Peer-reviewed articles are considered reliable. Peer review involves review of an
author’s research paper by experts in the same field to confirm its validity. You can
check the peer-reviewed status of an article through the Criminology Collection
database.
Papers must cite at least five peer-reviewed articles. Your articles cannot be more
than ten years old. The text is not a peer-reviewed article.
Cite the source for any facts, statistics, dates, ideas, theories, or research. Provide
documentation for information that is not common knowledge (see 8.1, 8.24).
All papers must be in Word and must conform to the America Psychological Association (APA)
format (Seventh Edition).
Grammar will be a factor in your grade. I have provided Writing Guidance in course Resources
for your review.
You cannot use direct quotations. You can only paraphrase.
Provide the articles you rely upon when submitting your paper. Highlight the material
paraphrased.
You can only cite primary sources (see 8.6 and 8.23).
Do not cite an abstract or the headnotes, i.e., the initial portion before the opinion begins, of a
case.
I will stop grading a paper when the number of errors will result in a failing grade. I will return
the paper and allow resubmission. You have two opportunities to resubmit each paper.
Your topics must be specific, e.g., “Racial Profiling” would not be an acceptable topic.
However, “The Financial Impact of Racial Profiling” might be an acceptable topic.
Your writing must be concise. Grammar errors include use of informal language, colloquialisms,
redundant language, jargon, conclusory statements, surplusage, poor word choice, and
abbreviations. (see 4.4, 4.5, 4.8, and 4.9).
All papers must be submitted through Blackboard/SafeAssign and have a SafeAssign score of
less than twenty percent.
First Research Paper
Choose a topic from the first six modules. You are free to choose any aspect of the topic you
find interesting. I must approve the topic. Your first research paper should be five pages in
length. The five pages do not include the reference page. An abstract is not required.

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

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Paper

This assignment requires you to write a well-researched paper on a specific topic within criminology. To ensure your success, here is a detailed guide on how to approach each aspect of the assignment, focusing on the key instructions provided.

1. Choosing Your Topic

Follow the guidelines for selecting your topic:
- Your topic must be specific. For example, instead of a broad topic like “Racial Profiling,” choose a more focused topic like “The Financial Impact of Racial Profiling.”
- Be sure to select an aspect of criminology that interests you. This will make your research more engaging and allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
Tip: Brainstorm a few potential topics and then narrow them down to something that can be fully explored in five pages.
Get approval for your topic: Once you’ve chosen a topic, you need approval from your instructor before proceeding.

2. Researching Your Topic

Use only peer-reviewed articles:
- Peer-reviewed articles are reviewed by experts in the field, ensuring that they are reliable and credible sources. You can check the peer-reviewed status of articles in the Criminology Collection database.
- Limit your sources to articles published within the last ten years. This ensures that your research reflects current developments in the field.
Tip: Aim to collect a minimum of five peer-reviewed articles for your paper. These will form the backbone of your argument and analysis.

3. Writing Your Paper

Cite all sources properly:
- You must paraphrase any information you use from your sources, as direct quotations are not allowed.
- Properly cite facts, statistics, theories, or ideas from your articles. If the information isn’t common knowledge, it requires citation.
Tip: Always cite in APA format (7th Edition). Make sure you have the correct formatting for in-text citations and the reference page.
No abstracts or case headnotes:
- Do not cite an abstract or the headnotes of a case. These are not primary sources and are not acceptable for citation.

4. Formatting Your Paper

Conform to APA format:
- Your paper must be written in Word and follow the APA 7th Edition format. This includes:
  - Title page (if required by your instructor)
  - Running head and page numbers
  - Proper headings and subheadings
  - Proper citation format for both in-text and reference page
  - References page with at least five peer-reviewed articles
Length of the Paper:
- The paper should be five pages in length. The reference page does not count toward the page total.

5. Writing Tips for Success

Concise and clear writing:
- Your writing should be concise and to the point. Avoid redundant language, informal language, jargon, and colloquialisms.
- Keep your sentences clear and your ideas structured logically.
- Grammar is important. Make sure you proofread your paper to avoid errors. Refer to your Writing Guidance for help with grammar and structure.
Avoid excessive jargon:
- Be mindful of your language. Use professional terminology but avoid using unnecessary complex words or redundant phrases.

6. Submitting Your Paper

SafeAssign:
- Before submission, ensure that your paper has a SafeAssign score of less than 20%. This indicates that your paper has not been overly plagiarized and contains a proper amount of original content.
Two opportunities for resubmission:
- If your paper is returned due to errors, you have two chances to resubmit it. Make sure to carefully address any feedback provided.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Topic approved by your instructor
At least five peer-reviewed articles used (within the last 10 years)
Paper is five pages long (not including the reference page)
No direct quotations—only paraphrased material
Proper APA formatting (7th Edition)
SafeAssign score under 20%
Grammar and clarity in writing are thoroughly checked

By following these steps, you will ensure that your research paper meets all the requirements and is well-prepared for submission. Remember to start early to give yourself time to thoroughly research, write, and revise your paper. Good luck!

racial bias in investigation.