In this course, you will research a topic of your choice and write an APA style proposal for a research study in your discipline. The process of developing your research proposal will take place over the duration of the course; by the end of the course, you will have a complete research proposal to submit. In the development of your proposal, you will describe how your study would be conducted following sound research design practices and ethical principles. You will NOT conduct an actual study.
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Your final research proposal will likely be 8-10 pages in length, including the following sections:
Abstract:
This should be a summary of your study, including the most important information. Your abstract should be no more than 150 words.
Introduction
General introduction to your topic and citing relevant research.
You will introduce your topic and research question(s).
Define any terms that are specific to your research.
Brief introduction on what we know from the literature about why this is an important topic.
Approximately ½ – 1 page.
Literature Review:
This is your M2.6 Literature Review, which you should have revised based on your instructor’s feedback.
Discuss previous research and how your research will relate to what has been documented in the literature.
Identify gaps in the literature that your research will address.
Restate the purpose of your study and research question(s)
Conclude with your hypothesis.
Approximately 3-4 pages.
Methods:
This is where you will describe your study in detail, through various subsections (approximately 1-2 pages).
Participants: Describe your sample, starting with a description of the population and drill down from there to your specific sample. Be sure to include the total number of participants you plan to have in your study, their age, gender, and any other important demographic information that may be relevant to your study.
Measures/Instrumentation: If you are using previously developed measures (i.e., a survey/questionnaire that has been developed and validated by researchers in the field), briefly describe the measure and cite the original authors. If you are using the survey you developed in Module 3 or developing a different measure, be sure to include a copy of your measure in the appendix of your final submission. Be sure to provide a description of the format, content, purpose, and validity of your developed measure within your proposal.
Procedure: Here you will describe each step of your study, providing specific details with regard to what the participants in your study will experience. Be sure to include any specific instructions or special procedures that are relevant to your study.
Discussion/Conclusions:
Since you are not conducting your study, you will not have any data to analyze.
You should describe any analyses you would conduct.
Describe how you plan to present the data if you were to conduct the study.
Be sure to include how you plan to communicate your results, identifying a specific peer-reviewed journal and a conference.
Approximately 1 page.
References:
You should include at least five references.
Your reference page should be APA formatted.
Here is an example of a research proposal formatLinks to an external site..
M4.6 Research Proposal Mar2020
M4.6 Research Proposal Mar2020
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAbstract
15 pts
Exemplary
The abstract presents concisely and clearly the main points of the proposal, including the problem, need/ significance for research, sample, research method, etc. All necessary information is presented well within an acceptable length—not to long or too short.
12 pts
Proficient
The abstract presents clearly the main points of the proposal, including the problem, need/significance for research, sample, research method, etc. All necessary information is presented well but is either too long or too short.
7 pts
Developing
An abstract is written and includes some, but not all of the following: the problem, need/ significance for research, sample, research method, etc. Not all necessary information is presented and is too long or too short.
0 pts
Novice
An abstract, if provided, is irrelevant and inappropriate OR no abstract is provided.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction
20 pts
Exemplary
The topic is clearly identified and described in detail. Information provided is relevant and important in focusing the review of the literature. A clear and concise thesis statement closes the introduction.
18 pts
Proficient
The topic is identified and generally described. Information provided is relevant and important in focusing the review of the literature, though more details are needed to fill in some gaps. A thesis statement is provided but is either too narrow or too broad for the scope of this project.
16 pts
Developing
The topic is identified and briefly described, with important details vague or missing. More information is needed to know what the literature review is focusing on. A thesis statement is provided but has no real purpose and the connection to the topic may not be apparent.
0 pts
Novice
The topic is identified but hardly described, if at all. No thesis statement is provided, or it is vague/unclear.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLiterature Review (Analysis and Critical Lens)
20 pts
Exemplary
The topic is analyzed critically using multiple perspectives, discussing in detail and with evidence similarities, differences, and limitations of prior studies, particularly highlighting how the proposed study will expand upon the current literature. Supporting details and evidences to justify the hypotheses are relevant, accurate, and specific.
18 pts
Proficient
The topic is analyzed critically using multiple perspectives, discussing generally the similarities, differences, and limitations of prior studies, particularly highlighting how the proposed study will expand upon the current literature. The hypotheses are generally supported with evidence and reasons. Minor details are missing.
16 pts
Developing
Only a single perspective is presented and discussed OR different perspectives are generically discussed, providing summaries instead of critical analyses of perspectives in the context of the topic. Minimal to no evidence is provided to support the hypotheses.
0 pts
Novice
Different perspectives of the topic are not discussed, or if they are, they are vague, inappropriate, and inaccurate.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMethods
20 pts
Exemplary
Information about the participants, research method, procedures, and instruments (if applicable) are described in detail. Information provided is relevant and important in developing a research study.
18 pts
Proficient
Information about the participants, research method, procedures, and instruments (if applicable) are generally described. Information provided is relevant and important in developing a research study, though more details are needed to fill in important gaps.
16 pts
Developing
Information about the participants, research method, procedures, and instruments (if applicable) are briefly described, with important details vague or missing. More information is needed to understand how the proposed study would be carried out.
0 pts
Novice
Some of the following: participants, research method, procedures, and instruments (if applicable), may be identified, but hardly described, if at all.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDiscussion/ Conclusions
15 pts
Exemplary
A summary of the need for the study is provided with a restatement of the hypotheses and supporting literature, as well as potential limitations to the study, and where the results of the study would be shared if it were carried out. The information provided is relevant and important in making conclusions as to why this study is needed and how it can expand upon the current body of knowledge.
12 pts
Proficient
A summary of the need for the study is provided with a restatement of the hypotheses and supporting literature, as well as potential limitations to the study, and where the results of the study would be shared if it were carried out. Minor details are missing. The information provided is generally important in making conclusions as to why this study is needed and how it can expand upon the current body of knowledge, though some conclusions may not be supported.
7 pts
Developing
A summary of the need for the study is provided with a restatement of the hypotheses, though supporting evidence from the literature is vague or missing. More information is needed on the potential limitations and where the study would be shared if it were carried out. The information provided is not sufficient for making conclusions as to why the study is needed or how it can expand upon the current body of knowledge.
0 pts
Novice
Information provided is neither sufficient nor relevant to make conclusions about the need for the study or how it can expand upon the current body of knowledge.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Quality & APA Style
10 pts
Exemplary
The writing skillfully communicates the message(s) and the language flows seamlessly throughout; there are minimal problems with spelling, punctuation, and grammar; APA style guidelines are followed accurately.
8 pts
Proficient
There are few problems with organization, clarity or conventions that should have been fixed. APA style guidelines are followed, with only minor errors. Problems and errors are not serious enough to distract the reader.
6 pts
Developing
Numerous mechanical errors are distracting; and organization of ideas are lacking, but not enough to interfere with meaning. APA style guidelines are attempted, with major errors.
0 pts
Novice
Frequent problems with organization, clarity and/or conventions make the paper hard to read. APA style guidelines are not adhered to, which increases the risk of plagiarism.
10 pts
Total Points: 100
