Disaster Response
RESEARCH ASSESSMENT PAPER INSTRUCTIONSThe purpose of this paper is to identify and describe a current disaster research need. This paper will be the foundation for developing a potential research proposal. As such, an extensive search of the existing literature is required with scholarly and academic sources being properly cited. An evaluation of the literature will be used to develop a topic, problem statement, and conclusion.The paper must strictly follow current APA guidelines, be 1,0001,600 words, and include at least 5 sources. To achieve the goals of this paper, more than the minimum number of sources may be necessary.You must clarify the issues being discussed by relating them to scriptural/biblical principles and personal experience.At a minimum, the following sections are required: Introductiono Provide a brief introduction about the key elements in the paper. Background and Problem Statemento Preliminary research must be conducted using practitioners, government sources, articles, etc., to identify and support the problem. The background must include citations from these sources to support your position and problem statement.o The problem statement will describe the situation and present issues as well as identifying one or more problematic issues. The problem statement must be clear and concise (approximately 200 words). Literature Reviewo The literature review is a critical component of a proposal. This section highlights what has been achieved related to your topic. Answer the following questions: What has been tried? What were the conclusions? What do researchers agree or disagree about? What are the central themes and arguments in current studies? What is missing from current studies?o Scholarly articles are required. Although some information from government sources may be used sparingly, approximately 80% of the review should incorporate recent scholarly articles (published within the last 5 years). o Do not state your opinion in this section. All information provided must be properly cited and must be from quality academic sources. To achieve this, use direct quotations, paraphrases, and synthesized information from multiple sources. For example, this statement synthesizes the opinions of 4 scholars: Researchers have argued that disaster planning is critical to minimizing the negative effects for emergency responders (Brown, 2010; Caldwell, 2009; Moore, 2011; Stanley, 2008). Conclusiono Summarize your findings. What are the key points in the literature?o What type of study is needed (i.e., qualitative or quantitative)? What or who should be studied (e.g., police chiefs, emergency responders, citizens, etc.)? What geographic area will be studied (if any)? Explain why you chose these elements.o Why is it important to study this topic? Are there any potential issues with studying this topic? Key points to include: o All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way (introduction, background and problem statement, and literature review.o The paper develops a central theme or idea, directed toward the appropriate audience.o The paper links theory to relevant examples of current experience and industry practice and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctlyo The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews majoro The content is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive.o The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points.o Research is adequate/timely. Writer has gone beyond textbook for resources. At least 5 sources are included to support the evaluation and analysis. Approximately 80% of the review should incorporate recent scholarly articles.
