Overview
The paper is a demonstration of what you have learned in class. Propose a research question of interest to you and the methods to address it. The study can be small or large, cheap or expensive, qualitative or quantitative. It can re-use all of the elements from the previous assignments or not. But it is more than just the combination of the elements developed thus far. It is more. More complete. More thought through. Better described. Better written.
This paper will include:
An introductory paragraph that ends with a research question; “This paper proposes research to answer the following question, “XXXXX?”
A background section that cites theoretical and research literature that guides and shapes the research question. Three paragraphs max. You can repurpose content from other literature reviews or papers you have written for other classes.
A methods section that details:
Who the participants will be and how you will find them and obtain their participation. Show what you have learned about sampling for the kind of project you have proposed.
What procedures you will use to gather data (interview guides, observation guides, measures).
A feasibility/ethics /reflection section. The point of this section is to get you to reflect on the project you are proposing. Your reflections might consider the following:
Every research project struggles at some point in execution. Assess potential problems the research may encounter and hopefully, some actions you could take to mitigate these problems.
Discuss risks of participating in the study, and whether the research poses any specific ethical dilemmas.
Thoughts on your positionality in relation to the research question and population being studied. How does your experience influence your understanding of the topic or your approach to studying it.
In either the methods or feasibility/ethics/reflection sections, you should write about efforts to be bring in other voices into the research project, engage the community.