Other Sources: You may want to include other popular media articles, news articles, and
books. These can be used in addition to, but not in place of, scholarly articles. Online
sources, for example, may help you provide a rationale in your introduction (e.g.,
statistics about divorce, deployment, drug use, etc.).
Final Paper Assignment: Family Evaluation
Assignment: Your main project is a 20-page paper. You are required to do library
research (see annotated bibliography) and evaluate a family (from real life – through
interviews/on-going blog; or the media – through analysis of TV show/movie) based on
at least three topics covered in class. Your paper will summarize the existing research,
your argument, and what you found in your evaluation. In other words, you will compare
and contrast what is known from research on your chosen topics vs. how the family you
have chosen represents these topics. For example, movies often portray the “wicked
stepmother” (e.g., Cinderella). Does the research support this depiction? In your paper
you could evaluate Cinderella according to research on divorce, stepfamilies, intimacy,
and conflict. You will need to cite at least 15 scholarly sources in the final paper.
Your paper should include the following:
• Introduction
• Summary of existing research (literature review)
o What is known about your topics of interest? Be selective – you cannot cover
everything that’s ever been written about each of your topics (e.g., conflict),
so choose what you are most interested in discussing for your paper (e.g.,
hurtful messages).
• Analysis (comparing, contrasting, critiquing)
o You will critique the media representation or actual behaviors of your chosen
family using scholarly research. Specifically, you will identify at least 3-4
topics from class and compare and contrast each with what you see in the
• Discussion of your conclusions/argument
o Discuss how well (or not) your family represents family communication as it
is discussed in the research (restate/summarize how your analysis supports
your thesis).
o Conclude with an overall statement about the implications of your findings.
Why does it matter? What is the “so what,” in terms of media representations?
Or what does what you saw in the “real” family lead you to believe about their
functioning?
Academic Sources: Your final paper should include at least 15 scholarly sources (you
will have already annotated 12 of these sources for the annotated bibliography
assignment). The literature you review and use as the basis for your paper should come
from scholarly sources – academic journals and books. If you require assistance with
academic library searches, I am happy to help. You are also encouraged to seek help from
the library reference staff.
Other Sources: In addition to the scholarly sources, you may want to include other
popular media articles, news articles, and books. These can be used in addition to, but not
in place of, scholarly articles.
Family Communication Research Paper Guidelines
Your final paper assignment includes an in-depth analysis of family communication. For
your research paper, you will conduct library research on your chosen topic, develop
research questions, collect/analyze data, and present/discuss your results. In terms of data
collection, you can choose to conduct interviews (with at least 6 people) or locate an
online source to help answer your research questions. If you choose to conduct
interviews, you will design an interview schedule, conduct interviews, and take detailed
Your paper should be formally written and follow a style similar to a scholarly article
(qualitative research report). The paper should include the following:
a) Rationale: introduce your topic and explain why it is important. Set the context –
provide general information about the main topic, explaining it so the reader can
make sense of the topic and the questions you will be investigating. Provide
evidence for the answer to the “so what” question (i.e., previous research,
including findings or statistics, that leads you to believe the topic is important) –
tell the reader why s/he should care and keep reading.
c) Method/Analysis: Discuss your method (e.g., information about interviews or
online source, procedures, sample, etc.) and analysis procedures. Your method
assignment is designed to help you write this section.
d) Results: explain “what you found” – describe themes or patterns that emerged
during your analysis (your findings may be similar to the results noted in previous
research studies or they may be different). You will want to define your themes,
provide evidence from your data, and make sure they help answer your research
question(s).
Academic Sources: Your final paper should include at least 15 academic sources. The
literature you review and use as the basis for your paper should come from scholarly
sources – academic journals and books (preferably communication journals). If you
require assistance with academic library searches, I am happy to assist you. You are also
encouraged to seek help from the library reference staff.
Other Sources: In addition to the scholarly sources, you may want to include other
popular media articles, news articles, and books. These can be used in addition to, but not
in place of, scholarly articles.
