Overview
1. Introduction: Introduce the topic you will be studying and summarize the existing theory and research on this topic. Define any relevant terms here. Include citations as needed (minimum of one). Cite any additional content needed and explain terms as needed. End by stating the purpose of the study you are proposing and your research question and hypothesis/prediction. (1-2 paragraphs)
2. Method: Explain how you will conduct your study. Identify what your independent and dependent variables are and how they will be manipulated or measured. Include who your participants will be and what they will be asked to do, including when, where, and by whom. Identify your study design (e.g., experimental, correlational study). Explain your study procedures and any special procedures or equipment you might need. If you are using an existing psychometric instrument, specify what it is and give a citation. Explain how you will collect your data and how you will analyze it. Keep in mind that all these components must be logically related to each other, your topic, and your research question/hypothesis. It should be clear to the reader what your study will entail. (Note: do not copy the methods from another study. Think about what makes sense for your proposal.) (3-4 paragraphs)
3. Expected Findings: Outline what you expect your findings to be, connecting these to your method and previous findings. For instance, do you expect to find something similar to what has been found before? Or do you expect your results to diverge from previous findings? Why or why not? Be sure to explain your reasoning and connect the findings back to your research question and previous theory/research with one or more citations. (1-2 paragraphs)
4. Social Psychology Application: Explain why the results of your proposal would be relevant in the context of social psychology. In other words, why is it worth conducting this study? What would this study tell us that is unique and why is it important? (1-2 paragraphs)
Include a References page at the end that lists reference entries in alphabetical order for all the sources you cited in your proposal in APA format. Be sure you include a functioning DOI or hyperlink for every source you cite (except the textbook).