Activity 4: Research Report Posted on the Internet and Presentation

Assignment:

Limitations:

2. Cite all sources of information as they are used, according to APA guidelines. Please do not plagiarize. If you do not cite the source in the first sentence where the information is used or where the quotation marks close, you will fail this activity. It is not acceptable to list a source at the end of a paragraph unless the paragraph is a direct quotation.

3. Direct quotations must be clearly indicated as such by using quotation marks, and may account for no more than 10% of the text in your report.

4. Cite a wide variety of sources (30?). Please use sources from current periodicals, from books, from the Internet, and others, but be skeptical of the validity of any source, especially those associated with commercial enterprises.

5. Avoid citing any single source as the basis for a single paragraph, it is usually better if your paragraphs are constructed as a synthesis of source materials with your own input.

6. Use the fifth edition of the APA style guide as needed for citing sources and listing references. You may not merely list URLs for Web references.

7. Students are to work individually, not in teams.

8. No two students may report on the same topic.

9. Use the power of hyperlinks to refer to text, graphics, and other features as needed. It is expected that your report will have internal navigation, active links from source citations to your reference list, and active links from the reference list to online sources, where possible. Other hyperlinks should be added within the report as appropriate.

10. There must be sufficient, original text based on reputable sources that are clearly cited. As a rough guide, a report of 3000 to 5000 words would probably be sufficient.

11. The Website must be posted to your BSU Webspace.

12. The presentation, Website, and graphics should all be in keeping with the high professional standards of Ball State University.

13. Any graphics for which you do not have copyright permission may not be uploaded to your Web server for this activity.

14. Each graphic and table must have a caption that includes figure or table number, a title, and  a source citation, f it is based on another source.

15. Your report must use proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax. Pay attention to sentence structure and to paragraph structure. Technical jargon must be defined on its first use. Abbreviations must be spelled out on their first use, except where they are in the general vernacular.

16. Keep the language formal. Do not use first-person or second-person. Do not use contractions. Do not use colloquialisms. Do not use sensationalism. Do not use a conversational tone. Do not discuss yourself. This is a formal research report, so keep the language and tone professional and formal.

17. Please organize your report with headings. In addition to an introduction and conclusions, a number of headings should be used, as appropriate, within the body of the report.

Deliverables:
 
 
 

2. A hard-copy of your draft report, including graphics, hyperlinks, and the URL to which it is posted. (Due date to be specified.)

3. A hard-copy of your final report, listing the URL to which it is published, along with the graded draft hard-copy. (Due date to be specified.)

4. A verbal and visual presentation to the class using your Web site. (Due date to be specified.)

Tips:

2. Get a copy of the APA guide and follow it carefully, only deviating from it if so specified on this assignment sheet.

3. Try many different research methods. Talk with the instructor and with librarians.

4. After proofreading your document, ask a friend check it.

5. Please pay very close attention to the recommendations made on your draft. You may choose not to follow these recommendations, but your reasoning must be sound.

6. If you are new to posting information on the Internet, please let the instructor know right away. It is easier than you might think.

Due Dates: