Guidelines for Research Papers

HA Program/Political Science Department, Auburn University -- Mark Burns, Instructor

[IMAGE: Working late on a paper] This information covers requirements for research papers in my classes. It includes discussion of:

  • I. General Style
  • II. Footnotes
  • III. Plagiarism & Related Matters
  • IV. Word Processing Concerns
  • V. Deadlines
  • VI. Return of Papers
  • VII. Consultation

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    I. General Style

    Research papers should be written in clear, correct, properly spelled, literate English. For help on grammatical issues, consult any standard English grammar text. For points of research paper style not covered by these guidelines, consult any standard style manual such as Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers.

    Papers must be typed in a 12-point standard font, with each page but the first numbered in the upper-right-hand corner. An unnumbered title page must precede the first page of text; it should include title, author, course number, course title and date. It should also include a signed version of the statement appearing below:

        I certify that I have read all guidelines for research papers for this course, both in the course syllabus and in the Web page handout "Guidelines for Research Papers", and that this paper fully complies with them, except for any waivers made by explicit prior agreement with the instructor.

        (Signature)
    For group-produced papers, all group members should sign. I reserve the right to delay grading any paper until this provision has been fulfilled.

    For major research papers, an outline should be included after the title page. (The outline requirement does not apply to bibliographies, administrative interview papers, or idea journals). Outline pages should not be numbered (see above).

    It is not necessary to provide plastic covers or binders for research papers. A staple through the upper-left-hand corner will be acceptable.

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    II. Footnotes

    Students may use any standard footnote-bibliography style, such as that found in Turabian, provided the footnote method makes it possible to tell both the specific source and the page number of each particular passage of text. Many students have found it preferable to use the system shown in the following example. Whatever style you choose, follow it consistently.

    In the example below, works consulted are listed in the bibliography in alphabetical order. Note that no footnotes as such appear in the text of the paper other than the parenthetical references indicating the author of each source in the bibliography and the pages relevant to the particular citation. For unauthored sources, use the first significant word in the title of the work instead of an author's name. For works by the same author, use the year of the work to distinguish the correct work ("Smith, 1977" versus "Smith, 1979"); if the works appeared in the same year, use a small letter to distinguish them ("Smith, 1977a" versus "Smith, 1977b").

        Sample Paragraph from Research Paper:

          Randolph, of course, had first suggested such a theory in 1856. (Williams: 377) It was not until 1871, however, that his suggestions received widespread notice in England. In that year, Hewitt and Sanders published their famous comments on the work of noted contemporary scientists, including Randolph. (Hagen, 1974a: 85-86) Jenningworth's brief article, one year later, was the first to direct worldwide attention to the thoughts of this previously obscure Englishman. (Hagen, 1974b: 25) Nearly a century later, American researchers finally attempted to pursue Randolph's suggestions. (Williams: 378)

        Corresponding References in the Bibliography:

          [Dots in the bibliography indicate other sources not relevant to the example.]

          . . .
          Hagen, Sylvia. "The Rediscovery of Randolph," Scientific Thought, XLVII, 1 (March 1974a), 85-94. JH 1245 .S33
          Hagen, Sylvia. What You Didn't Know About Science and History. New York: Gnome Press, 1974b. JL 453 .H59
          . . .
          "Jenningworth's Importance for Mid-Nineteenth Century English Research," Journal of Applied Research, VII, 2 (June, 1970), 50-97. JH 1247 .A1
          . . .
          Williams, Jonathan. The Lure of Science. New York: Oxford University Press, 1982. Tuskegee University Library, JL 453 .W35

        Note: In these examples and others following, the use of italics in book and journal titles may be replaced in your paper by underlining or all capital letters if you prefer.

    All bibliography sources from the Auburn University library should include call numbers. Sources from other locations should have similar references including library and city (or other location). Interview sources should also be footnoted, clearly indicating in the bibliography the person interviewed, his/her position, and date of interview. Sources from the World-Wide Web should also be documented, and should lead directly to the information cited, not just an organization's general Web site. See the A.U. library's citation page for further information on citing Web sources.