Term Paper/Project Assignment and Topics
The following assignment requires students to relate communication to a specific area of
family life. The paper may be based on straight library research or a combination of
library and fieldwork. (Some students will have easy access to families and others will
not.) Sample types of topics might include:
• Analysis of communication patterns within selected families in literature
• Observation of specific family interactions and an analysis of the patterns (e.g.
dinner time, birthday celebrations, vacations)
• Family communication and new technologies (e.g. telecommuting)
• A carefully documented analysis of your own family-of-origin
• Communication issues within the dual-career or deal-earner marriage
• Communication within families with a member with a disability
• Family communication from a cultural perspective
• Communication issues in the family/workplace interface
• An analysis of family enrichment programs designed to enhance communication
The following suggestions will aid in organizing, sharpening the focus, and strengthening
the argument of your paper:
• Begin with an introduction that establishes the importance of the topic and the
purpose of your paper. Include an underlined, focused thesis statement. This
sentence should state the claim or argument you are making in the paper and
reduce the vagueness of a general topic.
o General: “This paper will address communication in the alcoholic family.”
Focused: “Communication in the alcoholic family reflects specific roles of
o Include subheadings: Even though the paper may be only 12 pages, a
reader is aided by internal subheadings which serve to signpost transitions
from one major topic or section to another.
sources to include, please consult with me.
• Finally, you will want to write a conclusion. Summarize your paper and tie back
to your thesis statement. You may offer new ideas for future research based on
what was missing in the literature.
• Include Reference section: use the APA style in-text and reference list
information (APA.org)
Application Paper Detailed Description & Guidelines
(Adapted from Andrea Scott, University of Central Florida)
(Option A) Family Analysis Paper ~
General Description: For this paper, you must analyze a family of your choosing. You
may elect to study a fictional family (from a television series, movie, or book) or a real
family (your own or someone close to you). By fictional family, I do not mean you are to
make one up. Rather, you should select one that “exists” in some mediated form. Each
option has its benefits and drawbacks. It may be difficult to ‘see’ the concepts or theories
from a movie, book, or TV show, but you can also re-read or watch the book/show
repeatedly to find what you are looking for. On the other hand, real families often exhibit
the concepts and theories we cover, yet you cannot rewind to study a particular
interaction. If you choose to analyze a movie or TV show I would recommend taping it
(or several episodes). If you choose to analyze a real family, I suggest you take notes or
keep a journal of interactions to aid your memory. Analyzing your own family usually
results in insight about your own family and the kind of family that you want. Not
everyone wants this experience. For many, however, this is the easiest option because
you have so much information. You must apply two concepts or theories of your
choosing. Your paper should include the following components: A) introduction, B)
required theory/concepts (includes description and example[s]/application), and C)
overall connection to family and communication.
(Option B) Theory Analysis ~
General Description: For this option, you must analyze and evaluate the family theory of
your choice. In writing the paper you will be required to discuss the theory’s major
tenets, implications for families and family communication, strengths and weaknesses,
and application to given situations. This should be more than simply a rewritten version
of a theory textbook chapter. I expect you to use outside sources (see below) and offer
what you think about the theory. This should be an informed opinion, not simply a
passing commentary. Therefore, you should read your chapter early, read the other
chapters as we progress, read any other chapters referenced in yours, and listen to lectures
and class discussions for possible connections. Begin looking around for evidence of this
theory in action. These activities will enrich your paper and your understanding of the
theory. If you are writing about a theory we do not discuss in class, I strongly suggest you
run it by me first.
(Option C) Book Analysis Paper ~
General Description: For this assignment, you are required to read a book specializing in
family success (and communication). I will need to approve your book before you begin.
You will read the book, then relate it to what we have learned in class, as always coming
back to the importance of communication in families and the practical implications for
your own family (of origin or future). You should briefly summarize the book (I strongly
stress briefly), identify overlaps between the book and course content, discuss
significance for both communication and families, and make application to your life. I
will expect that you will find commonality for at least two concepts/theories, though you
may detect and discuss more.
