(1) Introduction (about 1 page; 10 points)
This proposal intends to answer the following research question: what / how / when..?
Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
Why is the issue important? Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
2) Literature Review (about 1-1.5 pages; 10 points)
Discuss clearly the key concepts used in prior research and aspects of the research methods.
Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
(3) Methodology (about 4-5 pages; 40 points)
-What is/are the study hypothesis/hypotheses? (about 2-3 sentences)
Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-What method will you use (experiment, quasi-experiment, survey, field, secondary data?). Explain in great detail. (about 1-2 pages)
Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-The dependent variable? How is it conceptualized, operationalized, and what is the level of measurement? (about 1 paragraph) Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-The independent variable? How is it conceptualized, operationalized, and what is the level of measurement? (about 1 paragraph)
Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-What is (are) the control variable(s)? How are they defined conceptually, operationalized, and what is the level of measurement? (about 1 page) Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-How will you insure reliability of the variables? (Face Validity, Construct -Validity, etc.) You may want to discuss variable reliability as you discuss each of the other variables. Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-What is the unit of analysis? Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-What population will be studied? How will you sample if necessary? (about 1-2 paragraphs) Explain in great detail the population used or the sampling method employed. Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
-Graphic depiction of your research process. Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
4) What study limitations exist? All social science research is imperfect. What sources of error do you see in your research? Be critical of oneself before others are of you. (about 1 page) Briefly discuss: (15 points)
-5 threats to Internal Validity (or why some Internal Validity threats are not a problem)
Acceptable
Adequate
Poor
(5) Writing (15 points): Your ability to write will likely be demonstrated by clearly explaining all the above required sections. Still, your overall writing ability (e.g., spelling, grammar, and punctuation) will count.
(6) Paper Formatting (10 points)
You MUST use Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1 margins on all sides, and double space the paper. Words should be separated by a single space, and sentences by two spaces. Include page numbers.
Use the proper APA citation / reference method.