    Textbooks and lectures which are part of your normal coursework are not usually acceptable sources for a research paper. Students who feel there is a compelling reason for citing such sources should discuss their reason with me and obtain my agreement before submitting the final version of the paper.

    As part of your learning experience, I may wish to examine and discuss with you the sources used in your paper. Therefore,

    1. All Auburn University library sources must either be returned to the library when the paper is turned in or otherwise be available to me.
    2. All written, non-Auburn University library sources must be retrievable by the student on my request.
    3. Students must retain telephone numbers of interview sources.
    4. Students must retain original notes/data from any surveys they conduct.
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    III. Plagiarism and Related Matters

    Plagiarism is the improper use of work that is not one's own. This includes use of research papers written by others, attempts to submit an article or professional paper written by another as one's own research paper, and use of material by others without providing quotation marks and/or footnotes to identify the source.

    Auburn University maintains severe penalties against plagiarism, and I fully support such penalties. Therefore, a student who plagiarizes will be risking any or all of the following:

    1. A grade of "F" for the assignment.
    2. A grade of "F" for the course.
    3. Being reported to higher university officials for consideration of penalties which could damage the student's entire academic program.
    To avoid plagiarism, be certain to footnote all ideas not your own (at least one footnote per research paper paragraph for such "borrowed" material). Any use of more than five words in succession which are not the student's own should not only be footnoted but also be placed in quotation marks. Charts, graphs, or illustrations other than the student's own work should also be footnoted. Lengthy quotations (over four lines) should be single-spaced, indented five spaces from the right and left margins and footnoted.

    In general, however, quotations should be kept to a minimum. Unless the words of the source convey the "flavor" of the source's point of view, or unless the source is so eloquent that there is no possible alternative way to express its ideas, paraphrase the source. One good method to paraphrase is to read a section of the source, put it aside, attempt to write its major ideas in your own words, then look again at the source to improve the paraphrase and avoid plagiarism. However, paraphrases should also be footnoted. The following example illustrates the use of paraphrases:

        Sample Section from Original Source:

          Finally, in the face of widespread and notorious electronic surveillance by dozens of government agencies, the Supreme Court, in 1967, by a six-to-three majority, overturned Olmstead v. United States--ending an interlude of thirty-nine years--and ruled that wiretapping and bugging came under the proscriptions of the Fourth Amendment.

        One Possible Paraphrase in a Research Paper:

          The Supreme Court did not overturn Olmstead v. United States until thirty-nine years later, in 1967. At that point, after the problem of electronic "snooping" by government agencies had grown to disturbing proportions, a six-to-three decision by the Court ruled that such activities were prohibited by the Fourth Amendment. (Sherrill: 79)

        Reference in Bibliography:

          Sherrill, Robert. Governing America: An Introduction. New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1978. JK 971 .S36

    All research papers must be submitted in both electronic and paper formats, and a copy of the electronic format will be run through "Turnitin", a massive database of previous student papers and Internet sources. This source identifies all sections of student papers which may contain plagiarized material.

    Dual Use of a Research Paper

    It is unacceptable to use the same paper in my class and another class without the full consent of both instructors in advance of actual writing of the paper.

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    [IMAGE: Student typing a paper on a computer]

    IV. Word Processing Concerns

    Students should type their papers--or have them typed--using a standard computer word processing programs such as Microsoft Word. Certain special considerations apply in such cases:

    1. Last-minute disk crashes, equipment failures, software foul ups, etc. are not acceptable excuses for late papers. Computers are useful but not infallible, and students should allow an extra time margin to handle unexpected electronic "gremlins." Above all, remember the three most important laws of computerdom:

        a. Make a backup copy of your work.
        b. Make a backup copy of your work.
        c. Make a backup copy of your work!

      It is highly advisable to make this backup copy to a 3.5" floppy disk or other storage device separate from the disk on which you type your paper so that both copies can't be wiped out in a single "disk crash."

