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PTA RESEARCH PAPER  

You have a PhD in social science and you are an expert in parenting & family dynamics. You have been contacted by the PTA (Parent & Teachers Association) of the local school district. They invite you to present research on one of the topics below. Choose a topic and use it as the title of your paper and PowerPoint presentation:

"Bullying: Your child is a bully"

"Bullying: Your child is a victim"

"Your child exhibits gender non-conformity"

"Your child is on the autism spectrum"

"Your child has ADHD"

"Your teen is addicted to technology" (cell phone, tablet, gaming, etc.)

"Your teen has an eating disorder" (overeating, junk food addiction, anorexia, bulimia, etc.)

Once you choose your topic, the next step is to conduct the research. 

You will research your topic using course materials and at least 5 outside scholarly sources (you may add information from the scholarly press after you meet the five-article requirement).

Your job is to fully research the topic under 8 specific areas (please use these headings): (1) Definitions, (2) Characteristics, (3) Distribution (how widespread it is), (4) Causes, (5) Solutions, (6) Parenting Strategies, (7) School Actions,  (8) Community Resources. Your audience includes parents, teachers, and interested community members. 

 Go back to our readings. Conduct a search of our UMUC databases like Robert taught us in the workshop. Use scholarly sources. Vet your sources. Collect your facts/demographic data, and images

Think critically and analyze the data you found in your research. Do not simply describe. Go beyond description!

I am looking for (1) solid research skills, (2) critical thinking, (3) in-depth analysis, (4) strong conclusions, (5) appropriate sources, (6) correct citations and references, (7) scholarly writing with clarity, (8) followed directions in formatting. Realism earns points. Be creative! 

  FORMAT OF THE REPORT:

• Length: Your report will be a minimum of 2000 words not including title page or references. Less will lose significant point or get a zero. 

• Use the 8 headings found above

• Double-space

• Font: 12 pt; Arial or Times New Roman

• Margins: 1 inch on all sides

• Pagination: Page numbers should be included on every page except the References

• No Title Page: Just include your name and course in the top left-hand corner of the first page, center your title and begin with the first heading.

• References: Your last page should list all the sources you have used in alphabetical order, double-spaced with hanging indent (APA format).

• In-text citations: Remember to cite ALL language, information or ideas that are not your own to avoid plagiarism. Check that all In–text citations have a corresponding reference at the end of the paper. Review Purdue OWL

• Tone: the paper is professional and scholarly. Include material from the readings and a minimum of five outside scholarly sources. Your writing must be scholarly. Avoid using jargon, slang, contractions or colloquialisms. Do not write in first person or include personal opinion. You are sharing research data with the audience.

• Syntax: Grammar, spelling, capitalization and sentence construction are important. Always proofread your work!

• Resources: You are encouraged use the UMUC Effective Writing Center (EWC) as well as Information and Library Services when preparing your Personal Action Plan (PDAP). No other outside help (roommates, co-workers, your mother, et al.).

• Direct Quotes: No more than 10% of the paper may consist of direct quotes and only with correct APA in-text citations and references. More loses points. Use your own words!

Overriding criteria:
Originality and authenticity. If the paper is discovered to be authored by someone other than the student or written for another course, the paper will be sent to the Dean's Office for sanction. 
Clarity - Is your paper clear and easy to follow? It helps to read your paper aloud. Using this method, you can catch incomplete sentences, lack of clarity or lapses in thought.

Depth - Did you cover all required areas? Do you use critical thinking and analysis? Are the issues and implications thoroughly explored?

Originality - Are your findings clear and well-articulated? Use your own words. Do not copy material directly from any sources without proper citations. 
Form, composition, spelling, etc. - Your paper should be neat and error free. Run your spell-checker before submitting your work. Note that your work must be written by you, not a friend, family member or online essay company. You may use the EWC.

APA Style - If you used any sources, cite and reference them with the formatting rules of the American Psychological Association, 6e. Any other style will lose significant points. The UMUC Guide to Writing and Research will provide you with some basic APA guidelines, and you can also access this information by visiting UMUC's library web page. Dr. B's favorite resource is Purdue University's OWL. Or, go directly to the APA site.

You are expected to adhere to UMUC's Code of Conduct. You may use the EWC but may not consult with other individuals (e.g., classmates, family members, co-workers) to complete your PTA research. Plagiarism in any form, including extensive copying with citations, the purchase or use of an online essay-generating entity, paper written for another course, etc., results in your paper being sent to the Dean’s Office for sanctions. 

If your PTA Paper is not ready by Sunday, July 29, you may use The Babcock Buck for a free 48-hour extension. With the Babcock Buck, the research is due before 23:59 Tuesday, July 31 as a single Word file upload in the "Paper with Buck" area in LEO. The Babcock Buck is only valid with the research paper. It cannot be used for the workshops, discussions, or slides.

 PTA PAPER RUBRIC