I-Search: Concept Paper

Description
The I-Search paper is designed to teach the writer and the reader something valuable about a chosen topic and the nature of research and discovery. As opposed to the standard research paper in which the writer usually assumes a detached and objective stance, the I-Search paper allows the writer to take an active role in the search, to hunt for facts and truths first hand, and to provide a step - by - step record of the discovery process.

Format

Section I: What I Know, Assume, or Imagine:
Before conducting any formal research, write a section which explains to the reader what you think you know, assume, and imagine about your topic. For the your class, this section works best with an well developed summary and response to any one of the articles we have discussed this semester. What you imagine is a discussion of what you would further like to learn about your chosen topic: this discussion should lead to a well thought out research question.

Section II: The Search
First complete your annotated bibliography assignment. You will narrow down to the two best web resources for this section of your paper. This is the information that best answers your research question. So, again, the summary/ response format will be quite helpful.

As your write up this section, be sure to be clear where your information is coming from. Clear signal phrases are necessary so the reader understands the difference between your language and ideas and the language and ideas from your sources. Paraphrase most of the information, and use direct quotes for the finer details. Document all your sources on the Works Cited page and the annotated bibliography of online resources.

Section III: What I Discovered
After conducting your search, compare what you thought you knew, assumed, or imagined with what you actually discovered; offer some personal commentary and draw some conclusions. For instance, your initial understanding of your topic may have been rather hazy when you first chose your topic. Pay careful attention to how your understanding of your topic changes as you go. Keep lists of points you will want to focus on. Use the articles / texts you have read to focus on an issue of importance to you.

Works Cited and Annotated Bibliography
At the close of this paper include a Works Cited page, documenting the publication information of all the outside sources you used in your paper. The annotated bibliography is included last. Follow Janice Walker's MLA style sheet for citing online sources, for both the anno bib and the Works Cited.

Due Dates: Vary by class. Check class schedules.
You may send questions to the class email list email me.

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