HRA 330 Research Paper Guidelines

HRA 330 Research Paper Guidelines You will be responsible for researching, preparing, and submitting a paper on a course-related topic of your choice. Generally, the Research Paper should review a topic, including a brief history, why it is relevant to Human Resources (and workplace safety/risk management in particular), and detail current best practices as related to the topic. You may also describe any relevant professional experiences. In your Research Paper, be certain to discuss how the core values of respect, integrity, and community relate to your topic. The Research Paper should be 5-7 pages in length (not including reference page/pages or title page), double-spaced, and in a 12-point font. Longer or shorter papers will be accepted as long as writing is both concise and complete. Each paper should include an APA style reference section. Refer to the book A Writer’s Reference for information on formatting in APA style. Your paper will be graded on content, organization, clarity, creativity, interest, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Please make sure to proofread your paper before submitting it. Assignments should conform to the following criteria:

 All submissions should follow APA formatting.

 Margins should be 1” in all directions.

 Papers should be double-spaced and in a highly readable 12-point font (Arial, Times New Roman or Verdana are recommended). Headings may be larger.

 The paper must follow the academic research format (APA) and, unless otherwise specified, should include a brief abstract or executive summary that explains what the paper is about.

 Format for in-text citations and the Reference page should also follow APA style.

 At least 2 external credible academic resources should be included to substantiate the arguments and appropriately cited in text, as well as in the References section. WIKIPEDIA is not considered to be a credible academic resource and should not be utilized.

 Save the document as “Lastname_Firstname_AssignmentName” Email the Research Paper Topic to the instructor in Module 1 for approval. Your instructor reserves the right to approve your topic or suggest a different one. The Research Paper is due in Module 7. (The Assignment box is linked to Turnitin.)

GRADING RUBRIC:

Criteria Exceeds Expectations

up to 25% of max grade Meets Expectations

up to 20% of max grade Fails Expectations

up to 15% of max grade

Content

Position or thesis is very credible and logical; research sources are credible and sufficient to support arguments.

Position or thesis is credible; sources are credible.

Position or thesis lacks credibility; arguments are not clear or not well supported; sources are not credible or do not support arguments.

Organization & Clarity

Concepts presented are clearly organized and easy to understand; early information leads to later information; coherently summarized.

Concepts presented are not organized logically; no coherent summary.

Concepts presented are unclear or difficult to understand; paper is disorganized and does not follow logical progression.

Creativity & Interest

Presents new ideas and/ or old ideas in interesting ways; writing style is formal but maintains interest; includes real-world applications.

Presents widely accepted ideas or discusses topics that are already well known without much attention to original content or reader interest.

Presents ideas that are clichéd or imitative; does not make topic interesting for reader.

Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, Formatting

Grammar is appropriate; spelling, punctuation, and formatting are accurate.

Grammar is appropriate; few spelling, punctuation, or formatting errors.

Grammar, spelling, punctuation and/or formatting are inappropriate, incorrect, and unprofessional.