You will write a 5-6 page research paper on a specific topic in public relations. You may select any topic you’d like, as long as it addresses concepts covered in this course. The focus of your paper is the topic as it relates to the discipline of public relations and the public relations practice.

Key dates:

• Final research paper is due. (60 pts)

Your paper should include a minimum of six publication sources other than your textbook for a passing paper. Appropriate publication sources include journals and books, not literature found on websites. Many appropriate publications are found on scholarly databases accessible through the CSULB website, including ABI/INFORM Complete, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and ScienceDirect.

Please include a separate page of references, following the guidelines in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA Style). Be sure to reference your work clearly in your paper. For instance, frequently cite your sources (i.e., Bowen, 2001) and include that source in your list of references. We will review APA style in class, and a quick reference sheet is located on the library web page.

For full credit, students must follow these guidelines in their paper:

• All research papers must be typed, double-spaced with a one-inch margin on each side.
• Do NOT include a cover sheet.
• Make your typeface 12-point Times Roman or Arial. Set your type flush left, ragged right and indent your paragraphs.
• Center the (creative!) title of your research paper at the top of the page and make it boldface.

Your research papers will be graded on the following:

• Topic/thesis stated clearly in the introduction – The reader should have a very clear picture of what your paper will discuss after reading the introduction.
• Information is presented in a logical order – Does your paper flow? Are the ideas tied together with logical transitions?
• In-depth research and good analysis – Did you dig deep into your sources to find solid information? Did you adequately analyze the topic? Did you compare and contrast the various points of view presented in your sources?
• Clear and concise – Is your writing style clear? Are your points made in a concise manner?  Do your sentences and paragraphs make sense?
• Conclusion – Is your conclusion strong and supported by the other details outlined in your paper? Does the conclusion tie back to your topic sentence or thesis statement?
• Sources – Did you use at least six solid sources? Are at least five from scholarly and professional journals? Are all works properly cited in your paper?
• Grammar and usage – Do you use proper grammar? Are sentences structured correctly?  Is Associated Press style used appropriately?
• POINT DEDUCTIONS – Points will be deducted for spelling errors, typos, late or missing topic/source submission, late papers, lack of participation in the peer review process, and lack of depth in research.

Suggested Sources:

Scholarly Journals – Journals such as Public Relations Review and the Journal of Public Relations Research are excellent sources. Students will find countless journals in their subject area.  Examples of just some of the publications considered appropriate would include Communication Quarterly, Health Communication, Journal of Communication, New Media & Society, Design Issues, Journal of Mass Media Ethics, Ethnic Studies Review, Journal of Advertising, Communications and the Law, Public Opinion Quarterly, Gender & Society, Written Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, California Management Review, Sloan Management Review, Business Horizons, Business Forum, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of International Affairs, Business and Society Review, Journal of Advertising Research, Sociology of Sport Journal, Journal of Sport Behavior, Sociology of Sport Journal, and Social Behavior and Personality. Be sure that if you use a journal article, the focus of the article is on public relations and your subject matter. 

Public Relations Reference Materials – You’ll find some excellent public relations reference materials, such as the Encyclopedia of Public Relations. Depending on your topic, they can be invaluable for you.

Scholarly Books in Public Relations – Don’t overlook these rich sources of study. Examples in this category include the Handbook of Public Relations, Deconstructing Public Relations, Women in Public Relations, and Manager’s Guide to Excellence in Public Relations and Communication Management.  Public Relations Textbooks and Biographical Books – Textbooks on public relations can be extremely useful sources. For example, students will find at least 20 different public relations principles texts, such as Public Relations: The Profession and the Practice, Today’s Public Relations, The Practice of Public Relations:  A Values-Driven Approach, Public Relations Concepts and Practices, Managing Public Relations, Public Relations in Action, Experts in Action, Effective Public Relations, Essentials of Public Relations, Public Relations: The Necessary Art, and Public Relations: A Contemporary Approach, and probably the same number of public relations writing and media relations textbooks. And, you’ll find numerous public relations textbooks in campaign development, such as Developing the Public Relations Campaign: A Team-Based Approach, Strategic Planning for Public Relations, and Managing Systematic and Ethical Pubic Relations.  You’ll also find many books on employee relations, community relations, multicultural relations, crisis communications and biographical books. Examples in this area include Public Relations in the Marketing Mix, Crisis Communications, International and Intercultural Public Relations, Arthur W. Page, and Bernays: The Later Years.

Public Relations Trade Publications – Some trade publications may be helpful. They include publications such as Public Relations Quarterly, Public Relations Strategist, Public Relations Journal, Communication World, Public Relations Tactics, Ragan’s Media Relations Report, PR News, PR Reporter, PR Week, The Ragan Report, Agency, American Demographics, and Speechwriter’s Newsletter.