Assignment 1 –
Introduction/variables
discussion- Approx 1 page intro, 3 pages for variable discussion
Discuss the purpose
and importance of the study in the first paragraph… Answer the “so what?”
question. Why should we care about this study?
Explicitly state the
research question, objectives of the research, and/or proposed
hypotheses.
Specific hypotheses to
be tested must be specified at the end of the introduction.
Operationalize each
variable. Be sure to include response categories, if applicable, for each
variable. Concept → indicator → variable → measure When operationalizing
variables consider:
o Variable
attributes
o State each variables’
level of measure
Keep in mind, that in
assignment three you will present 4 of these variables, so in this
assignment it is good practice to start exploring what variables will be
included in your study
Assignment 2 – Literature Review
Provide a coherent and
thorough review of any pertinent literature regarding this problem and provide
logical linkages between theory, research, operationalization, and
hypothesizing.
The literature review
should relate to the specific variables named in the hypotheses.
Include at least 10
current references (previous 10 years). These references MUST come from
peer reviewed journals in order to count toward this required number.
Assignment 3 – Data collection instrument
draft
Prepare a first draft
of your data collection “instrument” (your physical survey). Format this draft
as if you were going to distribute it to your sample.
Your instrument should
include an introductory paragraph briefly stating why you are doing this
research and thanking your respondents for their participation. Instructions
should be included and a consent page. This is followed by the questions that
you plan to ask your respondents.
Based on
the concept/variable you would like to measure. Develop a scale/survey
with 10 questions to measure your concept” Of the ten questions 3 of those
questions should measure demographics.
Be sure to
include both demographic questions as well as the questions that specifically
pertain to your topic.
Be sure to read the
section in your textbook that covers types of questions that you should avoid,
and apply that knowledge when you write your questions (e.g. avoid double
barreled or leading questions, etc.).
Surveys should be
nicely spaced and take no more than about 10 minutes to complete.
On a separate sheet be
sure to include your research question(s)/hypothesis – clearly outline in
detail what your research instrument is designed to measure.
What major
concepts/variables will you be measuring? Indicate 10 variables that you will
measure. Only three should be demographic indicators like age and gender.
Assignment 4 – Final Paper
Your grade for the final
paper will reflect the quality of your research and written work.
Again, minimum of 10 pages;
note that this minimum page number excludes words on the title paper, abstract,
notes, reference page, diagrams, exercises, appendices, etc. You need a
minimum of 10 pages in the body of your text! Same format requirements as for
draft. (10pages)
