Topic:
School Shootings in U.S. (I need to answer an empirical question) and tie it to a policy.
30 pages including abstract, references, graphs, images, tables
I have researched the datasets because I will need to use raw data to conduct analysis. Once I have an email from your end, I can provide more detailed information regarding the style and format
Goals of Capstone
• Conduct an original data analysis that addresses a real-world challenge in politics, policy or governance.
• Present the findings and conclusions in a compelling narrative.
• The final paper should make an argument that is supported with quantitative evidence. The aim is to convince the reader of something.
• The prose and quantitative evidence should be presented formally and in a reader-friendly manner.
Required Components
The final paper must have the following sections (though the exact section names may be modified). The paper should also have subsections where appropriate. The paper is likely to require subsections in the literature review/theoretical framework and results sections.
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
• Data and Methods
• Results
• Conclusion
• References
• Appendices (if necessary)
• Curriculum Vita or Summary Paragraphs
Overview of Components
1. Abstract: The abstract should be approximately 150 words. It should convey the main argument of the paper as concisely as possible. In addition, it should hook the reader and convince them to read the rest of the paper.
2. Introduction: This section (2-3 pages) should, again, state the main argument of the paper. It should explain what the paper finds and why these findings are interesting and important.
3. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: This section (5-7 pages) should situate the research within the existing scholarly work on the subject and provide a theoretical framework for the paper’s research question and argument. After reading the literature review, the reader should understand how the paper contributes to the existing knowledge of the topic.
4. Data and Methods: This section (2-4 pages) should describe the data used and methodological choices made to conduct the analysis. This might include descriptions of the variables, coding choices, data merging processes, model selection, etc. It is likely that this section will include one or more tables/graphs of descriptive statistics to orient the reader to the data.
5. Results: This section (8-10) pages should present your findings. Your findings should be presented in polished tables and/or graphs. Your argument is likely to have several parts – you should walk the reader through the analysis and findings. Present quantities of interest whenever possible.
6. Conclusion: This section (2-3 pages) should re-state the main argument and key findings, discuss the limitations of the research, discuss future avenues for research on the topic and discuss relevant policy implications.
7. References: All references cited in the text should appear in a reference list following the conclusion.
8. Appendices (only if necessary): There is no page limit to the appendices, but please use your best judgment.
9. Curriculum Vita: This section can take the form of either a traditional resume, CV or 1-3 paragraphs that discuss the author’s relevant academic and professional experiences.
Stylistic Guidelines
• Length
◦ The paper has a MAXIMUM length of 30 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font), inclusive of the text, tables, figures and references. You may include appendices if needed.
• Organization
◦ The paper should have a rigorous organizational structure. You should include sections and subsections as appropriate.
Sections and subsections should be numbered (sections numbered 1, 2, 3… and subsections numbered 1.1, 1.2…2.1, 2.2…).
Section and subsection headings should be clear and informative. Try just reading the section and subsection headings – the reader should be able to deduce your main argument from these headings alone.
• Tables and Graphs
◦ All tables and graphs should be numbered (Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2).
◦ All tables and graphs should have a meaningful title.
◦ Each table and graph should make a specific contribution to the main argument. Do not include a table or graph simply to prove that you did work.
◦ Each table and graph that is included should be discussed in the text.
◦ All tables and graphs should be presented in final form (all axes labeled, meaningful variable names, etc.) – no raw statistical output whatsoever!
• References
◦ In-text references must be cited with footnotes (Chicago Style).
◦ A full reference list should also appear after the Conclusion (Chicago Style).
• Other
◦ Avoid the use of “I” and “we.” Talk about what the paper demonstrates and what the tables/graphs show (not what you did or your opinions).
◦ Your audience consists of busy readers. They are reading the paper because they are interested in the research question and want to know the answer. Make your reader’s job as easy as possible.
◦ You should be transparent about the limitations of your research (but be mindful to not undermine your argument too much). Stand by your findings, but also recognize any major problems with your research.
Order and Content
1. Front Matter
a. Title page
b. Abstract (150 words)
d. Table of Contents
2. Text
a. Introduction (2-3 pages)
b. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework (5-7 pages)
c. Data and Methods (2-4 pages)
d. Results (8-10 pages)
e. Conclusion (2-3 pages)
3. Back Matter
a. References
b. Appendices
Application of theories of social science research, analysis using quantitative methods, descriptive statistics, causal inferences, visualization, machine learning (if they can code) and use predictive model.
Mainly all ties to use original data, conduct analysis to answer an empirical research question regarding to a policy, governance and presenting that via visuals