Research Report Overview

1. Write a research report that outlines the rationale for recommending a plausible alternative to the status quo and/or course of action toward ‘resolving’ the ‘core concern’ of a selected social issue.
2. Write the research final report in the assumed role of (1) analyst, (2) participant observer or (3) from the perspective of activist/advocate.

Note: in all cases using either first or third person pronouns is permissible 

1. Front page: as per template on a separate page
2. Core elements of the executive summary
   1. description of the ‘core concern’addressed
   2. statement on why the current policy/situation needs to be modified or changed
   3. recommendation for actionto the target audience
3. Context and salience of the ‘concern’
   1. statement of the ‘core concern’ or issue in focus
   2. short overview of the root causes of the core issue
4. Critical appraisal of existing alternative(s)
   1. explain why and how the current or proposed approach is failing
5. Provide a specific and verifiable reference to the designated ‘target audience’

      (i.e., recipient of the final research report)

6. Proposed recommendation
   1. provide a detailed and convincing proposal of how the failings of the current approach need to be rectified or entirely changed
   2. include a paragraphre-emphasising the importance of action
7. Appendices: only when necessary (on separate page(s))
8. Sources consulted: use additional sources as you deem necessary to supplement those listed in the Interim Research Brief; compile a list of complete and properly cited and formatted references on a separate page
   1. follow the format of this template
   2. apply the selected citation style to all sources consulted
   3. use standard font, size 12,
   4. double-space in text, single-space in Sources Cited
   5. pagination

1. Focused: focus all aspects of the policy brief (from the message to the layout) on achieving the intended goal of convincing the ‘target audience’ to adopt your proposed recommendation
2. Professional - not academic: assume the ‘target audience’ wants to know your perspective on the ‘concern’ and your ‘recommendation’ for action aimed at ‘resolving’ it
3. Evidence-based: assume the audience expects not only a ‘rational’ argument but is more likely to endorse your ‘recommendation’ for action when it is supported by evidence documenting the saliency of the ‘core concern’ and the urgency of dealing with it expeditiously
4. Limited in scope: limit the focus of the Final Research Report to a particular ‘core concern’ or area of a ‘core issue’ so as to present an adequately comprehensive but target-specific argument within a limited space
5. Concise: 8-10 pages of text only (2,000-2,500 words)
6. Subheadings: permitted
7. Clear and simple: use clear and simple language to develop a well thought-out and easy to follow argumentation in support of your ‘recommendation’
8. Practical, feasible and actionable: advance a ‘recommendation’ that aims to be viable and reflective of what is actually happening in the field of social practice
9. Due date: March 25th, 11:59 p.m. 5% deduction per day for late submissions will apply.
10. Forms of submission: (1) electronic copy of the Final Report to the course Moodle website, (2) screenshot of the webpage sent to the designated ‘target audience’ confirming receipt 

1. factual basis:  topic-specific and fully documented
2. conceptual framework:  relevant and effectively applied
3. analysis: rigorous
4. argumentation: consistent, plausible and persuasive
5. presentation: lucid, concise and compelling