RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDELINES/RUBRIC Abstract • Brief statement (no more than 150 words) of research question and methods you’ll use. Table of Contents 1. Introduction [5 points] • Introduction that gives a general statement of what and why (may include scope of the problem, etc.). • A convincing argument/statement about why your research question is worth answering. 2. Literature Review [5 points] • Use subheadings that identify key areas of existing research. • For each key area, a summary of the main conclusions that are relevant to your research question. • For each key area, provide accurate documentation and accurate citation. 3. Statement of precise research question(s) and hypotheses [5 points] • A clear, focused statement (or restatement) of your precise research question(s) and research hypotheses. 4. Discussion of Methods [50 points] a. Sample Selection/Rationale • Selection of an appropriate sample design. • Who/what you are studying and why. • Your discussion of the sample demonstrates that you understand the design selected and its advantages and limitations. b. Method(s)/Design • Full discussion of the method(s)/design selected demonstrating your understanding of the technique(s). • List of the key variables with operational definitions (if appropriate). • Clear description of the research procedures (e.g., where the interviews will be conducted, by whom, etc.). c. Validity/Reliability • Discuss the type(s) of validity you will use to make sure your measurements are valid. • Discuss the type(s) of reliability you will use to make sure your measurements are reliable. d. Human Subject Protections • Human subject protection issues. e. Strengths and Limitations of Methods/Design • Discussion of the strengths limitations of the design (sample, method). 5. Analysis Plan [5 points] • A plan for data analysis. • Explains what statistical measures you will use to analyze your data and why. BACK END MATERIALS 1. Reference List [5 points] • All materials cited in the text is accurate in APA style. • This paper should reflect information you learned throughout the past three years. 2. Survey [20 points] • Draft instrument (e.g., interview questions or observation format) is appended AND it reflects the research question. This should be relatively thorough and comprehensive. • Everyone will have a draft instrument of something (survey or data collection form) in the appendix. 3. Writing Style [5 points] • Your text is clearly written, professional, and follows the standard conventions of punctuation and usage. • Text is double spaced, size 12, and has a font style of Times New Roman. • Margins are 1 inch.