Topic and Research Question: Professors may expect students to select a relevant and appropriate research topic within the scope of the course. The research question should be clear and specific, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to the subject matter.
Research Depth and Breadth: Instructors may expect students to conduct thorough research on their chosen topic. This typically involves utilizing a variety of credible and academic sources, such as scholarly articles, books, reputable websites, and databases, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Critical Analysis: Professors often expect students to critically analyze the sources they incorporate into their research. This involves evaluating the credibility, relevance, and validity of the information presented in each source and using that analysis to support their arguments and conclusions.
Originality and Contribution: Depending on the level of the course, instructors may encourage students to contribute original ideas or insights to the field of study. This could involve proposing new perspectives, conducting primary research, or offering innovative solutions to existing problems.
Proper Citation and Academic Integrity: Professors typically expect students to appropriately cite all sources used in their research, following the designated citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). They also emphasize the importance of academic integrity, ensuring that students give proper credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
Clarity and Organization: Instructors often appreciate well-structured and coherent research papers. Students are expected to present their ideas and arguments in a clear and organized manner, utilizing logical transitions between sections and paragraphs.
Adherence to Guidelines and Deadlines: Professors may provide specific guidelines regarding formatting, word count, citation style, and other requirements for the research assignment. Students are expected to follow these guidelines and submit their work within the designated deadlines.