General Requirements (for all options):
All papers must be two – three pages, typed, double-spaced, one inch margins on all
sides, 12 pt. font. Your paper should be formatted according to APA guidelines. A
handout will be given in class and there are links listed in your syllabus. Please be sure to
follow these guidelines, as this is a component of the paper grade.
Keep in mind that these are minimums – feel free to use additional sources. There is a
list of family communication journals at the end of this handout. Don’t limit yourself to
just communication journals, but the list will provide a starting point for you.
Journals: The following journals regularly publish articles about families. Please see me
if you need assistance reading or interpreting a given article.
Family Relations
Journal of Marriage and the Family
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Human Communication Research
Gender and Society
Women and Language
Women’s Studies in Communication
Journal of Nonverbal Behavior *
Communication Theory *
Option C Book List: (You should check the university library, public libraries, or online
for the book of your choice).
The Five Love Languages (Chapman)
A Lasting Promise (Stanley, Trathen, McCain, & Bryan)
Fighting for Your Marriage (Markman, Stanley, & Blumberg)
For Men Only (Feldhahn)
The Marriage You’ve Always Dreamed of (Smalley)
Any book by John Gottman, nearly any by Les and Leslie Parrott and Gary Smalley.
Paper Evaluation Forms
(Andrea Scott)
Option A: Family Analysis Paper
Student’s Name: _________________________________
Family Evaluating (circle one): Own Other (please list): ___________________
• Key:
1 = poor 2 = below average 3 = average 4 = above average 5 = excellent
Y = 2 points N = 0 points
Theoretical Requirements: (ST 65 points, DT 35/45 points, concepts 20 points)
Systems Theory
Described in general 1 2 3 4 5
Open/Closed systems
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied 1 2 3 4 5
Interactive complexity/punctuation
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied 1 2 3 4 5
Dialectical Theory
Dialectics in general 1 2 3 4 5
Autonomy-togetherness
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied 1 2 3 4 5
Openness-closedness
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied 1 2 3 4 5
Uniqueness/Conventionality
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied 1 2 3 4 5
Other Dialectic: __________________________
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied 1 2 3 4 5
Mechanical Requirements (64 points)
APA Style correct
In-text citations 1 2 3 4 5
Reference list 1 2 3 4 5
Conclusion 1 2 3 4 5
Transitions 1 2 3 4 5
Editing quality 1 2 3 4 5
One-inch margins Y N
12-pt font Y N
Page number upper right Y N
Double spaced Y N
Three outside sources (min) Y N
Option B: Theory Analysis Paper
Student’s Name: _________________________________
Theory Evaluating: _______________________________________________
• Key:
1 = poor 2 = below average 3 = average 4 = above average 5 = excellent
Y = 2 points N = 0 points
Theoretical Requirements:
Introduces theory 1 2 3 4 5
Discuses founder 1 2 3 4 5
History 1 2 3 4 5
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied to family 1 2 3 4 5
Major tenet#5 _______________________
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied to family 1 2 3 4 5
Theoretical application to the family
Clear 1 2 3 4 5
Accurate 1 2 3 4 5
Implications for the future of F.C. 1 2 3 4 5
Mechanical Requirements (59 points)
APA Style correct
In-text citations 1 2 3 4 5
Reference list 1 2 3 4 5
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5
12-pt font Y N
Page number upper right Y N
Double spaced Y N
Option C: Book Analysis Paper
Student’s Name: _________________________________
Book Evaluating: Title _________________________
Author: _____________________________
Key:
1 = poor 2 = below average 3 = average 4 = above average 5 = excellent
Y = 2 points N = 0 points
Theoretical Requirements:(3 concepts = 50 points; 2 concepts = 40 points)
Briefly summarizes book 1 2 3 4 5
Significance/tie to communication 1 2 3 4 5
Significance/tie to families 1 2 3 4 5
Course concept/theory #3 (optional): ___________________
Described 1 2 3 4 5
Applied to book reviewed 1 2 3 4 5
Application to student’s live 1 2 3 4 5
Mechanical Requirements (64 points)
APA Style correct
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5
Body 1 2 3 4 5
