1. Getting Started
First Things First - Assignment Requirements
Before you begin work on your research paper or presentation, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.
Q. How long is the paper/presentation?
The paper must be a minimum of 5 full typewritten pages, double-spaced. The oral presentation will follow the Pecha Kucha method (15 slides / 20 seconds each).
Q. How many sources?
You must have a minimum of 5 academic journal references, no older than 5 years. One of these journals must be Respiratory Care.
Q. How do you cite sources?
Use APA format to cite your sources.
Q. What is due?
You will be doing both a paper and an oral report.
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.
Q. What other requirements should you make note of?
Are there requirements to include a certain number of quotes or paraphrases? Do you need to have a certain number of paragraphs? Make note of any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any parts you're not sure about.
Selecting a Topic
The first thing you need to do before you begin a research paper is what a topic that you're going to write about. Then you will focus on finding information on a disease that affects the respiratory system. Your instructor will assign you a topic. Some examples of topics include:
- central sleep apnea
- flail chest and pneumothorax
- muscular dystrophy
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- sarcoidosis
- epiglottis/croup
- myasthenia gravis
- Guillain Barre syndrome
- lung cancer
- near drowning/wet drowning
- asbestosis/silicosis
- respiratory syncytial virus
- pulmonary embolism
- cystic fibrosis
- smoke inhalation, thermal injuries, co (carbon monoxide) poisoning
- adult respiratory distress syndrome