Prior to beginning this assignment, DUE:22032021 6:00 pm EST
Don't use plagiarized sources. Get Your Custom Essay on
information literacy
Just from $13/Page
Read Module 1 in your course textbook.
Watch the GEN103 Annotated Bibliography (Links to an external site.) and Picking Your Topic IS Research (Links to an external site.)videos.
Review the Week 5 Annotated Bibliography Example, and the
4 Easy Steps to Using the Ashford Library for Background Research
,
Possible Topics for Research
, and
How to Ask an Open-Ended Question
handouts.
Download and review the
Week 1 Research Topic and Question worksheet
that you will complete and turn in for this assignment.
This week, you will develop a research question for your annotated bibliography:
- Choose a research topic ( Early childhood education).
- Explore your topic.
- Write your research question.
Choose a Research Topic
Choose a research topic related to your program or major ( Educational Studies). This topic will be used for all five weeks so choose one that interests you and for which two scholarly articles, one e-book , and two non-scholarly sources are available. Review the Possible Topics for Research handout if you need ideas. It is recommended that you review the
GEN103 Week 1 Assignment example
.
Provide a two to three sentence explanation of the research topic and how it is related to your major on the Week 1 Research Topic and Question worksheet.
Explore your Topic
On the Week 1 Assignment worksheet, fill in the KWHL chart to explore the research topic. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the worksheet. The 4 Easy Steps to Using the Ashford Library for Background Research is a helpful resource at this point.
Write Your Research Question
Write the first draft of your research question in the table at the bottom of the Week 1 Assignment worksheet. Your research question will help you focus your research by defining the information you are looking for as you research your topic.
Your research question must be:
- Open-ended (should begin with “how,” “why” or “what”)
- Clear
- Concise
- Detailed
The How to Ask an Open-Ended Question handout can help you formulate an open-ended question.
3/20/2021 https://au.waypointoutcomes.com/assessment/25177/preview
https://au.waypointoutcomes.com/assessment/25177/preview 1/2
Description:
Total Possible Score: 10.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly describes chosen research topic, and comprehensively explains how it relates to one’s major.
Proficient – Describes chosen research topic, and explains how it relates to one’s major. Minor details are missing.
Basic – Minimally describes chosen research topic, and partially explains how it relates to one’s major. Relevant details are
missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to describe chosen research topic and explain how it relates to one’s major; however, significant
details are missing.
Non-Performance – The description of the chosen research topic and explanation of how it relates to one’s major is either
nonexistent or lacks the component described in the assignment instructions.
Distinguished – Thoroughly and accurately completes the KWHL chart with at least three thoughtful and well-developed entries
per column.
Proficient – Completes the KWHL chart with at least three entries per column. Minor details are missing or slightly
underdeveloped.
Basic – Partially completes the KWHL chart with at least two entries per column. Relevant details are missing and/or
underdeveloped.
Below Expectations – Attempts to complete the KWHL chart; however, there are less than two entries per column, and/or
significant details are missing and underdeveloped.
Non-Performance – The KWHL chart is either nonexistent or lacks the components describe in the assignment instructions.
Distinguished – Develops a thorough and appropriate research question fully using the chart in the worksheet and meeting all
criteria.
Proficient – Develops an appropriate research question using the chart in the worksheet. The research question requires minor
revision.
Basic – Develops a limited research question somewhat using the chart in the worksheet. The research question requires
revision.
Below Expectations – Attempts to develop a research question; however, does not use the chart in the worksheet, and/or the
question requires significant revision.
Non-Performance – The research question is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment
instructions.
Distinguished – Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.
Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.
Proficient – Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work
contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.
Basic – Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few
errors which may slightly distract the reader.
Below Expectations – Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work
contains major errors which distract the reader.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
GEN103.W1A1.11.2018
Describes Chosen Research Topic, and Explains How It Relates to One’s Major Total: 2.00
Completes the KWHL Chart Total: 4.00
Develops a Research Question Using the Chart in the Worksheet Total: 3.00
Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics Total: 1.00
3/20/2021 https://au.waypointoutcomes.com/assessment/25177/preview
https://au.waypointoutcomes.com/assessment/25177/preview 2/2
Powered by
1
Research Topic and Question
Sara Lance
Ashford University
GEN103: Information Literacy
Instructor Smoak
April 5, 2020
Fill in the
your
name, your
instructor’s
name and the
date.
