Assingments % - Analyzing the Effectiveness of [Your Policy Name]: A Research-Based Evaluation

Instructions
For the capstone research paper, you will write an 8-10 page paper (excluding the title page, reference page, tables, and figures) about the approved policy you selected at the beginning of the semester (Capstone Paper Topics). The purpose of this paper is to provide a synopsis of the policy’s background/history, purpose, goal(s), implementation, and efficacy; thus, the following information must be included within your paper:
a descriiption of the policy and the scope of the problem (e.g., statistics) the policy is trying to address;
a discussion of the history of the policy, including why, where, and when it was created;
a discussion of the purpose(s) or goal(s) of the policy (i.e., what it is designed to accomplish, who or what it is targeting).
In addition, you must summarize three (3) empirical (primary research) studies that have evaluated how effective the policy has been in achieving its goals (the policy’s efficacy). For each study, include the following information:
a summary of the research question examined,
a summary of the population/sample examined,
a summary of how the data were obtained and what data were obtained (i.e., the specific type of information collected),
a summary of the findings as they relate to your thesis statement, and
a brief discussion of any significant limitations to the findings.
All information contained in the paper must come from academic sources and the focus of these sources must be on the US (do not include research from other countries as this is a US policy paper). You must include/cite at least 10 academic sources (e.g., journal articles, law reviews, academic books, research reports, encyclopedias, etc.), at least five (5) of which must be published in academic journals (subject to peer review). Do not include theses or dissertations.
Your paper must be written in APA format (7th edition) and must include proper APA citations. Failure to include citations constitutes plagiarism. Your paper must also include an APA formatted title page and reference page.
Structural Elements of the Capstone Research Paper
Policy reports may reflect different roles that policy analysts commonly play, i.e., from researcher to advocate. The type of paper you are writing is one that is action/advocacy oriented (but based purely on evidence from academic sources and not opinion). The capstone research paper must be structured using the following sections:
Title page (APA formatted, 7th Edition)
Introduction (brief descriiption of policy, purpose/goals, targeted population, components, etc., include thesis statement)
Background (history/origins of policy, scope of policy, importance and prevalence of problem)
Implementation (where, when, and why policy was created; policy’s full purpose/goals, what is it designed to accomplish/achieve, and what target population benefits from it)
Research (summary and discussion of 3 primary research studies evaluating the policy’s effectiveness/efficacy; collective discussion of research findings, have researchers found the policy to be effective in accomplishing its purpose/goals). Note primary research studies must contain a methodology and results section. If a source does not include these sections, it is not a primary research study.
Recommendations (based on your research what changes need to be made, what is working, what is not working, include all points of view and perspectives; then, make recommendations for improvement to the legislature/law makers)
Conclusion (brief summary of findings, outcomes, and final take away message from your policy research/review; policy implications, future directions, and expectations)
Reference page (APA formatted, 7th edition) – sample available
Formatting
Papers must be formatted using Times New Roman 12-point font; double-spaced; left alignment, 1″ page margins all around, page numbers in the upper right header. Paraphrase in your own words and make sure to proofread your paper for mechanics and grammar.
Grading
Using the grading rubrics below, papers will be evaluated on written communication (5 criteria), content knowledge (3 criteria), critical thinking (4 criteria), and fulfilling the paper requirements as specified above (1 criterion). Papers will be graded out of 100%.
Note: Only Word documents will be accepted. No PDFs, please.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Writing a well-structured capstone research paper requires careful planning and organization. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you meet all the requirements and produce a high-quality paper.

1. Understand the Assignment Requirements

Before you begin writing, make sure you clearly understand what is expected:
Length: 8-10 pages (excluding title page, references, tables, and figures)
Sources: At least 10 academic sources (5 must be peer-reviewed journal articles)
APA 7th Edition Formatting: Title page, in-text citations, reference page, double-spacing, Times New Roman 12-pt font
Focus: U.S. policy only, with an evidence-based (not opinion-based) approach

2. Choose and Research Your Policy

Select the policy you approved at the beginning of the semester.
Gather academic sources, focusing on U.S.-based research.
Identify three primary research studies that analyze the policy’s effectiveness.

3. Outline Your Paper

Use the required structural elements to organize your paper effectively.

Title Page (APA 7th Edition)

Include the paper title, your name, course title, professor’s name, and date.

Introduction (1-1.5 pages)

Briefly describe the policy and the issue it addresses.
Identify the policy’s goals, target population, and main components.
End with a clear thesis statement outlining your paper’s focus.

Background (2-3 pages)

History of the Policy: When and why was the policy created?
Scope of the Problem: Use statistics and data to explain why the policy was needed.
Importance of the Policy: How does it address the issue? Who is affected?

Implementation (1.5-2 pages)

Where and When was the policy enacted?
Policy Goals and Target Audience: What does it aim to achieve? Who benefits?
How the Policy Works: Funding, enforcement, and key stakeholders involved.

Research and Policy Efficacy (3-4 pages)

For each primary research study, summarize the following:

Research Question: What aspect of the policy did the study evaluate?
Population/Sample: Who was studied? What was the sample size?
Data Collection Methods: How was data gathered (surveys, interviews, statistical analysis, etc.)?
Findings: What did the research conclude about the policy’s effectiveness?
Limitations: Were there any weaknesses in the study’s methods or findings?

After summarizing the studies, provide a collective discussion on whether researchers found the policy effective or not.

Recommendations (1.5-2 pages)

What aspects of the policy are working well?
What aspects need improvement?
What legislative changes should be made?
Consider different perspectives (e.g., lawmakers, organizations, affected populations).

Conclusion (1-1.5 pages)

Recap the policy’s effectiveness based on research findings.
Discuss policy implications, future directions, and expectations for improvement.
Provide a strong final takeaway message.

Reference Page (APA 7th Edition)

Ensure all sources are properly cited in APA format.

4. Write and Format Your Paper

Follow your outline and ensure smooth transitions between sections.
Maintain an academic and formal tone (avoid personal opinions).
Use APA citations for all research references.

5. Revise and Proofread

Check for clarity, grammar, and organization.
Verify that all assignment requirements have been met.
Use Grammarly or other tools for grammar/spelling errors.
Ensure your APA formatting is correct.

6. Submit Your Paper

Save as a Word document (no PDFs).
Double-check formatting, citations, and page numbers.
Submit before the deadline!

By following this structured approach, you will create a well-researched and compelling capstone paper. Happy writing!