Information Security Research Paper

Running head: CSSS 5000 GUIDE 1

CSSS 5000 Student Research Guide

Student Name

Webster University

Each student will research and write a 12 – 20 page paper on a topic related to Information Security. The student will choose their own topic. The student will coordinate with the instructor about the topic, scope and focus of their research paper. The instructor will evaluate your topic, recommend changes as required, and assist your with the scope and focus of your project.

Grades are based on guidance from the Webster University handbook for graduate faculty. 'A or A-' is superior work on the graduate level. 'B+, B, or B-' is satisfactory work in the graduate level. 'C' is marginal work on the graduate level. 'F' is unsatisfactory work on the graduate level. 'I' is work that is incomplete but will be completed within an allotted time period.

“Dr. Samuel Johnson once said to a young man, who was seeking employment with the lexicographer, “Boy, open thy mouth, that I may see thee!” With equal poignancy, one might say to every researcher, “Hand me thy written page – thy research report – that I may see thee.” What you put on paper and how you put it there reveal your standards of excellence, your knowledge, and the quality of your thinking more eloquently than anything else about you!” (Leedy 1997)

Therefore, your research paper will be graded and based on the criteria defined below:

APA Format: Based on how well you followed your chosen format and use of APA guidelines. Your professor will provide guidance as the semester progresses. APA Format will account for 30% of your research paper grade. More information can be found with further reading.

Readability: Sentence structure, grammar, and spelling will be graded.

Content: Based on how well you developed your paper. For example: Are your decisions plausible? Did you support your work? Is it factual and does it use sound reasoning? During the first 8 weeks of the course, you may submit a draft of the report to the instructor for feedback. The instructor will review your content and return with comments. The instructor will not correct your spelling, grammar, or sentence structure, so it’s recommended that you ask someone else to proofread your paper.

A particularly good reference document stated, “It may seem unfair, but a study or a proposal can be destroyed by a poor final report or presentation.” The quality of your research will be measured by the quality of your report and will be reflected in the quality of your grade.

Your report format must adhere to APA standards. Your professor will provide details on how to use the APA standard and textbook to support your work. It is imperative that this report include full documentation and detail. Any decision/conclusion must be fully substantiated such that the reader has no doubts about your research and can replicate your research.

APA is the most commonly used format for manuscripts in the social sciences. APA regulates stylistics, in-text citations, and references. Language in the APA paper should be:

• Clear: Be specific in descriptions and explanations

• Concise: Condense information when you can

• Plain: Use simple, descriptive adjectives and minimize figurative language. Don’t use fancy “50-cent” wording just because this is a Masters research paper.

Generally, APA formatting should be:

• Typed, double-space with one space after punctuation and two spaces between sentences

• Formatted for standard sized paper of 8.5” by 11”

• One-inch margins on all sides

• Times New Roman or similar font (You may use a different font as long as it is not a script font.)

• Page head (Short Title) in the upper left-hand corner of every page and a page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page (to include the cover page)

Each paper should have four major sections:

• Title Page

• Abstract

• Main Body

• References

Microsoft Word© version 2007 and newer have several tools that simplify APA formatting. Open a blank document in MS Word©. Select the “REFERENCES” tab, where you’ll find many formatting tools. Students are encouraged to learn and use this ribbon choice. It will be an invaluable tool as you complete your Webster program.

Although there are too many options to cover in this report guide, of particular note is the Citations & Bibliography section. It is used to manage sources, set the style to APA Sixth Edition, list a bibliography (can be used for references), and insert Citations.