GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

You are asked to pose a research question and write a literature review.  The review must address three issues: the nature of the problem, its importance, and any special problems in answering the question that prior research has identified.

The nature of the problem.  This section describes what the problem is.  You may give examples, provide a narrative description, or cite the descriptions or explanations of the problem found in the literature.

The importance of answering the research question.  Offering arguments or citing literature that the problem is very severe; very extensive; or that it has drawn the attention of news media, interest groups, or policy makers justifies the importance of answering the research question.  The importance of answering the question may also be justified by discussing the consequences for society if it is or is not answered.

Problems to answering the question that have been identified by prior research.  If prior research has identified roadblocks or problems to answering the question, those problems should be described and, if possible, suggestions made for reducing those problems.

The assignment will be graded according to the extent to which you clarify the nature of the problem, how well you justify answering the research question, and the adequacy of the citations and references.  Bonus points will be given if there is a special problem in answering the research question for which you identify a way of minimizing or eliminating it.  Three to five pages.