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MASTER'S RESEARCH PROJECT (EDCI 691)

SEMINAR IN EDUCATION
GUIDELINES

STUDENT ACADEMIC HONESTY

Cheating, submitting work completed by others, or plagiarism may result in penalties ranging from an "I"' in the
course to expulsion from the University, depending on the severity of the offense. Please refer to the "Academic Misconduct"
section of Inside Ohio University: Student Handbook for more detailed information.

Master's Research Project (EDCI 691)

The student enrolls in EDCI 691 and EDPL 692 with their major advisor and completes a research project that
demonstrates analytic skills and mastery of the literature surrounding a substantive research question in their academic
discipline. Alternatively, a student may choose to undertake action research in his/her own classroom on a research question
that directly explores a fundamental concern in their academic discipline. The master’s research project must be approved by
the advisor before beginning the research.
See checklist for submission of Master's Research Project and Seminar Papers

Seminar in Education (EDAD 691, EDCE 691, EDHE 691)

(Adapted from guidelines developed by the former School of Applied Behavioral Sciences and Educational Leadership)

Prerequisites and Proposal Guidelines

The seminar course requires the completion of a scholarly paper on a topic of interest to the student and relevant to
the issues, problems, and trends of her/his major area of study. Developing a proposal for studying a problem,
having it critiqued and approved by the instructor, conducting the study (usually library research), writing the
complete paper, and have it approved by the instructor is a challenge for students and faculty within the time frame
of one quarter or summer session. However, its value has been affirmed by students and faculty.

The paper produced in EDAD/EDCE/EDHE 691, Seminar in Education, results from library research. The paper
includes a statement of the problem, the purposes of the study, the methodology used, a review and analysis of the
literature, the findings, conclusions and recommendations.

The following requirements have been established as prerequisites to being admitted to EDAD/EDCE/EDHE 691,
Seminar in Education, and must be completed prior to the quarter which the student plans to register for the course:
1. Minimum of 35 quarter hours of work completed toward the master's degree. (Students who are completing a
master’s degree in three quarters may enroll for Seminar in Education in the third quarter with the permission
of their program area faculty even though they have not yet completed 35 hours toward the degree.)
2. EDRE 501 - Research Methods in Education, or an equivalent course.
3. Proposal on the problem or topic to be studied (typed, double-spaced) submitted to the instructor of the course no
later than the ninth week of the quarter preceding the quarter the student plans to register for the course.

The proposal should include the following:

1. A title and information page which includes the proposal title; the student's name, address, work and home telephone
number, the number of graduate hours completed to date; the program area and specialty or area of concentration
within the program; and the quarter in which the seminar will be taken.
2. A two to three page description of the problem and methodology. Students are to use the current edition of the
Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association for style, format, and organization. Students are
strongly encouraged to consult with their instructors throughout their course work as to possible topic
and research methodology for the seminar paper.
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Course Description for EDAD/EDCE/EDHE 691

PURPOSE:
Students in this course are expected to produce a scholarly paper, approximately 50 pages in length. The paper shall
be of sufficient quality to be bound and kept by the College of Education. The paper should address issues relevant to the
fields of study in the student’s academic field. The purpose of doing the paper is to synthesize existing research; it is thus
distinguishable from a master’s thesis which adds something new to existing research. Nonetheless, the skills applied in
completion of this project are directly applicable to research writing. Students shall work independently under the close
directions of the seminar instructor. At the option of the instructor, each student may be required to present and defend the
completed project to the seminar participants.

OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
1. demonstrate acquired research skills;
2. demonstrate verbal and written skills commensurate with graduate level studies;
3. demonstrate ability to form a narrow research question, and to organize the resultant research effort;
4. demonstrate ability to utilize correctly the prescribed APA writing and referencing format.

REQUIREMENTS:
Students will:
1. produce a brief proposal describing topic, research question(s), scope, and methodology, as prescribed in
the separate "Prerequisite" section;
2. produce a topic outline;
3. conduct systematic research within the boundaries of the research question(s) defined for the paper,
sufficient to demonstrate an in-depth analysis and understanding of the selected topic;
4. critically review and summarize research literature pertinent to the selected problem;
5. properly cite source material without plagiarizing;
6. edit and revise the manuscript with a high degree of care and precision;
7. express ideas clearly and succinctly, and in correct English usages; Note - recommended reference manual,
Strunk, W., Jr. E.B. (1979). The Elements of Style, New York: Macmillan;
8. complete a high quality document by the prescribed deadline;
9. submit required copies (see checklist for submission of seminar papers) after approval by the instructor,
and no later than the examination date for the course.

