Frequently Asked Questions

A data source is the organization or entity that publishes the data. Multiple datasets from the same organization (e.g., several CSV files from the Bureau of Labor Statistics) count as only 1 data source. You need datasets from at least 3 different organizations.

Yes, each individual student must use at least 3 datasets from at least 3 different data sources. Group members may use the same datasets and data sources as each other—that's perfectly fine. What's not allowed is the group collectively finding 3 data sources but individual members only using a subset of those. Every student must personally use 3+ sources in their own analysis.

No. Only peer-reviewed journal articles count toward the 20-source minimum. You may cite books, websites, and other sources if useful, but they do not count toward the 20.

Use Georgia Tech's library databases. Go to library.gatech.edu and use databases like JSTOR, Web of Science, or Google Scholar (accessed through GT proxy). Filter results to "peer-reviewed" or "scholarly" sources.

Yes, but it must be rewritten as a coherent narrative without section headers. The Final Report literature review should flow as unified prose, not a collection of summaries.

Exactly 5 graphics. Not 4, not 6. Each graphic must be referenced and discussed in your report text.

The Final Report should be 14-20 pages. This excludes the title page, references, and any appendices. Exceeding 20 pages will result in a grade penalty.

No. Do not include code in your Final Report. Code belongs in your separate code submission. The Final Report should read like a professional research paper.

You may use R or Python. Pick whichever you're more comfortable with. Your code must be well-commented and runnable.

Individual. While you work in teams on the project topic, your code for the individual analysis must be your own work. You may share data cleaning code, but analysis code must be independent.

LaTeX produces professional-quality academic papers with proper two-column layouts, figure placement, and citation formatting. It's the standard in academic publishing. All groups will use Georgia Tech's Overleaf (sign in with GT credentials for unlimited collaborators) and will be given a link to the required template.

Use APA style for both in-text citations and your References section. See apastyle.apa.org for formatting guidelines.