Social Media Productivity
I’m working on a short research paper (2–3 pages) that requires at least two credible sources, cited in APA style. The topic is about how social media affects student productivity. Can anyone suggest good academic sources or help me evaluate if a source is peer-reviewed? Also, any tips on structuring the argument clearly would be appreciated. Thanks gunspin !
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Social Media Productivity
Evaluating Source Credibility
When researching your topic, focus on peer-reviewed journal articles from educational or psychological databases like PsycINFO, ERIC, or Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed means the article was evaluated by experts before publication. Check if the source lists references, methods, and author credentials. University library databases often let you filter for “peer-reviewed only,” which makes it easier to find credible sources that support your claims.
Suggested Academic Sources
Two reliable sources to begin with are:
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Junco, R. (2012). The relationship between frequency of Facebook use, participation in Facebook activities, and student engagement. Computers & Education, 58(1), 162-171.
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Wang, Z., Tchernev, J. M., & Solloway, T. (2012). A dynamic longitudinal examination of social media use, needs, and gratifications among college students. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(5), 1829–1839.
These studies explore how social media use correlates with distraction, multitasking, and academic outcomes.
Structuring Your Argument
Begin your paper with an introduction that includes a clear thesis, such as: “While social media enhances connectivity, excessive use negatively affects student productivity.” Follow this with body paragraphs discussing time displacement, attention span, and potential academic decline. Use one source per paragraph for strong support. Finish with a conclusion that reinforces your stance and suggests a balanced use of social media.
Maintaining Clear Focus
Stick closely to your thesis throughout. Use transitions to move logically between points. Avoid generalizations—back up each claim with data. When paraphrasing studies, cite in APA style (e.g., Junco, 2012). A focused, organized argument with scholarly evidence will make your paper persuasive and professional.
