Instruction
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.