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RESEARCH PAPER GUIDE

THE RESEARCH PHASE
The following is a list of possible topics for a research paper. Select an area that interests you, research it very thoroughly and write a research paper.

Since part of the purpose of this assignment is to gather the latest information in these areas, limit your research primarily to recent trade publications. It is assumed that you will draw upon numerous sources of information in doing this paper and that you will have at least 5 references to at least 3 different articles.

Possible Topic Areas:
  • Innovations in digital visualization technologies, 3-D or otherwise
  • The latest approaches to modeling
    (splines, bones, lofting/skinning, cross sections, digitizing, motion capture, etc.)
  • New technologies in rendering algorithms
  • Application of 3-D modeling to gaming
  • Ethical issues in 3-D images
  • Integrating 3-D modeling with real world video
  • Desktop video editing systems for 3-D animation
  • Special 3-D effects for video/TV or film
  • Virtual Reality
  • Careers in 3-D modeling
  • Overview of Multimedia Authoring Software
  • Applications for Interactive Media
  • 3-D Visualization Technology -- current state and impact on other fields
  • Efforts at standardizing 3-D data file formats -- VRML, 3DMF, DXF, etc.
  • QuickTime and other Digital Video Formats
  • Delivering 3-D content over LAN networks and the Internet
  • Fiber Optics: Transport Technology and Applications
  • Other (with permission of instructor)
There are, of course, scores of other possibilities. In deciding on a topic, you will first want to spend time going through some of the trade publications available, resources on the internet, peridodicals in the library, or wherever.

Think over the possibilities carefully. It is your responsibility to make sure that you can find ample information on whatever topic you decide to present. You do not want to come down to the night before the paper is due and find you don't have enough material.

Optionally, you may write one or two summary paragraphs describing the topic in which you are interested and ask the instructor to comment. The instructor can alert you to problems, suggest sources of information, etc.

WRITING THE FINAL PAPER
Your paper must be typed, double-spaced, a minimum of four (4) pages, and a maximum of eight (8) pages in length. Spelling, punctuation, grammar and neatness will be a part of your grade. Use any approved style for doing headings, footnotes, etc.

Potential Problems

Based on past experience, some of the more common problems are summarized here that students have encountered in doing their research papers.

  • Wandering from topic: Every sentence of your paper should either address the central topic some way or be necessary in explaining a key concept of your topic.
  • Be succinct: Use the E. B. White approach to writing. If you're not sure what that is, buy his small paperback book, Elements of Style, at the college bookstore and READ IT. It'll take about three hours. You'll be amazed at how simple writing can be when done correctly.
  • Superficiality: Research papers, by definition, are in-depth investigations into very narrow subject areas. If your subject is covered in the textbook, make sure that you go beyond what's there.
  • Writing problems: As noted, effective communication will be a big part of your grade for the research paper. Papers that have an excessive number of writing errors will not receive a passing grade.
  • Lack of organization: Don't jump back and forth between topics. Before you start writing, organize all of your material into a logical progression. Your paper should have headings and sub-headings, (and possibly some sub-sub-headings). If you are less than confident about your organization, bring your outline to my office. (You will be on much safer ground if you know that you are moving in the right direction).
  • Too many long quotes: Often it is best to paraphrase ideas you find to improve them or tailor them to your needs. Use quotes sparingly, three to five lines (with narrower margins) at the longest. By the way, plagiarism is defined as more than 30 words without a source cited.
For your own protection, make sure you keep a copy of your paper Ñ either a photocopy or a copy on a computer disk.


TURN IN YOUR PAPER ON TIME!
See the Course Assignments Schedule for due date. Properly planned and written, a research paper can be an exciting time of discovery and learning. Left until the end of the quarter, the result is often unsatisfactory to the instructor and unsatisfying personally.

Remember, things always happen that you don't expect -- cars quit, clocks stop, computers don't, printers won't, your dog eats the floppy disk, etc. Don't wait until the last minute. Play it safe; hand your paper in early. Then you can relax and be better prepared for the final exam!

Last Updated 8/12/98
Send questions and comments to
Prof. Ron Woodland



Syllabus | Assignments | Schedule | Examples | Notes