Final Research Paper

Research the responsibility of a critical thinker in a contemporary
society. You may choose Obesity as a topic that deals with a contemporary social
concern. Examine the principles of critical thought in relation to the
chosen societal concern, and consider the importance of ethics, moral
reasoning, a research-based process to search for truth, and the
advantages of information technology in gathering data.

Your Final Research Paper should:

1. Include a literature review of three scholarly sources based on
   the selected contemporary issue. Analyze the validity of the author’s
   arguments and/or biases.
2. Explain how academic knowledge impacts the social elements and institutions of both local and global communities.
3. Assess how the principles of active citizenship could impact the contemporary issue during the next five to ten years.
4. Include at least one reference to a multimedia component (i.e.,
   podcast, interactive website, blog, or video) and evaluate the relevance
   of this piece in relationship to academic knowledge and the selected
   issue.

The paper must be 12 to 14 pages in length (excluding the title and
reference pages) and formatted according to APA style. You must use at
least 12 scholarly sources, six of which can be found in the
Online Library.  Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on
the reference page. For information regarding APA, including samples and
tutorials, visit the Writing Center within the Learning
Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Writing the Final Research Paper
The Final Research Paper:

1. Must be 12 to 14 double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   • Title of paper
   • Student’s name
   • Course name and number
   • Instructor’s name
   • Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
6. Must use at least 12 scholarly sources, including a minimum of six from the Online Library.
7. Must document all sources in APA style.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style.