    2. You must submit, along with the typed copy of your paper, an electronic copy of the file or files comprising the paper. This should be sent to me via WebCT e-mail through your class's WebCT site, not by standard e-mail or a floppy disk. The file copy should be submitted no later than the due date for the physical paper.

        a. Why this requirement?

          1) Knowledge of word processing is an increasingly essential administrative skill, and one you should have already or, if you don't, one you should develop. Even working with another person who types the paper for you can be helpful in terms of learning the capabilities of word processig programs.

          2) Submitting an electronic copy can considerably speed grading of your work.

          3) It facilitates analysis of the paper using "Turnitin" (see previous section)

        b. What is a "standard word processing format"?

          Standard formats are considered to be Microsoft Word up to Word XP or 2003 (not Microsoft Works). If you have a word processing program other than these, please consult me in advance. If you have a a Word Version later than Word XP or 2003, please use the "save as" function to save your file in an earlier format.

          Non-standard formats include dedicated word processors (essentially an electric typewriter that does nothing but word process) and cut-rate "bargain" software available for twenty bucks at discount stores everywhere (and that generally give about twenty bucks worth of performance). Students are strongly discouraged from using any of these for papers. If you feel you must use such a system, consult with me in advance; if you're planning on using a typist, try to insure he/she will be using a standard system.

          "Mac" systems are a special case. They are a standard system (though uncommon in the word of administration except for public schools and journalism) but not one easily compatible with my equipment. If you're planning on using such, please let me know in advance. If your system cannot convert its files into a PC format, one alternative is to take your disk and a blank disk to the Division of University Computing, RDB Library, and ask them for assistance in producing a PC-readable copy of your files.

    3. In our less-than perfect electronic village, computer viruses abound.[IMAGE: poison symbol] You are particularly at risk for such if you trade floppy disks a lot with your friends or use "pirated" software. As a precaution, I routinely run an anti-virus program on all electonic copies before trying to read them. Occasionally, when my anti-virus software has to remove a virus infection, this will result in damage to your files. See item #1, above. In such circumstances, I will request a new, "clean" electronic copy of your paper.

      If you'd like advice on virus protection, see me or check with the Division of University Computing "Hotline" by phone (844-4944) or by e-mail to hotline@mail.auburn.edu.

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    V. Deadlines

    Papers should be turned in at the start of class on the date due. Students, who, due to circumstances beyond their control, find it impossible to meet this requirement, will be allowed to turn their papers in without penalty on the due date, but after class, if and only if one of the following procedures is followed:

    1. The paper is turned in directly to me at my office before I leave for the day. . .

      or else. . . .

    2. If I am not in my office, the paper is turned in to a secretary in the Political Science office (7080 Haley Center). The secretary should be asked to initial it, date it and note the time. This must be done before office closing time (usually around 4:30, but I assume no responsibility for earlier office closings).
    Papers turned in after the time described above must also follow one of these two procedures. Any papers turned in by any other methods (such as leaving them under my office door) will be assumed to have been handed in at the time and on the date I find them. Attempts to turn in papers at my home will not be acceptable.

    All late papers, except those caused by a demonstrated medical or family emergency which can be documented by the student, will be assessed a penalty of one letter grade (10 points) per calendar day late.

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    V. Return of Papers

    All research papers will be filed. Students wishing to keep copies of their papers should make copies before handing them in. Please hand in your original research paper, not a photocopy.

    Filed papers will be kept at least one semester following a class and can be seen on my office hours.

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    VI. Consultation with the Instructor

    Students who are uncertain of the meaning of any of these guidelines, or who are experiencing difficulty in writing a paper, should feel free to consult me about problems after making serious efforts to solve the problems themselves. For difficulties with sources for a paper, students should first consult the staff of the Auburn University library.

    Any further questions?
    "Art is the imitation of reality." -- Aristotle

    "Art is anything you can get away with." -- Marshall McLuhan

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