1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on your research paper, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How long is the paper?

The paper must be at least 4 pages long plus citations page.

Q. How many sources?

You will need to incorporate at least 4-outside sources.

Q. What kind of sources?

Your sources should be a mix of scholarly books/journals and other credible articles, websites, videos, etc. Your sources should be current (published within the last 10 years).

Q. How do you cite sources?

You will use MLA format for your citations. You may want to remind yourself what information you need to create the MLA Works Cited page and in-text citations.

Q. What is due?

A paper and an Annotated Bibliography is due. Check your assignment, which includes a rubric for both the annotated bibliography and final paper. Make note of all the parts of the assignment and create a checklist to make sure you don't forget any part.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this paper or project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Selecting a Topic

Choose one topic from the list below. You will write about the same topic you research and find sources for your Annotated Bibliography.

Social Media Algorithms: How do "For You" pages, recommendations, or algorithms shape what information people see?
News and Information Sources: How can people evaluate news sources and identify reliable information online?
AI and Digital Tools: How are AI tools changing the way we create, detect, or interact with information?
Digital Privacy and Data: How do companies collect and use personal data, and what are the implications?
Online Communities and Echo Chambers: How do online spaces shape beliefs and reinforce or challenge viewpoints?