slight changes may have to be
made as research progresses.
Student signature: _____________________________________ Date _____________
I acknowledge that I am aware of and approve of the topic my child has chosen for his/her Senior
Project research paper, and I agree to support him/her in his/her efforts to complete Senior
Project.
Parent signature: _______________________________________Date _____________
TO BE COMPLETED BY CLASSROOM TEACHER:
Paper topic approved:
_____ Yes
_____ With reservation
_____ No
_____ Re-submit date
Teacher signature: _____________________________________Date _____________
Teacher comments/concerns, if any:
ECP Eligible _____ Yes
_____ No
ECP Coordinator’s Signature ____________________________
Comments:
_____ Date