HRA 330
Research Paper Guidelines
You will be responsible for researching, preparing, and submitting a paper on a course-related topic of
your choice.
Generally, the Research Paper should review a topic, including a brief history, why it is relevant to Human
Resources (and workplace safety/risk management in particular), and detail current best practices as
related to the topic. You may also describe any relevant professional experiences. In your Research
Paper, be certain to discuss how the core values of respect, integrity, and community relate to your topic.
The Research Paper should be 5-7 pages in length (not including reference page/pages or title page),
double-spaced, and in a 12-point font. Longer or shorter papers will be accepted as long as writing is both
concise and complete. Each paper should include an APA style reference section. Refer to the book A
Writer’s Reference for information on formatting in APA style.
Your paper will be graded on content, organization, clarity, creativity, interest, grammar, spelling, and
punctuation. Please make sure to proofread your paper before submitting it.
Assignments should conform to the following criteria:
All submissions should follow APA formatting.
Margins should be 1” in all directions.
Papers should be double-spaced and in a highly readable 12-point font (Arial, Times New
Roman or Verdana are recommended). Headings may be larger.
The paper must follow the academic research format (APA) and, unless otherwise specified,
should include a brief abstract or executive summary that explains what the paper is about.
Format for in-text citations and the Reference page should also follow APA style.
At least 2 external credible academic resources should be included to substantiate the
arguments and appropriately cited in text, as well as in the References section. WIKIPEDIA is
not considered to be a credible academic resource and should not be utilized.
Save the document as “Lastname_Firstname_AssignmentName”
Email the Research Paper Topic to the instructor in Module 1 for approval. Your instructor reserves the
right to approve your topic or suggest a different one.
The Research Paper is due in Module 7. (The Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.)
GRADING RUBRIC:
Criteria
Content
Organization
& Clarity
Creativity &
Interest
Grammar,
Spelling,
Punctuation,
Formatting
Exceeds Expectations
up to 25% of max grade
Position or thesis is very
credible and logical; research
sources are credible and
sufficient to support
arguments.
Concepts presented are
clearly organized and easy to
understand; early information
leads to later information;
coherently summarized.
Presents new ideas and/ or
old ideas in interesting ways;
writing style is formal but
maintains interest; includes
real-world applications.
Grammar is appropriate;
spelling, punctuation, and
formatting are accurate.
Meets Expectations
up to 20% of max grade
Position or thesis is credible;
sources are credible.
Concepts presented are not
organized logically; no coherent
summary.
Presents widely accepted ideas
or discusses topics that are
already well known without much
attention to original content or
reader interest.
Grammar is appropriate; few
spelling, punctuation, or
formatting errors.
Fails Expectations
up to 15% of max grade
Position or thesis lacks
credibility; arguments are not
clear or not well supported;
sources are not credible or do
not support arguments.
Concepts presented are unclear
or difficult to understand; paper
is disorganized and does not
follow logical progression.
Presents ideas that are clichéd
or imitative; does not make topic
interesting for reader.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation
and/or formatting are
inappropriate, incorrect, and
unprofessional.
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