Choosing a New WWS JP Topic When Your Initial One Falters
Andrea Reino, Social Sciences Correspondent
In the world of academic research, change can be a necessary step towards growth. This is especially true when it comes to choosing a Junior Paper (JP) topic for a research seminar. One author, who has gone through this process multiple times, shares their experiences and tips for navigating this challenging yet rewarding journey.
The author's initial JP topic was broad and not empirical enough, leading to negative feedback. However, they learned from this experience and spent a significant amount of time developing a new topic, which led to enthusiasm and excitement. The new focus was on the gap between articulated written policy and actual procedure in women's prisons in New York, specifically regarding shackling inmates during labor and delivery.
To gather detailed and legally grounded examples for this research paper, the author recommends starting with legal databases, public court records, and advocacy reports. For instance, the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm's coverage of medical neglect and shackling cases in New York, New York State Senate bill texts and legislative records on anti-shackling laws, and human rights or prisoners’ rights organizations' reports on reproductive healthcare abuses in incarcerated women in New York are all valuable starting points.
When changing topics, it's crucial to edit the research plan and questions to be specific to the new focus. The author followed a pro-tip to avoid starting over completely: trying to find a way to change the focus just enough so it works within the context of the assignment, while still retaining some of the original ideas.
The author's second JP topic change was during R3 days, a crucial time for making such decisions. However, they are currently going through the process for a second time. The author believes that narrowing down the JP focus was more useful in the long run, as it allows for a more focused problem on a local, state level instead of a federal lens.
Preparing for a senior thesis requires more than just choosing a topic. Funding your research is another crucial aspect. The WWS Task Force, for example, is a great resource for securing funding for research projects.
In conclusion, changing a JP topic can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can lead to a more focused and rewarding research experience. The author's journey serves as a reminder that change, while challenging, can lead to growth and success.
In the author's journey, they learned that refining a Junior Paper (JP) topic can be a challenging but rewarding process, leading to a more focused and successful research experience. Besides choosing a topic, preparing for a senior thesis also necessitates securing funding for research projects, such as through resources like the WWS Task Force. On the other hand, obtaining a personal-growth opportunity and education-and-self-development through a JP, the author invested time in learning to gather detailed examples from legal databases, public court records, and advocacy reports, while also suggesting editing the research plan and questions to align with the new focus.
