Guidelines for Writing a Policy Research Paper

Title Page
Include title, name and other info., do not put your name anywhere else in paper.

Abstract
An abstract is a brief synopsis and summary of your research. It should be no more than 200 words and should accurately and succinctly review your research, findings, and conclusions.

Introduction
The introductory section should cover all of the following content issues:

• The research purpose-what you’re doing.
• The problem or issue to be examined-the central problem or policy area.
• The intended audience-who you’re writing to.
• The sources of information to be used-books, journals, laws, etc..
• The intended outcome of the research-what you hope to find.
• The thesis statement- a brief, succinct statement of the intentions of your research.  "This research will... This will be accomplished by... This will be followed with... The results will....

Historical, Legal, and Theoretical Context
The first part of a literature and conceptual review.

• Discuss the history of the issue you’re researching.
• Discuss the legal constraints, opportunities, problems, and issues relevant to the issue you’re researching.
• Discuss the theoretical context of the issue.

Review of Programs and/or Practice
The second part of a literature and conceptual review.

• Outline the results of previous empirical research.
• Survey and report on the practices and policies of other political entities who are dealing with problems relevant to your issue.
• Compare and contrast the research findings and practices you’ve reviewed.

Discussion of Relevant Issues
A detailed analysis of the central problem, sub problems, and other issues concerning your topic in relation to your forgoing review.

• Identify and summarize the key issues.
• Identify and discuss constraints and opportunities.
• Identify competing choices.
• Cost/benefit analysis of choices.
• Realistic assessments of what's possible and what's not.

Conclusion/Recommendations
The final section where you summarize and take a position.

• Restate the research purpose.
• Restate the relevancy and applicability of the topic.
• Restate the problem or issue you examined.
• Presentation of your conclusions.
• Detailed presentation of you recommendations.
• Explain how the recommendations will address the problem or issue.

Bibliography

Appendices (If necessary)
 
 

URL: http://www.unt.edu/cjus/prp.htm
Originally created by Tory J. Caeti, Eric J. Fritsch, and Rebecca Box.
Redesign by Tory J. Caeti and Chris Sloat
Last Modified: March 1, 2001
Copyright (c) 2001
Comments to: Dr. Tory J. Caeti UNT CJUS Webmaster