Some Comments on Writing Papers

I purposefully generate topics that are both what I consider applied and also require you to consider issues that have no simple or easy answers. You will likely find that the literature is messy and conflicted or that it is not available when searched using the search terms you feel are most obvious. Welcome to work with primary sources.

In general, I am looking for you to take a stand and support a position against logical counter-arguments. I am not interested in reading a list of what various authors have found in their research or what a list of experts suggest - such an approach would duck the question of what you have concluded. I would like to see your analysis backed by research and expert opinions. I want to feel you understand how research in the area you select is conducted, but I do not want you to describe a sequence of studies. Give an example of some of the best work, perhaps comment on how other studies are distinct or present contradictory findings, and BE CRITICAL. Ask yourself - has the author convinced me, are key ideas assessed in convincing ways, can I imagine a different interpretation?

Analyze and integrate. Do not limit your presentation to description.