Guidelines for Research Paper

The research paper is a chance for you to explore another culture by interviewing someone from another country. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to understand and apply course concepts, theory and scholarly works (both from our course readings and sources you will find) in a meaningful way.

1. You will be expected to conduct an in-person interview (if possible if not virtual is okay) with a person who grew up in a different country. If you feel it is just not possible to find someone to interview, try using a penpal website or other virtual methods to complete the assignment (such as: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/offbeat/how-to-find-a-pen-pal-online)
2. Information gathered from the interview will be used to write a research paper. Your paper should cover specific elements noted in the rubric below. You will find instructions and sample questions for the interview below the rubric (this information is also provided in Module 3 where you submit the assignment).Note: Do not include questions or answers from your interview in this paper as direct quotes. Information from the interview should be utilized to create a cohesive paper that addresses the criteria stated in the assignments guidelines and rubric. Relevant, cultural psychology-based, scholarly work should be utilized as you work to explain the experience of the interviewee, as it relates to the criteria in the rubric.

Rubric

Criteria

Points

Introduction (interviewee basic info, purpose & content of paper)

10

Cultural similarities/differences discussed (scholarly support expected)

25

Acculturation challenges & helpful behaviors discussed (scholarly support expected)

25

Hofstede Dimensions – include chart for country of interviewee (to what extent does this align/not align w/info from interviewee) (scholarly support expected)

10

Plan to Adapt for your move to interviewee’s country of origin (see below; include interviewee advice; scholarly support is also expected)

10

Summary conclusion with questions substantively answered (see below)

10

APA Style, Grammar, Organization

10

Additionally, the paper should:

• be 5 – 7 pages in length (actual writing), essay format, using APA style. Include a title page, be double –spaced, 12 font, and include an APA reference section at the end.
• include research from at least 3 scholarly articles to support your work. 3 Scholarly journal articles (2 must be less than 10 years old). Heine should also be cited often.Note: paper should include a minimum of 10 in-text citations spread throughout the paper. No quotes, integrate with content appropriately.Scholarly work should be utilized substantively throughout this paper to explain the experience of the interviewee utilizing concepts, ideas and they from the study cultural psychology specifically. This is a critical element in the paper that is attached to a large number of points as indicated by the rubric. Focus on addressing criteria in the rubric as you compose the essay. Section headings are welcomed, as clear organization is expected.
• include proper citations. Cite your interview as such (Smith Interview, 2018) for example. All other citations should be APA style.

Summary Conclusion Questions: Must answer all substantively

Plan to Adapt:

Suppose you just learned you are moving to your interviewee’s country of origin in six months for an indefinite stay.

For the first six months, you will live with a family from that culture. You will also attend school and work part-time.

How will you have to adjust your attitudes and behaviors in order to get along and have a positive experience during your semester abroad? Be sure to discuss your interviewee’s advice in your response.

Final General Questions:

What do you feel are the highlights of your learning in conducting this interview and writing this research paper?

What did you learn about yourself?

 

 The country I chose is Haiti