GRADING

Grading is based solely on the finished research paper. Students are awarded either credit (CR) or no credit (F). Any
paper not tamed in by the final date specified will receive a grade of "I." A grade of "I" becomes a failing grade if the paper is
not completed and approved within six weeks of the next quarter in which the student is enrolled. A grade of "PR" may be
awarded only under unusual circumstances and upon agreement of the instructor. If such circumstances arise, it is the
student's responsibility to notify the instructor immediately, and to keep the instructor informed. Grades of "I" and "PR' will
only be granted if prior permission has been obtained from the instructor.

CLASS PROCEDURES

The class will meet in seminar as indicated in order to discuss methods for searching the literature, an understanding
of the writing requirements and guidelines. After that, students will meet with the instructor, by arrangement, on an as-needed
basis. Experience dictates that some early, face-to-face conferences are preferable. During the last scheduled class, the
seminar may meet so that students can present the findings of their papers. The presentation may be part of the course
completion requirement. Each presentation should be clear, concise, and organized along the same format as the paper.
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Submission of the materials must follow prescribed timetables. Each draft should be as complete, grammatically
correct, typed and clearly edited as possible, using APA style. The instructor will indicate the need for changes and
corrections but will not write sections of the paper for students, nor serve as editor. Sloppy work or handwritten material will
be returned with reading, which will delay the work schedule.

Materials may be submitted by mail, in person, or through the instructor's mailbox. A means for the materials to be
returned. If materials are to be mailed, a stamped and addressed envelope of adequate size should be attached. Always keep a
photocopy of whatever is submitted. Effort will be made to return papers within a few days of receipt.

ORGANIZATION OF THE SEMINAR PAPER (EDAD/EDCE/EDHE 691)

The paper must conform to APA writing and referencing format and follow this suggested structure:

Prepages:
Title Page
Signature Page
Acknowledgments (optional)
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction (3 - 10 pages)
Introduction/Background
Statement of the Problem
Research Question(s)
Purpose/Significance of the Study
Delimitations
Limitations
Definition of Terms
Methodology
Organization of the Study (remaining chapters)
Chapter Two: Review of the Literature ( 10 - 30 pages)
Headings
Subheadings
Chapter Three: Analysis of the Literature (10 - 20 pages)
Use the same headings/subheadings as in Chapter Two
Chapter Four: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations (5 - 10 pages)
Summary of the Study
Conclusions
Recommendations
References - everything cited in the text
Additional References (optional) - material used but not cited in the text
Appendices

CHAPTER GUIDELINES FOR SEMINAR PAPER (EDAD/EDCE/EDHE 691)

Chapter One: Introduction (3 - 10 pages)

1. General introductory statement (background). Set the stage for your paper. State the background to the
issues(s) selected. Why is the problem or issue important? Cite supporting evidence from the literature.
2. Statement of the Problem. Clearly state in one sentence the problem or issue under investigation.
Note: This is what you are planning to do, so the verb is very important. Use verbs such as "identify,"
"compile," "list," "evaluate,"etc.
3. Research Questions(s) or Hypotheses. Clearly state the precise question(s) you will attempt to answer.
These questions further delimit the problem. It should be clear to the reader that when you answer the
research question(s) you will have solved the problem.
4. Purpose/Significance of the Study. What do you expect to accomplish from the study? Could it lead
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to any practical outcomes? For example, could you recommend new practices or policies as a result of
the research? What makes this study different from previous investigations?
5. Delimitations. Identify/list the parameters within which the research will be conducted - that is, what
will be included and exclude.
6. Limitations. State limitations or problems encountered in the literature search. For example: unavailability
of key sources or paucity of research on a particular aspect of the question(s).
7. Definition of Terms. Define relevant terms as they will be treated in your paper. Empirical studies should be
operationally define independent and dependent variables. Review the research question(s) and statement of the
problem for suggestions of words that should be included.
8. Methodology. State how the literature was researched; include such items as key words used in computer or index
searches, dates, headings used to locate books, and other search strategies. For example:
All articles listed in the Psychological Abstracts from 1980 to present under headings of "Self-concept .... ..Self-
esteem," and "Self-regard" which discussed school achievement were reviewed. These same headings with the
addition of "School achievement” were used to search ERIC from 1975 to present. A computer search using the key
words "Self-concept" and "School Achievement" was performed. Alden Library of Ohio University was searched
using "Self-concept" in the ALICE system...

Clearly state the criteria used for locating and selecting material so that another investigator using your criteria
would locate essentially the same material. This builds repeatability into your paper as well as protecting it from
accusations of bias.
9.
Organization of the Body. Summarize Chapter One and present an overview of the chapter headings and
subheadings to follow. Write this in the present tense, not past or future.

