Directions: Each student will complete an individual research paper (2–3 pages, double-spaced) that explores the social or environmental cause their group has chosen to address with their product/service. You must respond to your group’s research area and answer all guiding questions with evidence, proper citations, and thoughtful reflection: (Research Groups: Issue, Cause, Impact, or Goal).
How to Research: Look for data, new stories, articles, and other resources that help demonstrate the issues, causes, impacts, and goals related to your topic. Statista, The New York Times, Google News, and IBISWorld can provide you with good context to help you learn more about the background of your topic from multiple perspectives. Also, try out the library search box to locate other articles or data.
What is the specific social or environmental problem?
i. What is the core issue your business seeks to address?
ii. Where does this problem occur (locally, nationally, globally)?
iii. Who is most affected by this issue, and how?
iv. What makes this problem urgent or important?
Here's a few examples of data and artciles to address these questions using "AI and Education" as an example topic:
The Professors Are Using ChatGPT, and Some Students Aren’t Happy About It (New York Times)
ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study (Time Magazine)
Share of higher education employees who agree with various predictions about the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education over the next two years in the United States in 2023 (Statista)
What are the root causes of the problem?
i. Why does this problem exist?
ii. What systemic, economic, cultural, or historical factors contribute to it?
iii. Are there inequalities or power dynamics at play?
iv. How is this issue sustained or worsened over time?
Here's a few examples of data and articles to address these questions using "Healthcare" as an example topic:
Population aged 65 years and over in the United States in 2021, by state (Statista)
Percentage of U.S. adults reporting COVID-19 changed their view of the healthcare system in the United States as of 2021 (Statista)
Share of Gen Zs who agreed with selected statements related to measures they took when engaging with healthcare in the U.S. as of 2023 (Statista)
What are the consequences of the problem?
i. What short- and long-term effects does this issue have on individuals and communities?
ii. How does it intersect with other challenges (e.g., poverty, health, education)?
iii. What are the economic, environmental, or societal costs of not addressing it?
Here's a few examples of data to address these questions using "mental health" as an example topic:
Share of respondents who believe the following activities and behaviors contribute to good mental health in Europe in 2023 (Statista)
An ongoing mental health crisis, marked by high rates of mental illness and an opioid crisis, is overwhelming outpatient mental health clinics nationwide (IBISWorld)
Psychiatrist shortages will escalate as demand outpaces capacity (IBISWorld)
What change do you hope to create?
i. What would progress or success look like?
ii. Which UN SDG(s) are most relevant to this problem?
iii. What measurable impact would a solution make?
iv. How can a business play a role in contributing to positive change?
Look at the "UN Sustainable Development Goals" and "SDGs in the Business World" Tabs of this guide for mor help in creating your solutions.
