• independently explore, review and systematize the academic literature on a topic of interest
• independently develop and justify a research question that relates to that topic,
• address the research question with appropriate and justified choices of theory and research design, demonstrating awareness of alternative choices,
• arrive at a clear and substantiated conclusion and offer persuasive implications,
• reflect critically on the quality of the answers produced, and
• present the entire analysis in a clear and coherent manner.

Literature

To be agreed between student and supervisor.

Requirements

There is not one standard template for a Free Paper in IBP. Students make their own choices – in consultation with their supervisors – on research design, use of theory, methodology, and data.

All papers, however, must have a clear research question. Furthermore, all students are expected to reflect upon their research design, i.e. how they suggest building a scientific argument to arrive at justified answers to the research question,

demonstrate awareness of alternative choices, and, towards the end of the paper, explicitly and persuasively present implications of their work.

Papers can be theory-driven as well as evidence-driven, and the methodology can be deductive as well as inductive. However, a theoretical element is required. Thus, papers should support or challenge existing theory or practice. Students may achieve this objective by contributing to understanding of extant theories,

using theory to explain a real-life phenomenon, initiating a search for new ideas by carefully delineating a novel type of problem, or discussing the theoretical implications of empirical findings, all driven by the multidisciplinary nature of the IBP program.

Students are advised not to engage in large scale collection of primary data, and generally they should discuss with their supervisors the scope of the paper. If a study appears unfeasible for reasons of method, funding, time or any other structural constraint, then the student is advised to revisit the questions that have been posed in an effort to ensure a close fit between the method and the focus of the study.

Papers must meet the paper length requirements specified in the table below. Note that the number of pages refers to the standard CBS definition that includes an STU (standard typographical unit) or taps count and some further specifications.

There is also a requirement for independent reading. This is 500 pages and refers to the reading of material that is not part of the fixed curriculum in the IBP program. This requirement is indicative and the way it is met is part of the assessment criteria.