Chapter Two: Review of the Literature (10 - 30 pages)

1. What does the literature report? Objectively report the finding of others. Avoid judging, evaluating, or interpreting
the results in this chapter.
2. The chapter beginning should have a brief introduction or restatement of the problem and an explanation of how the
chapter will be organized. Present the materials in this chapter under several headings and/or subheadings. These
headings should arrange the discussion of your topic into a logical sequence such as your research questions.
Summarize the findings under each heading, and use appropriate transitions. The chapter end should summarize the
research, and describe what the next chapter will provide.

Chapter Three: Analysis of the Literature (10 - 20 pages)

1. The chapter beginning should summarize what has gone before in Chapters One and Two. Utilize the same sub-
heading organization that was used in Chapter Two.
2. What do the reports from the literature mean? Discuss the relevance of the literature to your topic. Analyze the
research methodology and point out limitation. Can generalizations be made from the results? Compare and
contrast the findings from the literature. The chapter end should summarize this discussion and describe what the
next chapter(s) will provide.

Chapter Four: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations (5 - 10 pages)

1. When completed, this chapter should stand alone. In turn, describe the purpose of the study and research
questions(s) set forth in Chapter One, summarize the literature review of Chapter Two, and the analysis of
Chapter Three. Utilize the same subheading organization it will help manage your material in the summary section;
2. On the basis of the summary, draw conclusions and make recommendations. Answer your research questions based
on the findings from the literature. Summarize and synthesize the literature in order to draw general
conclusions. The conclusions should flow logically from the summary presentations. Make practical
recommendations based upon these conclusions. Suggest methods for further investigation of your topic.

References: Everything cited in the text of the paper appears here. Only list materials you cited in the text. Follow APA style.

Additional References (Optional): If there is material which you used but did not cite in the text of the paper, it is listed here.
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Appendix: (Not required) If there are lengthy materials that you cannot bear to exclude, and that are not of your own
derivation, include them here. For example: maps, brochures, questionnaires.

Checklist for submission of Master's Research Project and Seminar Papers

1. The TITLE PAGE is properly and correctly worded and positioned on the page (see example).
2. The APPROVAL (SIGNATURE) PAGE is properly prepared and signed (see example).
3. The completed TABLE OF CONTENTS is included.
4. The typing is clear and clean; on one side of the paper; and double spaced for textual materials.
5. The PAPER used, except for appendices, is at least 50% rag content, 20 lb weight, and is standard 8 ½" by 11" size.
6. All pages are numbered consecutively and correctly.
7. MARGINS:
Left-hand margin must be a minimum of one and one-half inches (1 ½").
All other margins-top, right-hand and bottom-must be a minimum of one inch (1")
PAGE NUMBER
Should be placed on the first line under the one inch (1") margin from the top and right-hand margin.

8. Fly leaves of the same quality of paper as #5 are included in the front and back of the seminar paper.
9. Submission of THREE COPIES of the master's research project or seminar paper as follows:

a. Two copies are hardbound. One copy is for the master's research or seminar director and one copy is
for the student.

b. One copy is to be placed in a large envelope for the Curriculum and Technology Center (they will do
their own binding of this copy for the Center)

c. All copies are labeled as follows:

Name of College
Student's Name
Student's Address
Title of Master's Research Project or Seminar Paper
MED Date of quarter completed (i.e., June, 1999)

d. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the master's research project or seminar director's signature and
the Department chair's signature. It is also the responsibility of the student to make sure that the
copies are distributed properly after all signatures have been obtained.
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SAMPLE TITLE PAGE

FOR
MASTER'S RESEARCH PROJECTS AND SEMINAR PAPERS

TITLE OF MASTER'S RESEARCH PROJECT OR SEMINAR PAPER

A (Master's Research Project or Seminar Paper) Presented to

The Faculty of the College of Education

Ohio University

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of Education

by

Student's Name

June, 2000*

*Indicate the quarter and year the master's research project or seminar paper completed
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SAMPLE APPROVAL PAGE FOR

MASTER'S RESEARCH PROJECT OR SEMINAR PAPER

This (master's research project or seminar paper) has been approved

for the Department of Counseling and Higher Education*

for the Department of Educational Studies*
for the Department of Teacher Education*

**

Associate Professor of ***

Chair, Department of ________________#

*Select the appropriate department.

**If the advisor cannot be present to sign, the advisor's name should appear here, with the initials of the person who actually
signed for the advisor.
***Make sure you have the appropriate professorial title and program designation.
#Select your academic department