Before the Paper
Declaration of Interest
Your first element of the research project is the Declaration of Interest. After talking with your mentor about possible research options, you will create a one-page description of an area of interest that you would like to explore, research and learn more about throughout your internship.
Research Proposal
The Research Proposal is where you will formally declare your precise plans for your research. Note: while the Declaration of Interest is a first step towards defining the direction of your research, the Research Proposal will be written after you have gained some experience at your internship site, and will reflect any changes in direction you and your mentor decide to be necessary. This is written in a style similar to your Methods section, outlining which specific steps you plan to follow, in what order, and using what resources; it should read like a recipe to what you are doing!
Overview of Paper
Introduction (approximately 1 page)
- This is when you draw the reader into the subject of your research by broadly introducing your topic and creating awareness of its relevance in the wider world. You will write your open-ended essential question at the end of this section.
- This provides context for your reader on the research. What background information do they need to know to understand your research? You will also provide information about your internship site here. We will also go to Palomar to use their library.
- This will give an overview of how you conducted your onsite research at your internship site. Interview? Case Study? Survey? Focus Group? An experiment?
- For this section of the paper, you will be answering your essential question. This should be a balance of outside sources, your raw data (from internship) and your own personal commentary and interpretation of the evidence you are providing.
- In this section you will address any questions that still remain for you. You will also give recommendations to your internship that are based out of your research.
- MLA or APA (or other appropriate style) citations page for all sources used in the paper. Online sources from reputable sources are fine, but at least 5 of your citations should be from Academic sources.
- Compilation of all data collected over the course of your research, including observation notes, interview transcripts, data tables, graphs, charts, figures, and images.