Research & Summaries Question

TOPICP:Ritual, Bonding, and Tradition: AnAnalysis of My Family’s Game Night

pease submit your research paper (complete) here. The paper should be a qualitative research paper with you interviewing at least three (3) family members to solicit knowledge a family tradition or practice to highlight the value and effects on the family. Please see the guide for the structuring of the final research paper.

Please see the syllabus for formatting instructions as

• the paper must follow APA formatting style.

You will be required to state, on a page after the reference page:

• your use and type of AI in the paper.
• AI usage must be below 20%
• AI usage at or above 20% will see a deduction of 5 points for the first 10% about the 20% and 5 points for every 5% thereafter.

Student Guide –

• Remember this is a guide, therefore, the section of the paper you have completed already just modify what you have to make it stronger and better.
• The methodology section will be new and so proceed as suggested but sure to include all the components of your research.
• Remember you are using the guide to make your paper cohesive and logical.

Cultural Anthropology Qualitative Research Paper

How Your Paper Will Be Evaluated

This guide explains what your instructor is looking for in each part of your qualitative research paper and what strong work typically looks like in cultural anthropology.

1. Research Topic & Research Question (The introduction)

What this means:
Your topic should focus on culture, meaning, or social practices, and your research question should be specific and analyticalnot just descriptive.

Strong papers usually:

• Focus on a clearly defined group, practice, or setting
• Ask how or why questions about culture, identity, power, or meaning

Strong example:

How do first-generation college students use food-sharing practices to maintain kinship and cultural identity while living on campus?

Weak example:

What do college students eat?

1. Literature Review

What this means:
You should show that you understand how anthropologists have studied similar topics and use anthropological concepts to frame your research.

Strong papers usually:

• Cite scholarly sources (not just websites)
• Use anthropological ideas (e.g., culture, symbolism, power, identity, kinship)
• Explain how prior research connects to your study

Strong example:

Using Bourdieus concept of habitus, this paper examines how everyday food practices reflect deeply rooted cultural dispositions shaped by family and class background.

Weak example:

Many researchers say food is important in culture.

1. Qualitative Methodology

What this means:
You need to explain how you collected your data and why your method makes sense for your question.

Strong papers usually:

• Clearly describe methods (interviews, participant observation, media analysis, etc.)
• Explain who participated, how data were gathered, and what was analyzed

Strong example:

This study draws on semi-structured interviews with eight students and participant observation at two communal meal events.

Weak example:

I talked to some people about my topic.

I would like to add here that you need to talk about your sample i.e. the participants in your study. Explain the reason why they were selected, their position in the community.

1. Ethics & Reflexivity

What this means:
Anthropology values ethical research and awareness of the researchers role.

Strong papers usually:

• Explain how participants were protected (consent, anonymity)
• Do not use the real name of the participants but do not say participant 1 and participant 2 etc.
• Reflect on the writers position or relationship to the community studied
• Look at how your closeness to the community and information might influence you to ask or not to ask follow-up questions because of your inside information.

Strong example:

Because I share a similar background with participants, I reflect on how my experiences shaped both access and interpretation.

Weak example:

I already knew the people I studied.

1. Data Analysis & Interpretation

What this means:
This is the most important section of your paper. You should analyze your data, not just summarize it.

Strong papers usually:

• Identify themes or patterns in the data
• Explain what these patterns mean culturally
• Connect findings to theory or literature

Strong example:

Food-sharing emerged as a symbol of care, obligation, and resistance to institutional isolation.

Weak example:

Most participants said they liked sharing food.

1. Use of Qualitative Evidence

What this means:
Your analysis should be supported by quotes, examples, or observations.

Strong papers usually:

• Integrate quotes smoothly
• Explain how each example supports a larger point

Strong example:

One participant explained, It feels like my family is still with me, highlighting how food functions as emotional connection.

Weak example:

A student said food is important.

1. Organization & Structure

What this means:
Your paper should be logically organized so readers can follow your argument.

Strong papers usually include:

• Introduction with research question
• Literature review
• Methods
• Findings/Analysis organized by themes
• Conclusion

Weak structure includes:

• Random sections
• Methods or theory appearing after analysis
• No clear conclusion

1. Writing Quality & Mechanics

What this means:
Your writing should be clear, academic, and readable.

Strong papers usually:

• Use clear sentences and paragraphs
• Proofread for grammar and spelling
• Avoid informal language and filler

Weak example:

This stuff shows culture and its very important.

1. Citations & Formatting

What this means:
You must credit sources correctly and consistently using the required citation style (APA or AAA, as assigned).

Strong papers usually:

• Include in-text citations
• Have a complete reference list
• Format sources consistently

Weak example:

According to a book I read in class

WRITE MY PAPER