Campus/Community Based Research Project
The purpose of this assignment is to a) teach students how to do introductory level research on a political or social issue that is relevant to the black community, b) attempt to connect the application of community and campus based research as a tool for political participation and civic education. For this project you will have approximately 4 weeks to prepare for and complete your project. I know you will all do amazing work and learn so much about the community and the people around you.
Sample Research Project Topics
Project I
Topic: How will state budget cuts influence student opportunities for graduating on time?
Method: Surveys in college classrooms
Location: Laney’s Campus
Project II
Topic: What is the impact of the media on public opinion among high school students at Metwest HS?
Method: Interviews, high school students at Metwest HS
Location: Community
METHOD: Survey, Interviews or Photo Voice
Surveys Specifics
15 respondents (people) required, 10 questions required
What to turn in?
Typed responses (Q & A) & Reflection (see questions below)
Interviews Specifics
5 respondents (people) required, 15 questions required
What to turn in?
Typed responses (Q & A) & Reflection (see questions below)
PhotoVoice Specifics
10 pictures Click here for sample PowerPoint
What to turn in?
Description/Caption under photos (at least 50 words each)
Put photos into a powerpoint, one picture per slide with captions underneath & Reflection (see questions below)
WRITING ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH
Required Questions for Reflections from the research
• Describe your topic and why it is a political or social problem to be addressed in the black community.
• What is your perspective on the topic? How do you feel about the issue? How have you or people in your community been impacted? (if you don't know do research and find out). What themes from the textbooks relate to your findings? What theories or concepts provide clarity on the social problem or issue you've address in your project?
• Based on your findings what are potential solutions would you propose to the issue at hand? (Come up with @ least 2 potential solutions)
• Who (individuals or community leaders) or What organizations are working on the issues you've chosen? What are they doing and how are they trying to make an impact? How does your data affirm their strategy of intervention? What else could be done?
Questions the instructor will consider when grading
The purpose of this assignment is to a) teach students how to do introductory level research on a political or social issue that is relevant to the black community, b) attempt to connect the application of community and campus based research as a tool for political participation and civic education. For this project you will have approximately 4 weeks to prepare for and complete your project. I know you will all do amazing work and learn so much about the community and the people around you.
Sample Research Project Topics
Project I
Topic: How will state budget cuts influence student opportunities for graduating on time?
Method: Surveys in college classrooms
Location: Laney’s Campus
Project II
Topic: What is the impact of the media on public opinion among high school students at Metwest HS?
Method: Interviews, high school students at Metwest HS
Location: Community
METHOD: Survey, Interviews or Photo Voice
Surveys Specifics
15 respondents (people) required, 10 questions required
What to turn in?
Typed responses (Q & A) & Reflection (see questions below)
Interviews Specifics
5 respondents (people) required, 15 questions required
What to turn in?
Typed responses (Q & A) & Reflection (see questions below)
PhotoVoice Specifics
10 pictures Click here for sample PowerPoint
What to turn in?
Description/Caption under photos (at least 50 words each)
Put photos into a powerpoint, one picture per slide with captions underneath & Reflection (see questions below)
WRITING ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH
- Reflection (cover page, 2 pgs single spaced, font: times new roman, 12 point font, must include references page as 3rd page) – 15 POINTS
- Data Collection & Results (turn in your data collection material and results from your participants or your photos in a PowerPoint presentation)– 45 POINTS
Required Questions for Reflections from the research
• Describe your topic and why it is a political or social problem to be addressed in the black community.
• What is your perspective on the topic? How do you feel about the issue? How have you or people in your community been impacted? (if you don't know do research and find out). What themes from the textbooks relate to your findings? What theories or concepts provide clarity on the social problem or issue you've address in your project?
• Based on your findings what are potential solutions would you propose to the issue at hand? (Come up with @ least 2 potential solutions)
• Who (individuals or community leaders) or What organizations are working on the issues you've chosen? What are they doing and how are they trying to make an impact? How does your data affirm their strategy of intervention? What else could be done?
Questions the instructor will consider when grading
- Did the student respond to all of the required questions?
- Did the student write at a college level?
- Validity of Sources/Research Topic
- Photo voice: Did the description under the photos make sense and tell a story about the social problem being addressed by their research?
- Topic must be relevant and timely and the sources must be viable academic sources. See the library website for additional resources.
- Must use a minimum of two academic sources in your reflection (textbook, articles, etc)
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