2
Research Topic and Question
Refer to Module 1.3 of your textbook as you complete this assignment.
In the box below, provide a 2-3 sentence description of your research topic and how it is related
to your major. You may refer to the GEN103 Possible Topics for Research handout in the
classroom for research topic ideas.
Important: “Prayer in school” is not an acceptable topic for your annotated bibliography
because it is used for the assignment examples throughout this class.
Research Topic and its Relation to Your Major:
I chose prayer in school as my research topic. I am in the Social Sciences program and I am
particularly interested in the role the religion plays in society. Because prayer in school is
such a controversial topic, there should be a lot of material. In addition, I am hoping to go to
law school after I finish my bachelor’s degree so I am interested in the many court cases that
this issue has generated.
To help you explore your topic, fill in the KWHL chart below.
1. Write at least three specific things you know about your topic in the first column, K (K =
know).
2. Write at least three specific questions about your topic that you would like to know the
answers to in the second column, W (W = what do I want to know).
3. Write at least three specific tools you might use to find out more about your topic in the
third column, H (H = how do I find out).
4. At this point, you need to do background research before you can fill out the fourth
column. Use the tools you wrote down in H to find out more about your topic. Focus on
the questions you wrote in W:
a. When you do background research, it’s fine to do a Google search or to use
Wikipedia or other encyclopedias or general reference works; you will not use
these sources in your annotated bibliography.
b. The 4 Easy Steps to Using the Ashford Library for Background Research provides
directions for using the references sources in the Ashford Library
5. After doing your background research, write at least three specific things you have
learned about your topic in the fourth column, L (L = what have I learned).
You must have at least three distinct items listed in each column to get full credit for this portion
of the assignment.
Please note
that “prayer
in school” is
not an
acceptable
topic choice
for your
annotated
bibliography.
Describe your research topic here and explain
how it is connected to your major. Be sure to
provide at least a 2-3 sentence description.
3
K
What do I know?
W
What do I want to
know?
H
How do I find out?
L
What have I
learned?
Prayer in school is a
controversial issue,
with some groups
pushing to put prayer
back in school.
When and why was
prayer taken out of
public schools?
World Book
Encyclopedia
(Ashford
Library)
Prayer in public
school was ruled
unconstitutional in
1962 in the Engel v.
Vitale case.
It seems like it is
mostly Christian
groups that are
pushing for prayer
(and other religious
activities like reading
the Bible) to be
included in school
activities.
Are there times when
prayer and/or other
religious activities
can be performed in
public schools?
Wikipedia Prayer and religious
activity is allowed in
school as long as it is
led by students and
not by teachers or
other school
authorities. Some
examples of national
organizations that
participate in
religious activities in
public schools are
Fellowship of
Christian Athletes
and See You at the
Pole.
In this chart, be sure to fill in three distinct items for each column.
Please be sure to provide specific information here. For example, in
the third column (Column H), you want to put the title of the website
or web page (like Wikipedia) where you found information rather than
the name of the search engine you used (like Google or Bing).
For this assignment, you will be doing
background research to learn more
about
your topic. When you do background
research, it’s fine to use reference sources,
like encyclopedias, almanacs, and even
Wikipedia. However, these sources are not
acceptable for the week 3 and 5
assignments.
4
It seems like the
arguments for prayer
to be put back in
school are based on
the idea that teaching
religious principles
would improve
student behavior.
Is the removal of
prayer in public
schools
discriminatory to
Christians?
Encyclopedia
Britannica
In the Engel v. Vitale
case, the Supreme
Court Justices were
trying to protect the
rights of all
Americans to believe
(or not) as they
choose and to not be
forced to participate
in religious activity
that might go against
their beliefs. The
Justices did not think
that any prayer could
be written that would
not offend someone
so no prayer should
be said in schools.
