"hot topic"
A 1500-2000 word (roughly 6-8 pages) research project where you will be engaging in a "hot topic" in your field, The assignment will also ask you to differentiate between primary and secondary sources, help you tell the difference between summary and analysis, and construct either an argumentative thesis or a research question that will form the organizing framework for the project.
Sample Solution
Hot Topic: Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health Introduction Social media has become a pervasive part of everyday life, with over two billion people using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected. While these platforms can be used for positive purposes such as staying in touch with friends and family or connecting with like-minded individuals, there is growing concern about the impact that spending time online can have on mental health. This research project will explore the relationship between social media use and mental health by analyzing primary and secondary sources to evaluate the evidence for whether exposure to this technology can cause psychological distress.
Primary vs Secondary Sources
When researching any topic, it is important to distinguish between primary sources (original data collected first-hand) and secondary sources (research based on other sources). Primary sources are necessary when investigating an issue since they provide direct evidence from which one can draw conclusions. Examples of primary sources include participant surveys, interviews, laboratory experiments or questionnaires. In contrast, secondary sources involve analysis and interpretation of data already published by others; these may include reviews and meta-analyses that summarize experiences across multiple studies or literature reviews that synthesize findings from different authors into a single narrative. It is also possible to find tertiary sources – books or websites that gather information from both primary and secondary resources – but these should not be cited alone due to the potential for bias or inaccuracy.
Summary vs Analysis
In addition to distinguishing between types of research materials, it is important to understand how summary differs from analysis when constructing an argumentative essay or developing a hypothesis. Summary involves giving an overview of what has been reported without making judgments based on personal opinion; this means simply describing facts without drawing any inferences about their significance. Analysis involves looking at what has been found in greater depth; instead of simply summarizing findings, it requires interpreting them in order to make broader statements about implications for society or policy-making decisions. For instance one could examine whether increased exposure to certain content might lead some groups more than others towards anxiety disorders; this would require examining available data then making reasoned arguments supported by sound logic rather than just restating facts already presented in previous studies/reports/articles etc..
Argumentative Thesis Statement
This research project will examine whether excessive use of social media leads to negative impacts on mental health among young adults aged 18–25 years old by evaluating existing evidence through both primary and secondary source material so as to construct a valid argumentative thesis statement: “Exposure to social media increases rates of depression amongst young adults due its effects on self-esteem building blocks such as identity formation and comparison with peers".
Research Question
Alternatively if the goal was merely discover more information without taking sides then forming research questions might prove helpful e.g.: “What are some factors associated with elevated levels of psychological distress amongst 18–25 year olds who regularly use social networks?” Or " How does access/useage frequency affect levels of anxiety among those same age group?". These questions focus closely on understanding what underlying issues might exist which if answered could potentially help inform better policies designed specifically target those most vulnerable populations affected my mental illness directly attributed too much time spent online interacting via digital platforms ..etc..