Purpose (no Bold Heading needed): This memo evaluates the research conducted and draws implications about the future work of the project. (You need to state the purpose as specifically as possible.)
Background of Problem
Provide background information on the problem. State why it is important. Do not go overboard here; tailor the depth and type of information to the planning group’s needs.
Summary: Literature
You need to create an analytical annotated bibliography of all relevant secondary sources: literature. State how each study, article, newspaper story, or website analysis has helped you understand and solve the problem. You should use understandable and engaging language. You should include examples from the article that you can use to answer your research question [from The Proposal to Conduct a Study].)
You need to discuss a minimum of 6 pieces of literature (10 for a group).
- Bibliography follows the appropriate citation style (MLA, APA, CBE/CSE, etc.).
- Explanation of main purpose of the work—basically, its thesis.
- Verification or critique of the authority or qualifications of the author.
- Comments on the usefulness of the work as it relates to your own research project: what research question does it answer?
- The point of view or perspective from which the work was written. For instance, you may note whether the author seemed to have particular biases or was trying to reach a particular audience.
Implications
Study your results carefully and identify any implications for solutions that those findings suggest. You should provide a sequence of information with a logical path: If the research shows X, what are the implications of those findings for the population the project serves?
Conclusion
Conclude the memo with a short summary of the main points. Tell the recipient that you are available to answer questions, provide follow-up information, and assist with next steps. Provide email and phone number. Your memo argues that your project is doable and that you can become an expert on this topic. (Note: Conversely, the inability to find resources is a powerful clue that your topic is not likely to work. Tell me as soon as possible that you cannot find resources, so we can explore other strategies about your topic.)
“Can prevention work where it is needed most?” by Denise Gottfredson
- This article addresses the generalizability of research showing that certan preventive interventions reduce youth involvement in undesirable behaviors. Amidle school with multiple organizational problems attempted to implement a comprehensive prevention program aimed at increasing social competencies, social bonding, an school success using program components that had been demonstrated in prior research to reduce problem behavior. The program never reached the expected levels of implementation, and no dependable effects on youth behaviors or attitudes were observed. The results are placed in the context of research that had repeatedly shown that prevention programs work best in amenable settings
“School Crime Control and Prevention,” by Denise Gottfredson.
- School violence, drug use, vandalism, gang activity, bullying, and theft are costly and interfere with academic achievement. Fortunately, crime victimization in schools for students and teachers followed a downward tren in national crime rates during the 1990’s and has remained at a relatively low level since 2000. Youths are as likely to be victimized in school as out when it comes to theft and minor assaults, but the most serious assaults tend to occur outside of school. Despite the high rates of crime in school, school crime plays a relatively minor role in juvenile criminal careers. A variety of instructional programs can reduce crime, such as thos that teach self-control or social competency skills using cognitive behavioral or behavioral instructional methods. Schools in which rules are clearly stated, are fair, and are constantly enforced, and in which students participate in establishing mechanisms for reducing misbehavior, experience less disorder.
