Overview
Summary
Throughout the quarter we will be working on developing a final draft of a completed research proposal application. This application will include the following sections:
- Introduction: The introduction is a 1-2 page summary of the current literature relevant to your study. It must lay out the significance and innovation of your proposed study. It must also present a problem statement that logically flows to the next section (see point 2: Aims)
- Aims: You must present 1-2 Specific Aims for your study. These aims must be focused to your project. They must be framed for deductive evaluation, and each aims must include multiple quantitative hypotheses.
- Sample: The sample section outlines the population frame for your study. Your chosen population must be logically connected to the aims of your study and the proposed inference and external validity of the study. In addition you need to present a sampling design and procedures section, as well as power calculations that justify your targeted sample size.
- Measures: Multiple measures must be chosen. These measures must show strong empirical support for the population of interest as well as their individual psychometric history. The measures must also logically connect to the aims of the study and the conceptual variables of interest.
- Research Design: The design of the study, whether cross sectional, longitudinal or RCT must be presented. The chosen design must be justified in terms of its ability to reduce threats to internal and external validity.
- Protocol: The protocol for the study must be explicitly reported, in such a way that future researchers can replicate your study.
- Analytic Strategy: You analytic strategy must provide a detailed road map for how you plan to handle the data in your study. It must cover everything from the data management to presentation of analyses.
- Budget: You will present a budget and budget justification for your proposed project. You will see examples in section 10.
- IRB Materials: You must determine the level of IRB your study requires. You will state this in this section as well as provide the appropriate IRB documents needed. Each person's study will vary in the level of approval and materials needed. The largest portion of the scoring for this project is weighed to your ability to chose the correct levels and correct documentation.
Throughout the quarter you will work on sections 1-7. Short papers 1-6 are these sections of your final proposal. Therefore you will receive feedback on drafts of these sections throughout the quarter. In addition Discussion Assignment for Papers 1-6 will allow you an opportunity to receive feedback from your colleagues. It is in your best interest to revise your drafts throughout the quarter with this feedback in mind. Than by Session 10 you should have sections 1-7 completed. Leaving only sections 8 and 9 to complete in the last 2 weeks of the quarter.
The rubric for this assignment is attached. I highly recommend that you review this rubric early on, and continue to review it as you revise your final project.