This paper is for my Interdisciplinary Studies class and has to follow these guidelines:
First, define the research problem or question you plan to explore this semester.
The effects of social media on children. And my two disciplines to use for this Research Paper are Communication and Digital Media.
a- Complex enough to be interdisciplinary, narrow enough to be researched by end of term.
b- Avoid three tendencies that run counter to the IRP (What are they? If you’re not sure, be sure to look it up!)
c- Follow the guidelines for stating the problem or posing the question
Then, justify using an interdisciplinary approach. Use at least one of the four commonly used criteria as described in Repko’s text
1. The problem or question is complex.
2.Important insights or theories of the problem are offered by two or more disciplines.
3. No single discipline has been able to address the problem or resolve it.
4.The problem is unresolved societal need or issue.
Finally, provide a bibliography of sources cited in the above paragraphs.
Remember that to properly define the research problem, you will need to have conducted the initial literature search using the techniques discussed in class and ensure sufficient research is available. Be sure to use an organizational method to maintain a record of helpful sources. Further, to fully describe the problem and its implications, you may wish to cite statistics or provide other research detailing the reasons why solving the problem is so important.
Now that the problem statement has been written and the interdisciplinary approach justified, it is time to identify relevant disciplines and provide in-text evidence of disciplinary adequacy.
So far, the problem statement has been written, the interdisciplinary approach justified, relevant disciplines have been identified, and in-text evidence of disciplinary adequacy have been provided. Now, it’s time to analyze the problem and evaluate insights. To do so, please construct two sets of small tables.
The first table will show the most relevant disciplines and their perspectives, stated in the form of an overarching question about the problem you chose. The second set of charts will include a chart for each relevant discipline you are exploring, please share at least three scholarly sources with different insights, discern any assumptions the author may be making, and list at least one strength and limitation for each insight.
3 Project Components:
1. Observational Research Component
You will perform observational research by participating with a service or volunteer organization or group that has some connection with your research project focus. After choosing the service or volunteer organization, you must work at least ten (10) hours with that organization, participating and gathering primary research (first-hand information) for your project.
The service or volunteer organization can be through Volunteer UCF or with any on-campus or campus service organization or group. You cannot use your workplace, fraternity or sorority event, or internship.
You will use the information and experience gained by participating in a service or volunteer organization in the development of your research project in some manner. For example, you might include the service/volunteer research.
2. Interdisciplinary Research Component
Throughout the development of the project, you learned about integration in the Interdisciplinary Research textbook.
The project will need to include the following information:
A clearly defined interdisciplinary research question or problem statement that is either informed by or somehow related to the service project you completed
Justification of interdisciplinary approach
Relevant disciplines correctly identified
Analysis of problem with an evaluation of each insight
Conflicts between disciplines and their causes clearly identified (saying no conflicts could be identified is not acceptable for an interdisciplinary research paper. If you truly cannot find any conflicts, then you need to consider adding another discipline that might pose some challenges and conflicts)
Common ground statement
Presentation of the interdisciplinary solution or outcome. (This component contains the major content of the project and you will decide the focus, length, and development).
IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IF EACH SECTION WAS CLEARLY LABELED!
3. Annotated Bibliography Component
Each research project will have an annotated bibliography with eight to ten (8-10) scholarly entries directly connected to your project focus. These entries must reflect a diversity of viewpoints. For this component:
Follow the writing, format, and documentation styles appropriate to your disciplines.
Research Project Format:
What should the project actually *be*? In short, it should be a research essay (Links to an external site.). The recommended length is 4-7 pages, not including the annotated bibliography. 1″ margins, double spaced, 12 point font.
How much of the essay should consist of summaries of work by others versus your own ideas/invention? That’s a function of your audience.
Try to imagine a real person (and a real company or agency) you might show this to in the next six months. What would THAT person want to see? Try to let this guide you in determining how prescriptive your solution should be to the problem statements that you discuss.