Introduces family 1 2 3 4 5
Paraphrasing; no over-quoting 1 2 3 4 5
Four – Five pages Y N
One-inch margins Y N
12-pt font Y N
Page number upper right Y N
Double spaced Y N
Source cited: Book reviewed Y N
Research Paper
(Adapted from Lisa Menegatos, UNLV Honors College)
Your research paper must focus on how a specific unpredictable stressor impacts
families. Students are required to sign up for topics. Sign-ups will take place in class;
students who fail to sign up for a topic at that time will be assigned a topic by the
instructor. You can choose from the following list of unpredictable stressors:
• Death of a Child
• A Family Member’s Suicide
• Spouse or Parent w/ Cancer
• Spouse or Parent w/ Alzheimer’s
Students will write a 6 -8 page paper in which they review the scholarly literature on
their assigned topic. The paper should be informative in nature. It should be based on 8
peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles. Each article must focus on a study; as such,
each article should involve the collection and analysis of data. Each article should
investigate how your unpredictable stressor influences families. In your paper, each study
should be summarized and explained. In other words, tell the reader how each study was
conducted and what was found, with heavier emphasis on the study’s findings. You will
also need to discuss the findings of the studies in conjunction with the Double ABCX
Model and/or the Stages of Grief, both of which are discussed in Chapter 11.
The body of the paper should have between 2 and 5 main points. Those main points
should be clear and appropriate. Coming up with appropriate main points will require you
to synthesize the research. In other words, you will need to determine what the articles
for each main point have in common in terms of their focus and findings. Each main
point should be supported by least two scholarly journal articles and material from
Chapter 11 of your textbook. You will need to both summarize and synthesize the
studies related to each main point before connecting the research findings to the
Double ABCX Model and/or the Stages of Grief. The headings in your paper should
correspond with your main points.
Please note that your textbook does NOT count as one of the 8 required scholarly journal
articles. Also, magazine articles, newspaper articles, and other popular media sources do
NOT count as one of the 8 required scholarly journal articles.
The paper should be typed, in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced with 1-
inch margins and stapled in the upper left hand corner. You should have a title page and a
reference list, both of which should be in APA format. The title page and reference list do
NOT count toward the 6-8 page requirement. Please note that I will stop reading your
paper after 8 pages of text. In terms of the content of your paper, you will be graded on
the material provided in those first 8 pages. Points will be deducted for grammar
problems, writing that is unclear or too informal, and not following APA format.
Evaluation Form: Research Paper
Name: _____________________ Topic: _________________________
Introduction ______/ 15 points
-Appropriate attention grabber off top
-Introduction of topic
-Preview statement that lets reader know what main points of paper will be and the order
in which they will occur. This should be the very last sentence of intro.
Body/Review of Scholarly Literature ______/ 60 points
-Did you discuss the ways in which a specific unpredictable stressor impacts families?
-Did you use at least 8 scholarly journal articles?
-Did you show an outstanding grasp of the research?
-Did you discuss the studies in the context of unpredictable stressors & their impact on
Conclusion ______/ 15 points
-Restate the main points of your paper off the top
-Discuss what you learned from writing the paper
-Wrapped up the paper effectively so that the reader is not “left hanging”
Deductions — ______ points
-Did you have a title page with a running head, paper title, your names, and university?
–Page numbers? Was paper double spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman font w/ 1”
margins?
-Were your in-text citations in your paper in correct APA format?
-Grammar and spelling errors -Informal, unclear, or poor quality writing
-Did you have headings for your main points? -Overall organization
TOTAL: ________/ 100 POINTS