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Individual Research Topic Outline:

Take an existing computer based item that you use often (can be a website, data entry system, electronic item, etc.) and evaluate, research, and access it according to the exercises/discussions we will complete in class.  Create suggestions on how to make the “system” better.  Indicate the current flaws, discuss why, and create a solution.

Below is the basic outline you should follow.  See APA format using subsections and Manuscripts – Publication Manual  6th Edition (page 25)

Abstract -5-6 sentence paragraph giving a brief overview of your paper.  (Create this last)

Introduction - Give background on your topic.  Describe it in a sense of who, where, what, when, and how 

Method - Describe in detail how the study was conducted.

Anatomy/Description - Identify the elements of the system: input, output, and any other anatomy that help describe the system/item.

Issues/Flaws - Indicate the current flaws and discuss why they are flaws.

Paradigms - Identify past paradigms related to your items that will help with your solution.

Discussion - Describe your solution to the problem and state why.  Include in the discussion the identification of stakeholders. The last paragraph should be your conclusion.

References - A minimum of 5 professional level references

Appendices - May include images of your “system/product”