Now that you have done some simple background research, it’s time to write a formal
research
question. Your research question will help you focus your research by defining the information
you are looking for as you research your topic for your annotated bibliography.
A quality formal research question must be:
● Open-ended (Review the How to Ask Open-Ended Questions handout)
● Clear
● Concise
● Detailed
Remember that research questions should generate the kind of research that is suitable for an
academic paper. Avoid questions that:
● Are yes/no questions (Often begin with “are” or “do”.)
● Ask for number or date (Often begin with “how many” or “when”.)
● Ask for a list
● Ask for an opinion (Often begin with “what do you think”.)
● Can be answered with a brief explanation or by referring to a single source.
Tip: Open-ended questions usually start with “what,” “why” and “how.”
Develop a research question that will allow you room to investigate your topic. Some examples
of successful research questions are:
You are expected to put the information on this chart
into your own words. Do not copy and paste
information from any source (even the internet) into this
chart.
5
What can we do in the United States to prevent acid rain?
How do oil spills impact the fishing and tourism businesses in affected areas?
What evidence shows that pesticides are significantly harming the bee population?
Why is the Clean Water Act an important law for the welfare of urban populations?
Type the first draft of your research question in the first row of the table below and fill in all of
the shaded areas. Write your final, revised question in the last box.
Type the first draft of
your research question in
the box to the right.
What factors have the courts considered to be important when
determining the legality of prayer in American public schools?
Does the first draft ask a yes/no question?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Does the first draft ask for a number, date, or a list?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Does the first draft ask for an opinion?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Can the first draft be answered with a brief explanation or by consulting
a single source?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Type the final version of
your research question in
the box to the right.
How have the courts weighed factors regarding the legality of
prayer in American public schools?
When you have completed this worksheet, save the document and submit to Waypoint.
Type your first draft of your research question in the box below. Be sure to read the information
above before you begin writing your research question.
Think
Carefully
about
your
research
question
as you go
through
these
questions.
After answering the questions above, make any necessary changes to your research question and
type it in the box above. Be sure to make your question open-ended.
1
Research Topic and Question
Sara Lance
Ashford University
GEN103: Information Literacy
Instructor Smoak
April 5, 2020
Fill in the
your
name, your
instructor’s
name and the
date.
2
Research Topic and Question
Refer to Module 1.3 of your textbook as you complete this assignment.
In the box below, provide a 2-3 sentence description of your research topic and how it is related
to your major. You may refer to the GEN103 Possible Topics for Research handout in the
classroom for research topic ideas.
Important: “Prayer in school” is not an acceptable topic for your annotated bibliography
because it is used for the assignment examples throughout this class.
Research Topic and its Relation to Your Major:
I chose prayer in school as my research topic. I am in the Social Sciences program and I am
particularly interested in the role the religion plays in society. Because prayer in school is
such a controversial topic, there should be a lot of material. In addition, I am hoping to go to
law school after I finish my bachelor’s degree so I am interested in the many court cases that
this issue has generated.
To help you explore your topic, fill in the KWHL chart below.
1. Write at least three specific things you know about your topic in the first column, K (K =
know).
2. Write at least three specific questions about your topic that you would like to know the
answers to in the second column, W (W = what do I want to know).
3. Write at least three specific tools you might use to find out more about your topic in the
third column, H (H = how do I find out).
4. At this point, you need to do background research before you can fill out the fourth
column. Use the tools you wrote down in H to find out more about your topic. Focus on
the questions you wrote in W:
a. When you do background research, it’s fine to do a Google search or to use
Wikipedia or other encyclopedias or general reference works; you will not use
these sources in your annotated bibliography.
b. The 4 Easy Steps to Using the Ashford Library for Background Research provides
directions for using the references sources in the Ashford Library
5. After doing your background research, write at least three specific things you have
learned about your topic in the fourth column, L (L = what have I learned).
You must have at least three distinct items listed in each column to get full credit for this portion
of the assignment.
Please note
that “prayer
in school” is
not an
acceptable
topic choice
for your
annotated
bibliography.
