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Research

College Writing Research Project

All College Writing students undertake a research project on a topic of their choice.  The project culminates in an 8-10 page research paper. 

Project Objectives:

  • Students will familiarize themselves with library resources and information systems
  • Students will familiarize themselves with background information, key terms, context, and existing conversation surrounding a given subject
  • Students will articulate a focused research question and define a manageable scope for the project
  • Students will identify and differentiate disciplinary approaches in the Academy in order to process the information they gather and complement their own approach to the subject
  • Students will preview and critically evaluate source material and distinguish between popular and scholarly sources
  • Students will move beyond debate-style, report or simple synthesis towards analytical research grounded in primary source material
  • Students will coordinate multiple sources and strategically balance how those sources critically advance student’s own idea
  • Students will understand the basics of academic integrity and ethical use of intellectual property

Publication

Students have the opportunity to submit their research papers for publication.

McLeod Writing Prize

Research is a significant, valued, and valuable part of the undergraduate experience. Students whose research explores some aspect of race, gender and/or identity can be nominated for the Dean James E. McLeod First-Year Writing Prize. Winners receive a certificate of award, $250, and the possibility of publishing their work.

McLeod Writing Prize

REMAKE

REMAKE is a space for the new thought and vision of first-year undergraduate students. Current first-year students can submit any work produced during their first year of undergraduate study. Accepted work will be published in an annual print and digital issue and all submitted work will be considered for REMAKE Forum and the annual REMAKE contest.

REMAKE

Mendel Sato Research Award

The Sato Research Award is looking for projects that draw from research conducted with the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections. Projects can be in any medium from written papers to multimedia projects. Winning students will receive a $500 prize and their work will be preserved in the University Libraries' Digital Collections.

Sato Research Award

Library

The University Libraries offer students access to research collections, popular and scholarly resources, research assistance online and in person, and spaces to study. Each College Writing section will be assigned a librarian. Librarians are available to advise on any aspect of the research process including finding, accessing, using, and citing information. Librarians also have subject expertise in almost all majors offered on campus, and can also assist with research and data management.

College Writing Library Guide

Students' Research Surveys

Students can create surveys to collect data for their College Writing research projects. You can contribute to their research by completing the surveys below:* 

Survey on Academic Ability-Based Grouping

WashU Students' Class Participation Survey

AI University Use - Student Survey

AI University Use- Faculty Survey

Study Break

Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) Ratings Form

Survey on Sleep Quality and Personality in Young Adults

Porn Consumption and Sexual Violence

High School Friendship Maintenance

Feeling Stressed - Do you know about WashU's stress management resources?

What are your views on AI?

Student Involvement and Belonging Survey

Francis Field Orientation

Female College Students Instagram Use Survey

Survey on College Students’ Use of Electronic Devices During Meals 

College Student Sleep and Mental Health Survey

What factors do WashU students consider when deciding their majors?

Socioeconomic Status and Academic Self-Efficacy

Dreams and Money

What are your opinions on Eco-tourism and its effects on endangered species?

Pig vs. Dog

Urban Infrastructure and Citizen Wellbeing Survey

Do You Question Therapy?

Views on Wokeness, Cancel Culture, Gen Z, Politics and White Liberalism/Feminism

Perceptions of Country-of-Origin Labels in Fashion

Social Media and Algorithmic Feeds

LinkedIn Questionnaire

Personal Educational Technology in Elementary Schools

Cannabis Compliance

Wikipedia and Public Knowledge

Justice Outside the Law: Public Perceptions of Vigilante Action and Institutional Failure

Study Breaks

Campus Cuisine & Cultural Identity

AI-generated vs. Human-made Art Experiment

AI in the Arts: Survey for Sam Fox students

Social Media and Viewer Perception

WashU Nutrition and Costs


 

To submit your research survey for inclusion on this page, please complete the Survey Link Submission Form.

 

*All data will be used only for educational purposes and is neither intended to develop/contribute to generalizable knowledge, nor to be shared outside of coursework.  If identifiable information is collected, it will not be shared or released.  Occasionally, College Writing research projects are featured in university-sponsored events, prizes, and publications (Remake, the A&S Undergraduate Research Symposium, the James E. McLeod First-Year Writing Prize, Emerging Voices) and your responses to these surveys may inform such shared materials.