Instruction
This assignment is a methodology outline that will prepare you to write your final research
proposal. You must select two research methodologies to use in a study of your topic. For the
two selected methodologies, provide a description of your research plans by responding to each
of the points below. Your study description can be in bulleted form, but be sure to address each
point (as applicable). Begin your assignment with a clear statement of your research topic.
SURVEY RESEARCH
1. Purpose, including a clear statement of your research questions/hypotheses
2. Rationale for selecting survey research
3. Sampling strategy, including how you will obtain the sampling frame, type of
sampling you will use and the benefits and limitations of that strategy, and sample size
4. Survey implementation procedures, including mode of implementation (e.g., internet,
mail, telephone, face-to-face), contacting and recruiting participants, training of
research assistants (if necessary), strategy to gain informed consent (or rationale for a
waiver of consent) and maintain confidentiality or anonymity
5. Measurement of key variables, including the use of existing measures and the
development of new measures
6. Sample survey that shows the question items and question order
7. Ethical considerations, including a discussion of confidentiality or anonymity and
potential risks and benefits to participants
FIELD RESEARCH (Participant Observation and/or In-Depth Interviews)
1. Purpose, including research question(s)
2. Rationale for selecting qualitative research
3. Sampling strategy, including the type of sampling you will use, how you will gain
access to the sample and/or setting (e.g., connections, gatekeeper), sample size (if
appropriate), and the benefits and limitations of your sampling strategy.
4. Method of contacting and recruiting participants, strategy to gain informed consent
and maintain confidentiality
5. Description of how you actually collected the data (e.g., audio recordings, jotted notes,
typing, transcribing etc.) If participant observation- length of time in field and
duration of observations.
6. Description of your role as a researcher in the field and the advantages and
disadvantages of that role
6. Your interview guide (if appropriate)
7. Ethical considerations, including a discussion of confidentiality and potential risks and
benefits to participants