PSYC 2500 RESEARCH PROPOSAL OUTLINE AND GUIDE
Note – when instructed below, a “paragraph” is defined as a sufficient length of text that accomplishes the explanatory goal; it is not just 1-2 sentences. This is a formal academic paper; do not use simple incomplete sentences or lists or bullet points – you must use narrative expository manuscript form according to APA guidelines. This is a quantitative study; you cannot use qualitative methods.
Introduction
Problem context/statement
In 1-2 paragraphs introduce your topic by defining/describing it; provide the context for your upcoming research questions. Give some background to the topic (but do not do a full lit review here – that comes later). You should include the purpose/aims of the study to answer the question “why is this study being conducted? “ Watch this video before you begin and refer to it as needed:
(12) Building the Basic APA Research Proposal – YouTube
Research questions and Hypotheses
In full paragraph, pose your research questions; they must follow directly/logically from your topic described above. You must have at least 2 research questions, more fine. They should be good research questions that meet the criteria shown in the class. Your questions should lend themselves to an association claim or a causal claim – you may NOT propose a study that is simply a frequency claim. (see procedures/design below). After your questions, write at least two hypotheses (more fine) – one for each question. Use the Ho, Ha format shown in class.
Background
Literature Review
In 2-3 paragraphs, review the relevant literature on your topic and go into more detail than you did in the introduction; it should be thorough with multiple citations that are reflected in your reference list. You need at least 8 references/citations. The lit review should be mostly what is known already, but also gaps in our knowledge (if authors say); this is preferred b/c it is a great lead in / segue to your questions; i.e., your research is new/original and will contribute to the field.
Methods
Sampling / Participants / Informed Consent
In 1 paragraph, describe your intended sample by sample size, demographic characteristics, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and any special characteristics. Describe your sampling method – how will these participants be recruited/obtained? (you should be describing one of the random or non-random sampling methods described in the text and module). Describe informed consent procedures and any compensation for participation if offered as incentive.
Setting
In 1 brief paragraph, describe the research setting – where it will take place? And provide justification for that setting.
Instrumentation
In 1- 2 paragraphs, explain/describe 1)how you are operationalizing/measuring your variables — the tools/measurement used. Your independent variable may need operationalizing, but your dependent variable must be operationally defined. Instrumentation can be tests/inventories/checklists, structured interviews, behavioral observation, surveys, physiological measures, etc. If you choose a test (or similar instrument) you must discuss its psychometric reliability and validity. Do not create your own measurement – you need to find one that already exists in the literature and has been shown to be a good method.
Procedures/Design
In 1-2 paragraphs, describe/explain exactly how the study will be carried out from start to finish — think action words/phrases in a logical sequence; what are you actually doing…; discuss the research design as defined by what kind of research claim you are making (according to the text/module – association or causal). If it’s association, you are likely using correlational or predictive design; if it’s causal, you are likely using quasi-experimental or experimental design (there are many different kinds of these, so you need to be specific, e.g., “a randomized double blind control group design.”). Refer to the Research Design chart given in class. (Rs, Xs, Os).
Adherence to APA style / references
You will be evaluated on correct use of APA style; this applies to cover page format, font type/size, margins, pagination, running head, outline headers/sub-headers formatting, and reference format this is especially relevant for an electronically retrieved reference – APA has specific formats for citing these and you need to follow them. You must have at least 8 scholarly, relevant, reasonably current references. Books, peer reviewed articles, manuscripts, conference proceedings, professional websites (CDC, NIH, NIMH). Social media, blogs, or popular cultural information sources are not permitted. References are on a separate page.
Tables, graphs, figures may be presented in your proposal if you have them. Longer material (e.g., a copy of your instrument) should be in an Appendix at end of paper after references.
Written Mechanics
Spelling, grammar, punctuation – run a full Editor spell/grammar check
Written Concepts
Clarity, cohesion, flow of ideas/narrative; is your writing at expected college level?