Complete
Abstract (1 page)
Introduction and theoretical orientation and purpose (2 pages)
Hypothesis (3 pages depending on the studies and information researched)
ABSTRACT
The abstract should summarize the main points of the paper including the research question, population, hypothesis, methods, and findings. The summary should be specific enough that the reader can decide whether the article is on their topic and whether they want to read it. The length of the abstract should range between one paragraph to no longer than one page.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND THEORETICAL ORIENTATION
The Introduction and Theoretical Orientation Chapter will consist of the following four subsections:
1. Introduction: Remember that you are writing for a non-expert audience. The purpose of this section is to inform your audience on important aspects of your proposed research. First, you need to provide a brief introduction to your proposal. Following that, you must establish the theoretical orientation for your proposed research. The following types of questions should be answered in this section (not all-inclusive):
Introduction Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
What is the problem and/or purpose of the research study?
Does the problem or purpose statement express a relationship between two or more variables? If so, what is/are the relationship(s)? Are they testable?
What is meant (definition) by the primary concepts; e.g., climate change, gentrification, etc.
What significance of the problem, if any, has the investigator identified?
2. Theoretical Orientation and Purpose: You must give your proposed research some
sort of theoretical context. Theories explain why circumstances occur. The following types of questions should be addressed in this section (not all inclusive):
Theoretical Orientations Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
Have you identified the chief paradigm or theoretical orientation of your proposed research?
On the other hand, are you attempting to refute some paradigm or theory?
Are you proposing to test a theory or hypothesis?
Are you suggesting the theoretical orientation has shaped the methodology? Proposed for the study, such as the data-collection technique and the choice of which data are to be collected or ignored?
Hypothesis(es): Immediately following the literature review, you must state your proposed research hypothesis(es) and each corresponding null hypothesis(es).
Hypothesis Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
What hypotheses or research questions are stated in the study?
What are the independent and dependent variables in the statement of each hypothesis or research question?
For every research hypothesis, is there a corresponding null hypothesis?
What is the direction of the relationship in each hypothesis?
Are the hypotheses testable?
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
The Methodology Chapter will consist of the following four sub sections:
1. Research Design: It will depend on the type of research you are proposing. Convince your audience that your strategy is appropriate.
Research Design Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
Will you collect data over time or at one point in time?
What method of data collection is best?
Why do you think these procedures are best suited for the study?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these methods?
What kinds of problems/concerns have to be considered and how should they be handled?
What are your hypotheses?
If you are planning to use a quasi-experimental design, how will the control/comparison groups and the program participants be identified?
Subjects: Identify the target population and whom you propose to include in the study.
Subjects Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
If sampling is to be used how will the procedure be conducted?
If sampling is not proposed, where are the data located, and how will they be obtained?
Why is your method of data collection the most appropriate for the study and the proposed research design?
What steps are involved and what are the potential problems?
Who might help with data collection?
What about confidentiality issues and training for data collectors?
What is the time frame for data collection?
Variables and Measures: Identify and explain each of the variables you will include in your study.
Variables and Measures Questions: Consider the following questions at a minimum:
How are the variables measured (level of measurement)?
Discuss the reliability and validity of your measures.
Include a table in your proposal showing your variables, level of measurement and source (if it can be identified).
4. Data Analysis: Use this section to explain how the data you propose to collect will be analyzed, discussing all statistical tests that are appropriate. Defend your selection
of techniques based on level of measurement, previous designs, and previous
studies.