Describe your research topic here and explain
how it is connected to your major. Be sure to
provide at least a 2-3 sentence description.
3
K
What do I know?
W
What do I want to
know?
H
How do I find out?
L
What have I
learned?
Prayer in school is a
controversial issue,
with some groups
pushing to put prayer
back in school.
When and why was
prayer taken out of
public schools?
World Book
Encyclopedia
(Ashford
Library)
Prayer in public
school was ruled
unconstitutional in
1962 in the Engel v.
Vitale case.
It seems like it is
mostly Christian
groups that are
pushing for prayer
(and other religious
activities like reading
the Bible) to be
included in school
activities.
Are there times when
prayer and/or other
religious activities
can be performed in
public schools?
Wikipedia Prayer and religious
activity is allowed in
school as long as it is
led by students and
not by teachers or
other school
authorities. Some
examples of national
organizations that
participate in
religious activities in
public schools are
Fellowship of
Christian Athletes
and See You at the
Pole.
In this chart, be sure to fill in three distinct items for each column.
Please be sure to provide specific information here. For example, in
the third column (Column H), you want to put the title of the website
or web page (like Wikipedia) where you found information rather than
the name of the search engine you used (like Google or Bing).
For this assignment, you will be doing
background research to learn more
about
your topic. When you do background
research, it’s fine to use reference sources,
like encyclopedias, almanacs, and even
Wikipedia. However, these sources are not
acceptable for the week 3 and 5
assignments.
4
It seems like the
arguments for prayer
to be put back in
school are based on
the idea that teaching
religious principles
would improve
student behavior.
Is the removal of
prayer in public
schools
discriminatory to
Christians?
Encyclopedia
Britannica
In the Engel v. Vitale
case, the Supreme
Court Justices were
trying to protect the
rights of all
Americans to believe
(or not) as they
choose and to not be
forced to participate
in religious activity
that might go against
their beliefs. The
Justices did not think
that any prayer could
be written that would
not offend someone
so no prayer should
be said in schools.
Now that you have done some simple background research, it’s time to write a formal
research
question. Your research question will help you focus your research by defining the information
you are looking for as you research your topic for your annotated bibliography.
A quality formal research question must be:
● Open-ended (Review the How to Ask Open-Ended Questions handout)
● Clear
● Concise
● Detailed
Remember that research questions should generate the kind of research that is suitable for an
academic paper. Avoid questions that:
● Are yes/no questions (Often begin with “are” or “do”.)
● Ask for number or date (Often begin with “how many” or “when”.)
● Ask for a list
● Ask for an opinion (Often begin with “what do you think”.)
● Can be answered with a brief explanation or by referring to a single source.
Tip: Open-ended questions usually start with “what,” “why” and “how.”
Develop a research question that will allow you room to investigate your topic. Some examples
of successful research questions are:
You are expected to put the information on this chart
into your own words. Do not copy and paste
information from any source (even the internet) into this
chart.
5
What can we do in the United States to prevent acid rain?
How do oil spills impact the fishing and tourism businesses in affected areas?
What evidence shows that pesticides are significantly harming the bee population?
Why is the Clean Water Act an important law for the welfare of urban populations?
Type the first draft of your research question in the first row of the table below and fill in all of
the shaded areas. Write your final, revised question in the last box.
Type the first draft of
your research question in
the box to the right.
What factors have the courts considered to be important when
determining the legality of prayer in American public schools?
Does the first draft ask a yes/no question?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Does the first draft ask for a number, date, or a list?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Does the first draft ask for an opinion?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Can the first draft be answered with a brief explanation or by consulting
a single source?
If the answer is yes, you need to revise your research question.
yes/no
Type the final version of
your research question in
the box to the right.
How have the courts weighed factors regarding the legality of
prayer in American public schools?
When you have completed this worksheet, save the document and submit to Waypoint.
Type your first draft of your research question in the box below. Be sure to read the information
above before you begin writing your research question.
Think
Carefully
about
your
research
question
as you go
through
these
questions.
After answering the questions above, make any necessary changes to your research question and
type it in the box above. Be sure to make your question open-ended.
