Formulating a Research Proposal. Questions to Address What do you plan to accomplish and how? What is the purpose of the study? Why is this study important?

Formulating a Research Proposal

Questions to Address• What do you plan to accomplish and how?• What is the purpose of the study?• Why is this study important? • How will this study contribute to current knowledge in

your field?– Prove you are not “reinventing the wheel!”– What are your own insights?

• What is your hypothesis?• How will you carry out the study and interpret the

results?• Be specific and have a clear sense of direction.

Content of Research Proposal

• Title

• Specific, researchable question– Clear, direct purpose for

experiment

• Introduction & Background– Detailed– Relevant to researchable

question

• Materials & Methods

– Explanation of procedures

– Time line– Expected results

• Bibliography – MLA format– At least 3 scientific

journal articles

Introduction

• Research problem/purpose• Context• Key concepts and relevant background

information– Literature review

• Research problem/purpose• Rationale• Major issues • Independent and dependent variables• Hypothesis (if any)

Materials & Methods• Sufficient detail to determine that methodology

is sound• Sufficient detail to carry out the experiment• Demonstrate that chosen method is

appropriate and valid (among alternatives)• Data to be collected

– Qualitative & quantitative

• Subjects• Instruments• Procedure & length of time

Research Proposal Grading Rubric

Introduction and Background (3)The introduction provides a context for the

research question, and includes key concepts and relevant background information. Significance of the information to the proposed experiment is unquestionable. Insights into the problem are appropriate. The rationale for the experiment are described thoroughly. Dependent and independent variables are identified, as is the hypothesis (if any).


Research Question (3)The student has chosen a specific,

researchable question that has the potential to add to the current body of knowledge. There is a clear, direct purpose for the experiment. The hypothesis and research question are strongly supported by the background information.

Research Proposal Grading RubricMaterials and Methods (3)The materials and methods include a thorough and

specific explanation of procedures, specific independent and dependent variables, and expected results. Enough detail is included to determine that the methodology is sound, and to carry out the study. The experimental design is logical given the question, and current methods are used. The study design, a description of the subjects, instruments to be used, procedures, and length of the study are included.


Clarity and Quality of Writing (3)Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer

incorporates the active voice and passive voice when appropriate. The use of modifiers, parallel construction, and scientific language are appropriate. Transitions tie sections together, as well as adjacent paragraphs.


Citations/MLA (3)

All needed citations were included in the report. References matched the citations, and all were encoded in MLA format. At least THREE primary sources were cited.

Documents

Formulating a Research Proposal. Questions to Address What do you plan to accomplish and how? What is the purpose of the study? Why is this study important?