Under each section of the research paper outline, I have listed some questions or issues that you might consider when writing the section. For example under the literature review, you might want to incorporate the four questions that I note in preparing your review. However, these questions and issues are merely illustrative. Feel free to include materials, questions and issues in your paper.

Paper Requirements:

Students are required to write a twelve to fifteen page (4,300 to 5,400 words), double-spaced, typewritten research paper. The research paper must include at least ten sources (only two of which can be in the data section and none of which can come from the course required readings). Students are required to use APSA citation style (available online) which is a modified form of The Chicago Manual of Style. The sources must be used in the research paper and except for the data section cannot be Internet sites. The research paper can cover any aspect of IPE. Students are required to use some form of data analysis for the research paper. While the method of analysis is flexible, all analysis must be done using SPSS, and the data analysis output must be submitted at the same time as the paper. A case study as a form of data analysis will not be accepted for the research paper. The outline of the research paper assignment is available on the course home page. I have also provided a list of suggested articles describing the research process. The research paper is due during the time of your final exam (December). You will need to email me your research paper via WebCT as an attachment during this time (the SPSS output can be left in my mailbox in the Department office). It is your responsibility to ensure that the paper is property attached. Failure to turn-in the research paper and SPSS output results in the loss of a full letter grade beginning immediately after the due date class period ends and for each day that I do not receive the research paper and/or analysis.

Outline:

I. . Abstract (150 words, centered above the text and single-spaced)
    --the issue of interest
    --the hypothesis
    --data
    --conclusions

II. The problem and its setting (introduction)

     A. The statement of the problem/issue
    --define general concepts not part of hypothesis

     B. The hypotheses (research and null)
    --research hypothesis with the dependent variable and independent variable(s)

     C. The definitions of terms
    --define any concept used in the hypothesis

     D. The importance of the study
    --why is the issue timely or important?

III. Literature review
    --what are the debates on the issue?
    --how do others define concepts?
    --what data do others examine?
    --how do others see the issue?

IV. Data and methodology

     A. The data
    --type of data
    --explain how the data was gathered
    --explain the source of the data
   -- note any problems or strengths of the data set

     B. The research methodology
    --explain the selection of the statistical method
    --explain why this method is best for the data and the question

VI. References
    --see APSA Style Manual for Political Science

Data Sources: