Econ 2301: Principles of Microeconomics Fall 2020 Guidelines and Format of the

Econ 2301: Principles of Microeconomics

Fall 2020

Guidelines and Format of the Topical Paper:

(How to write a Research Paper)

Format Outline of the research paper:

Introduction Statement of Topic

Select a topic of your choice to develop a research paper. If you have difficulty in developing, make an appointment with the instructor. Describe the topic in detail. Explain why this topic is important. You should have a topic by the end of Week 3.

Literature Review

Find 5 journal articles that address the topic you wish to discuss and get approval from Instructor. Place articles in APA Reference format and include copies for the instructor to review. Discuss the purpose of each article, the research question in each article, and the results of each article. See Journals and Databases in the Library Tab on the GSU Website. Excellent examples are EBSCO and JSTOR

EBSCO: https://libguides.govst.edu/c.php?g=778845&p=5584614

JSTOR: https://libguides.govst.edu/c.php?g=778845&p=5584563

Proquest: https://gsuproxy.govst.edu:2074/advanced?accountid=27966

Provide a 2-paragraph summary of each article, followed by a comparative summary of the 5 journal articles and show where your research question for your topic paper fits into the summary. Include in each journal article:

The Introduction, which stats basic objectives of the study and explains why the topic is important.

The Literature Review, which defines the purpose of the each article, the purpose of the article, the research question, the model, and the results of each article, and a brief summary, which contains articles related to your topic.

Statement of Problem: define your you research question by defining the topical point you are interested in investigating. Example: Why are prices of petrol different in different locations?

Data Collection: develop a data base relevant to your problem. The instructor will assist you in finding data appropriate for your topic and help you to develop a database to analysis your data.

Economic Analysis: this section will use any one or more methods of analysis:

Comparative analysis

Empirical analysis (uses data)

Combination of the two

Results: the results and conclusions of your analysis.

Conclusions: provides a short section of what you have learned,

Data Used in the Analysis

If you are using data you want to speak to the Instructor, who will assist you in developing your data for the Topical Paper

Discussion of Data

Sources of Data

Causal Links: Develop Scatter Diagrams

Discussion of Summary Statistics: develop means, median, mode, range, and other summary statistics.

Model

Type of Model (Historical, Comparative, Statistical, etc.)

Type of Tests (Statistical, Evaluations, etc.)

Summarize Results.

Summary

Summarize your paper and discuss future research possibilities (a minimum of two pages and 40% of Topical Paper Grade)

References (Provide an APA formatted reference for each citation citated in your paper): References that do not contain an in-paper citation in the reference section will results in 5-point deductions.

EXAMPLE APA FORMATED PAPER:

Diana Hacker APA formatted paper example:

https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Hacker-SampleAPAFormattedPaper.pdf

Possible Topics:

Below are predetermined topics from which to select for the Topical Paper; however, you may select a topic of your personal interest. For example, you may want to examine an issue in your current or future occupational field. Or, you may want to select a topic from a current event of interest. The topics below provide guidance for topics you may choose:

How has the pandemic affect junior colleges/college/university enrollment levels?

What colleges and universities are major competitors of GSU?

An analysis of the firms in the University Park Industrial Park?

Is Microsoft losing its touch: An industry Analysis?

Are Charter Schools more efficient then Public Schools?

Is the housing market on the rebound in the Chicago Metropolitan Area?

Is the housing market on the rebound in the Chicago southern suburbs?

Tax Rates in Chicago Suburbia: A Comparative Analysis of 5 Major Towns and Villages

What is the difference between Federal and State taxing rates (or formulas).

A comparison of unemployment 5 suburban Towns and Villages

Student Graduation Rates in two suburban schools: Crete-Monee versus Homewood-Flossmoor.

Note: The Blackboard System contains all papers written in the course so that using a previously developed and/or submitted paper will identify any currently submitted paper. If evidence is identified with respect to a previous paper, a grade of zero will be given, resulting in a possible F for the course.

Topic Paper Steps

Select and email a topic and email to instructor for approval by the end of the 3rd week.

Make an appointment by email, zoom, or cell to discuss your topic and how to proceed.

Find 5 journal articles on the topic (see ProQuest and JSTOR online in GSU Library). Have instructor review and approve your articles. Also, instructor will assist in helping you find relevant articles. Also, ask for assistance from Michele Ngussan, the Business School Library liaison.

Also, instructor will assist in help with data sources.

Develop a draft of Sections 1-3. Discuss research question you wish to address and submit for review and comments.

By the 10th week you should have a draft of Sections 2-4.

An Example APA Paper can be found at:

https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Hacker-SampleAPAFormattedPaper.pdf

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