Research Proposal Assignment

POLS 2161 Fall 2022

Due: November 24 by 11:59 PM

Submit via Moodle

PDF submission; APA format

Worth: 30% of final grade

Drawing on the previous assignments in this class, you will construct a research proposal (3-5 pages,
double spaced). It should follow standard APA paper style (e.g. paragraphs), and contain each of the
components listed below.

1. Introduction (1-2 pages): You will begin your paper by introducing your topic and research
question(s). This should include a VERY short description of what you found when you looked
into the literature (lab 1: you found four pieces of literature—now you tell me briefly what they
said) and what questions are lingering (including the research question that will guide your
proposal). This is a VERY shortened literature review and introduction to the problem and
research question. If your question is quantitative, be sure to outline your hypotheses. If your
question is qualitative, be sure to highlight your research objective. Note: While you wrote a
qualitative AND a quantitative research question for lab 1, please only develop ONE of these for
your proposal.
2. Research methods (1-2 pages): Highlight the research methods (collection), measurement (how
are you going to measure your concepts—and any concerns with reliability and validity you may
have around these particular measures), and sample (who you plan to talk to and how you plan
to find them). You can create subsections for each of these as you see fit, but know that you
should highlight each component (you will have thought these through in labs 2 and 3, and may
follow suit, but be sure to write in paragraph form, demonstrating some proficiency with the
concepts).
3. Conclusion: (1 page MAX): Explain briefly how the methods will help you answer your question
and any potential ethical troubles you may experience (again, these are covered in labs 1-3).
4. References (DOES NOT COUNT IN PAGE COUNT): Follow standard APA formatting in your
referencing and highlight the articles you read here (CITE them when you explain them earlier in
your paper).