Writing Assignment (Part 2): Outline and Preliminary List of References
Complete the outline after you have done library / Internet research for evidence that bears on your hypothesis. Provide information about all of the following components of the final paper:
1. Specific Hypothesis.
2. Applicable Sociological Concepts.
3. Practical Implications. Discuss the value of sociological research into your issue. Determine whether or not there are (or would be) practical implications of sociological inquiry into this issue.
Evidence. This is the most important part of the paper. Analyze at least two (2) lines of evidence that pertain to the hypothesis that you are evaluating. Does the evidence support your hypothesis? For each type of evidence, consider possible biases and alternative interpretations.
Conclusions. Draw conclusions based on the evidence that you have discovered. Does the evidence confirm or refute your hypothesis? Is the evidence sufficiently convincing to draw firm conclusions about your hypothesis?
For example, here is a generic example of what the headings of your possible outline might look like:
I. Specific Hypothesis.
II. Applicable Sociological Concepts.
a. Theory A
b. Concept 1
c. Concept 2
III. Practical Implications.
a. Implications for public policy
i. Education
ii. Taxes
b. Implications for employers
c. Implications for spouses of workaholics
Evidence.
Line of evidence 1
i. The evidence and what it means
ii. Possible biases
iii. Alternative explanations of what it means.
Line of evidence 2
i. The evidence and what it means
ii. Possible biases
Conclusion(s): All available evidence refutes the hypothesis, but there are alternative explanations.
References:
Baker, A. & Abel, E (2005) Villagers reject modern attitudes about car washing. International Journal of Sociology, 11, 12-57. Retrieved from EBSCO-Host.
Doe, J. (2010, April 1) Villagers retain traditional attitudes despite bombardment with western television. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/village_update
Steiner, H. (2012, January 4) Revolt against local ordinances in the village. Time Magazine. pp. 14-15.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA format.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
Evaluate the various methodologies for sociological research.
Apply the sociological perspective to a variety of socioeconomic and political problems.
Critically examine how society shapes individuals and how individuals shape society.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in sociology.
Write clearly and concisely about sociology using proper writing mechanics.
Effects of Society on Child’s Education
Strayer University
SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology
Assignment# 1: Writing Assignment – Part1
October 26, 2014
Pr. Lisa Riggleman-Gross
Hypothesis
If a child is not suffering from social issues, then he/she will succeed highly in achieving better education because social issues such as: emotional, ethnic, gender, economic, cultural, and ethical issues affect his/her performance.
Feed back from professor:
Good topic but broad. How will you define “succeed” and you list many social issues. How will you measure better education?
Writing Assignment Overview
In this Assignment, you will consider a social issue that interests you. It could be human freedom, sexuality, deviance, crime, social mobility, poverty, education, aging, or another similar issue. Within that general issue, you will select a specific hypothesis to evaluate. You will conduct library research to gather and critically evaluate evidence that bears on your hypothesis
This assignment is completed in four (4) stages that build on each other. At each stage, you should keep the final stage in mind.
| Stage (and Week due) | Point Value | Description of Stage | Grading criteria |
| 1 (Week 3) | 50 | Identifying the Hypothesis | Hypothesis is stated in a clear manner. |
| 2 (Week 5) | 100 | Outline and Preliminary List of References | Content is provided for each component of the paper. A list of at least three (3) references is provided. |
| 3 (Week 8) | 120 | Draft 1 | Evaluated on content for each component, as well as writing skills, and use of citations and references. |
| 4 (Week 10) | 150 | Final Version | Evaluated on content for each component, as well as writing skills, and use of citations and references. |
In the final stage of this assignment, you will submit a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you:
1. Specific Hypothesis. Introduce your paper by identifying the specific hypothesis you are evaluating in this paper.
2. Applicable Sociological Concepts. Identify the sociological theories and terminology from the text that apply to your social issue
3. Practical Implications. Discuss the value of sociological research into your issue. Determine whether or not there are (or would be) practical implications of sociological inquiry into this issue.
4. Evidence. This is the most important part of the paper. Analyze at least two (2) lines of evidence that pertain to the hypothesis you are evaluating. Does the evidence support your hypothesis? For each type of evidence, consider possible biases and alternative interpretations.
5. Conclusions. Draw conclusions based on the evidence that you have discovered. Does the evidence confirm or refute your hypothesis? Is the evidence sufficiently convincing to draw firm conclusions about your hypothesis?
Rubric
6. Grading for this assignment will be based on having outline content provided for each segment of the paper and at least three (3) quality references, using the following rubric.
