Research Milestone #1 Literature Review The literature review assignment has three parts: (1) self-reflection, (2) literature review, and (3) references. The requirements for each element are outlined below. Self-Reflection Instructions 2 to 3 pages 45 points In this self-reflection, you should reflect on your learning in this assignment and offer an action plan for how to meet the learning objectives of this assignment. This part of the assignment should be written in essay format. A. Learning Objectives (20 pts): Reflect on (1) which of the following learning objectives you achieved and (2) which learning objectives continue to need improvement. Reflect on why you achieve or did not achieve each of the learning objectives for this assignment. Learning Objective 1: Students will learn to find social scientific research about communication. Learning Objective 2: Students will comprehend the current state of research on their selected research topic. Learning Objective 3: Students will learn to summarize and evaluate academic research. Learning Objective 4: Students will learn to develop an argument about their research project that is informed by previous academic research on the topic. Learning Objective 5: Students will learn how to develop a research question or hypothesis based on previous research. B. Feedback (10 pts): What part of this assignment do you need the most feedback to be more successful on the next draft of your paper? What is preventing you from achieving all of the learning objectives? What parts of the assignment remain unclear to you? How can we help you? Use this space to converse with the instructors on how to best support your development on this assignment. C. Action Plan (15 pts): Develop an action plan on how to achieve the learning objectives that continue to need improvement. This action plan should include concrete steps that you need to take to achieve each learning outcome in the final research paper. Literature Review Instructions 5 to 6 pages, excluding references 45 points This assignment is a literature review on your research topic and research question. The goal of a literature review is to summarize the current state of research on a topic and identify a research gap. In other words, you identify what we know about your topic and what we do not know yet. This literature should include (1) introduction, (2) review of research, and (3) hypothesis or research question. You need to provide at least 10 academic citations, likely more, in APA 7th edition format. In total, this assignment should be about 5 to 6 pages long in APA formatting. A. Introduction (20 pts): The introduction of your assignment should provide motivation for the project, articulate the research problem you have identified, offer a compelling reason for studying this communication behavior, and a thesis statement. The last paragraph should clearly state your intention and thesis (e.g., ‘In this project, we aim’ or ‘The goals of this research are threefold:..’). The thesis statement should summarize the argument you will make in the paper, based on what you have learned from the current state of academic research as well as the contribution of your research project. The introduction should be approximately 1 to 1.5 pages. The introduction should include the following: a. Statement of problem and importance of topic b. Provide the broad research question of the project c. Declare the overall goals for this research project d. Provide an thesis about your research topic B. Literature Review (25 pts): The literature review should provide a theoretical framework for your paper, define key concepts (e.g., extraversion, toxic masculinity, political ideology, etc.) , provide a review of previous research on this topic, synthesize previous research into a hypothesis or research question. You should complete the literature review in 4 to 5 pages. Students should use in-text citations when appropriate, and students should avoid quoting research articles. There are two ways of doing in-text citations: (1) Last Name and Last Name (Year) or (2) (Last Name & Last Name, Year). Do not include the title of the article or journal as part of the in-text citation. The focus on the literature review should be what the study found, not on the literature review of setting up the study. The literature review should include the following elements: a. Provide a theoretical framework for understanding the communication behavior you are investigating in your research project b. Provide conceptual definitions of key concepts you will investigate in this project c. Summarize and evaluate the findings of at least 10 academic journal articles about your research problem e. Integrate 10 academic journal articles together to establish a research gap about your research problem for your research project to address f. Generate a hypothesis based on the literature reviewed References Instructions 10 points At the end of their paper, students should list at least 10 credible academic journal articles that were cited in-text in their literature review. Do not include non-academic articles or articles that were not cited. All references should be in APA 7th edition, and references do not count towards the page limit. You should avoid including critical cultural and rhetoric papers because these are from a different paradigm of research that we do not cover in this course. Please refer to APA Reference List: Articles in Periodicals (Purdue OWL) for more information: Example APA Citations: Taylor, S. H., Ledbetter, A. M., & Mazer, J. P. (2020). Initial specification and empirical test of media enjoyment theory. Communication Research, 47(8), 1426-1271. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650217741029 Taylor, S. H., & Bazarova, N. N. (2018). Revisiting media multiplexity: A longitudinal test of media use in romantic relationships. Journal of Communication, 68(6), 1104-1126. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqy055 Checklist before submitting ? Paper starts with a communication problem ? Thesis statement within the introductory section ? A theoretical framework is used to understand the problem ? All key concepts in research question or hypothesis are explicitly defined ? Gaps in research or open questions are stated ? Review of literature focuses on the results (at least) 10 different academic studies ? Previous research is summarized in your own words ? All paragraphs have a topic sentence ? All sections end with a transition statement or concluding thoughts ? Each article that is reviewed is discussed in connection to one another ? ? ? ? ? No more than 1 short quotation from previous research Redundant topics are removed Topics that do not directly connect with RQ/Hypothesis are removed Research question or hypothesis is stated explicitly at the end of the literature review Check for plagiarism with SafeAssign Literature Review Outline Sample I. Introduction a. Describe the topic that you have been investigating, why it is important to the field b. Give a ‘big picture’ of the literature. c. Present a thesis or argument statement -why is it important to explore this topic? 1-1.5 pages 1 II. Theme A’-USes and gratification a. Overview of characteristics of the theme (commonalities, differences, nuances) b. Sub-theme -narrow but grouped findings related to the theme i. Study 1 (Research question(s), Methods/Participants, Related Findings) ‘In a qualitative study examining Latino high school students, Campos (2016) found that the participants had unique academic experiences due to their location in a suburban neighborhood. Using in-depth interviews, Campos determined that….” ii. Study 2 (Research question(s), Methods/Participants, Related Findings) In a similar study with African American high school students, Sung (2015) identified three key factors that impacted students’academic experiences in rural settings, which are….. Sung surveyed students across three different high schools, which may partially explain differences in responses…. iii. Study 3 (Research question(s), Methods/Participants, Related Findings) iv. Do these studies share commonalities? How do these studies differ? Discuss c. Sub-theme narrow but grouped findings related to the theme i. Study 4 (Research question(s), Methods/Participants, Related Findings) ii. Study 5 (Research question(s), Methods/Participants, Related Findings) iii. Study 6 (Research question(s), Methods/Participants, Related Findings) iv. Do these studies share commonalities? How do these studies differ? Discuss d. Etc., etc., etc. with other findings that fit Theme A; studies can be repeated if there are multiple findings that fit under more than one theme. However, no need to re-write methods/participants in detail (just enough to remind the reader about the study). III. Theme B -follow a, b, c, and so on from above IV. Keep repeating with themes V. Conclusion: An evaluation/critique of the existing literature. a. What are the contributions of this literature to the field? b. Return to your thesis statement c. What are the overall strengths? d. What are the overall weaknesses? e. What might be missing? f. What are some next steps for research? The next steps should explicitly address how to ‘correct’ for strengths, weaknesses, and gaps. as subconscious. 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Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.