IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
This includes defining the problem, justifying its importance and relevance of researching the problem, and
formulation of a working thesis, research question, or hypothesis. Many researchers must agree your problem is
worthy of discussion. The statement of the problem includes a problem definition/statement of the problem and
justification of the importance of the problem, answering the research question, or testing the hypothesis. This is a concise statement of the problem you are proposing to solve. Define any concepts used that might be unclear. Give an example, if necessary, to clarify what problem you are studying.
EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROBLEM
Justify the problem as an important issue. Explain what is unknown about the problem, the significance of the problem, and why it matters in some way. Use scholarly source materials to demonstrate the importance of the problem.
REVIEW WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM
Discuss prior research, theory, opinions, or practices that explain the problem. Simply put, you will use the research to communicate what is known about the problem. The body of the paper must contain at least 5-6 peer-reviewed sources. You may search the library databases to locate professional research sources. Newspapers, media web pages, journalistic research summaries, or opinion pieces do not count towards the five peer-reviewed sources, but they may be cited to justify the importance of the problem.
SET UP THREE SOLUTIONS AND COUNTERARGUMENTS TO THOSE SOLUTIONS
You will present a problem, three viable solutions to the problem, present counterarguments with regard to
each solution, emphasize the most effective solution, and end with a traditional summary, logical next steps, or a
call to action. Students will use the Toulmin Model of argument to complete this task. The argument will only be as
strong as the grounds/data you use. Allow Tolumin logic to do the heavy lifting for you (grounds/data should lead
you to the warrant, supported by backing when needed, the qualifiers to limit the claim(s), and a logical
conclusion). Anyone should be able to easily determine if the argument is logical or not.
REFERENCES
At least five references in proper APA format should be present. Newspaper or magazine citations do not count
toward the five professional research sources unless there are no other types of sources.
Competency will be evaluated on how well you define the problem, justify the importance of the problem (try to
use quantitative data whenever possible), cite relevant literature, utilize Toulmin logic, provide feasible solutions qualified by your grounds. All sources must be scholarly peer-reviewed sources. Complete references are also needed for your citations. References should be placed in alphabetical order.