For this course, you will submit an Individual Research Project in Week 5. You will start working on your project during Week 1 and proceed through weekly steps to have the project ready in Week 5.

For the Individual Research Project, you must choose one subject from a list of possible concepts, theories, or methodologies, and then research that subject (see the list below). You will then write your own paper on the subject you chose. You must use at least three acceptable references to support your arguments and conclusions and utilize the required format. Your paper will explain as well as critique the subject you have selected. More details regarding your Individual Research Project are provided below.

The explanation below provides you with options for subjects, all the requirements of the project, as well as definitions for what are and are not “appropriate” references.

List of Subjects for Project

For the Individual Research Project, please choose from among 24 possible concepts, theories, or methodologies listed below. Each concept, theory, and methodology has been grouped into 10 subject areas to aid your selection. For example, if you are strongly interested in the subject of motivation, you have the option to choose from among four theories to research and write about.

1. Teamwork

• Tuckman’s teamwork theory  This is my choice of theory to be submitted for my assignment.

Requirements in Content, Length, and Format

The subject of the research must be only one of the 24 concepts, theories, or methodologies listed above.

The paper will consist of a minimum of three parts and an abstract:

1. An introduction to subject area and the topic;
2. A detailed explanation of the concept, theory, or methodology, with at least one real or theoretical example of its application; and
3. A critique of the subject, the concept, theory, or methodology. In your opinion, is the concept, theory, or methodology valid? Is it practical? Why? Specifically, give a reason for your opinion, and support in with facts, observations, or logic.

The paper must be no fewer than 600 words and no more than 1,000 words, not including the references, cover page, and the abstract. The abstract must not exceed 50 words.

Acceptable References

You must have at least three acceptable references for the information contained in your paper. The course textbook cannot count as one of the three references. Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable reference. Instructors will look favorably upon your paper if it has more than the required minimum of references.

Evaluation

In addition to the intellectual content of the project, each project will be evaluated for clarity of writing and adherence to APA standards. Also see this assignment’s rubric, provided in the Course Information area.

Individual Research Project: Week 5

Before submitting your Individual Research Project, check all of the following:

• Saved as MSWord document
• The subject of your project is one of the 24 approved subjects
• The body of the paper has the three required parts:
  • An introduction to subject area and the topic
  • A detailed explanation with at least one real or theoretical example of its application.
  • A critique of the subject
• The paper is no fewer than 600 words and not more than 1000 words, not including references, cover page, or the abstract.
• The paper followsAPA (American Psychological Association) style and format.
• Cover page
• Abstract (not to exceed 50 words)
• Headings
• Footers
• Page numbers
• Font and size
• Margins
• References (at least three: the course textbook and Wikipedia are not acceptable)
• Citations
  • In proper format
  • For all information presented
  • Spelling correct
• Grammar correct
• Punctuation correct
• Quotations marks where appropriate
• Paper has flow