Frequently Asked Questions about the Honors Case Study Challenge

1. Who can enter?
The Honors Case Study Challenge is open to Phi Theta Kappa members (as of March 6, 2009), who are 18 years or older (as of April 17, 2009), and are enrolled in an accredited educational institution.

2. Can I do this on my own?
Phi Theta Kappa members may conduct a Case Study on their own or may work as a team with other members of their Phi Theta Kappa chapter.

3. Do I have to subscribe to USA TODAY?
Participants are not required to subscribe to USA TODAY for this project; however, the project is based on developing a compilation of USA TODAY articles to develop a case study therefore it would be helpful. Scanning the newspaper daily is the best way to spot and track trends and issues. If your college does not receive copies of the USA TODAY, contact your local library to find out if copies are available for your reference. For subscription information, visit http://www.usatoday.com/educate/college/subscribe.htm.

4. How do I select a topic for my Case Study?
Read the newspaper daily and watch for trends. Over the course of several months, you will notice recurring topics. For example, you may read an article about Wal-Mart's dominance in the retail market. Weeks later, you may read an article about communities protesting to keep Wal-Mart out of their towns. Keep reading and you will soon have your topic such as "The Economic and Cultural Effects of Wal-Mart."

5. Should all the articles I select relate to the same topic?
Yes, you should select four to five articles on one topic (of your choice), which is in some way related to the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Study Topic: The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences.

6. Can I use articles from the USATODAY.com?
No, Internet articles may not be used for this Challenge. Articles must come from the print edition of USA TODAY because one of the goals of the Challenge is to help motivate students to develop a practice of reading the newspaper to keep pace with the changing world.

7. Do I have to send the articles in with my entry?
No! All you have to submit is the article headlines, bylines (reporter(s)' names), publication dates, section names (New, Money, Life and Sports), and page numbers.

8. How do I format my entry?
It's easy! Following the template provided, just type your entry in Microsoft Word.

9. Where do I send my entry?
You may send your entry via e-mail to case-study-challenge@ptk.org. You will receive confirmation that your entry has been received and can be opened.

10. When do I start?
Start early! Your Case Study must be received by March 6, 2009. However, articles may be taken from the print editions of USA TODAY between June 30, 2008 and February 27, 2009. The best entries contain articles taken from the newspaper over time, so don't wait until the last minute.

11. What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline is 5:00 p.m. (CST), March 6, 2009, via e-mail to case-study-challenge@ptk.org.

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