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Research Paper Checklist

 

☐       I have addressed all parts of the assignment.

☐       My argument would be clear and unambiguous to any reader.

☐       My paragraphs are organized logically and help advance my argument.

☐       I use a variety of evidence (for example, quotes, examples, facts, illustrations) to reinforce my argument(s).

☐       My conclusion summarizes my argument and explores its implications; it does not simply restate the topic paragraph.

☐       I have revised my paper ___ times to improve its organization, argument, sentence structure, and style.

☐       I have proofread my paper carefully, not relying on my computer to do it for me.

☐       My name is at the top of the paper.

☐       The paper is stapled.

☐       The paper is double-spaced.

☐       I have not used anyone else’s work, ideas, or language without citing them appropriately.

☐       All my sources are in my bibliography, which is properly formatted in ___ citation style.

☐       I have read the plagiarism statement in the syllabus, understand it, and agree to abide by the definitions and penalties described there.

 

Student Signature_________________________________ Date: ________________

Adapted from Ambrose, S.A., Bridges, M.W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M.C., & Norman, M.K. (2010) How Learning Works: 7 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching. Jossey-Bass.

 

 

Research Paper Reflection

 

This activity is designed to give you a chance to reflect on your performance and, more importantly, on the effectiveness of your research and writing process. Please answer the questions sincerely.

  1. Approximately how much time did you spend:
    1. Researching for this paper? ________
    2. Reading for this paper? ________
    3. Planning for this paper, including brainstorming, mapping, outlining, talking with a peer, or other forms of planning? ________
    4. Writing this paper (including prewriting)? ________
    5. Revising this paper? _______
    6. Seeking help for this paper (e.g. roommate/friend/family/instructor office hours/etc.)? ________
      1. Which forms of help did you use and describe which were most helpful.

  1. What aspect(s) of your research and writing processes were different from strategies you have used in the past? Did these changes have any effect?

  1. Which strategies, tools, or activities were helpful for drafting this paper? Which seemed less helpful? Why?

  1. Reflect on how you have approached similar assignments in the past. What did you do differently this time? What did you do the same?

  1. How do you feel these strategies worked for you on this paper compared to the strategies you used previously?

  1. Based on your responses to the previous questions, name at least 3 things you might do differently in drafting your next paper. For example, will you spend more time on any part of the writing process; change a part of the writing process that didn’t seem to work well; try a new strategy?

Adapted from Harrell, J. & Glavan, M. (n.d.) Comparison Draft 1 Reflection. Carnegie Mellon University Eberly Center: Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation. https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/teach/examwrappers/examwrappers-docs/paper-wrapper-reflection.pdf