Overview
Instructions: Develop a simple research proposal. The goal of this assignment is to familiarize students with the scientific method as it relates to social science.
Your main research question
Your hypothesis(es)
The variables in the study (dependent and independent)
- At least three related peer-reviewed research articles related to the question/topic. These articles should help you better understand the topic and what research has already been done in this area. Provide a few sentences to summarize how these articles are relevant to your proposal.
- The research method you would use to answer the research question.
- If using a survey or interview approach, provide a sample of at least three questions the team would use.
- If using a content or secondary analysis approach, provide a link or description of the data you would use.
- If using a participant observation approach, provide the five “W”s (who, what, when, where, and why) for the observer’s plan.
If using an experimental approach, provide a description of the experiment (conditions, where you would get participants, etc.)
- Do your best to develop a feasible (realistic) plan for collecting data, bearing in mind the costs, time, and manpower required. (For example, sending a questionnaire to everyone in the US is not feasible. Doing a 7-year observation of 1,000 families, also not feasible).